Hygiene practices vary drastically across different cultures, and what one society considers essential for cleanliness, another may find unsettling or even repulsive.
In the United States, where hygiene standards are often influenced by individualism, modern conveniences, and a strong focus on personal space, certain global practices might appear unsanitary or strange.
Some of these practices are common in different parts of the world, but for Americans, they may seem anything but hygienic.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 14 hygiene practices from around the world that, from an American perspective, might be viewed as unorthodox or unhygienic.
1. Waterless Toilets in Rural Areas
In many rural parts of Africa and Asia, waterless toilets are the norm. These toilets typically use dry methods, such as composting, to manage human waste.
While these toilets are efficient and environmentally friendly, especially in areas with limited water resources, Americans may find them unhygienic because they are accustomed to water-based flush toilets.
The idea of using a “dry toilet” or “pit latrine” can seem unpleasant to those from cultures that prioritize water and sanitation.
2. Using Hands Instead of Toilet Paper
In countries like India, Indonesia, and parts of the Middle East, it is common practice to use one’s hands for personal hygiene after using the toilet, often accompanied by water for cleaning.
While these practices are deeply rooted in religious and cultural beliefs, Americans, who are used to toilet paper, may find this unappealing and unsanitary.
The use of the left hand is generally reserved for such activities, and the right hand is reserved for eating and greeting.
3. Sharing Public Baths
Public bathhouses, or “onsens” in Japan, “hammams” in Turkey, and “saunas” in many Scandinavian countries, are communal spaces where people relax and clean themselves.
The idea of communal bathing might seem uncomfortable to many Americans who are used to private showers and bathrooms.
However, these public baths are rigorously maintained with strict hygiene standards, and people are expected to clean themselves thoroughly before entering the bath.
While they may be considered unhygienic by American standards, these practices are highly valued in the cultures where they are popular.
4. Barefoot Indoors
In countries like Japan, Korea, and many parts of Southeast Asia, it’s considered unhygienic to wear shoes inside the home.
People remove their shoes before entering a house to maintain cleanliness. In these cultures, the shoes are believed to carry dirt and germs from outside that could contaminate indoor spaces.
For Americans, who are often accustomed to wearing shoes indoors, this practice might seem excessive or inconvenient.
The idea of going barefoot inside a home can be a major adjustment for visitors from Western cultures.
5. Sitting on the Floor During Meals
In various countries, especially in India, Turkey, and parts of the Middle East, eating while sitting on the floor is a common practice.
While this might seem unhygienic to many Americans who are used to eating at tables, the practice has cultural significance and is considered a way of connecting with the earth.
The floor is typically clean and often covered with a mat, but to those unfamiliar with the practice, sitting on the floor could appear unclean or uncomfortable.
6. Public Spitting
In several Asian and African countries, spitting in public is a common, though controversial, hygiene practice.
In some areas, it’s not uncommon for people to spit after eating, drinking, or simply while walking down the street.
While it may be viewed as a way of ridding the body of toxins in certain cultures, Americans often find this practice unsanitary and offensive.
Spitting in public is generally frowned upon in the U.S., where it’s considered a sign of poor hygiene.
7. Not Using Deodorant
In some parts of Europe, including countries like France, it’s not as common to use deodorant regularly as it is in the United States.
The French, for example, often embrace a more natural approach to body odor, relying on perfumes or simply allowing their bodies to function without chemical interference.
To an American, the idea of not using deodorant or antiperspirant might seem strange and unsanitary, particularly in hot weather.
However, in these cultures, body odor is considered a natural aspect of being human, and many believe that deodorants can be too harsh for the skin.
8. Group Eating from a Shared Plate
In cultures like Ethiopia, India, and some parts of the Middle East, it is common for families and groups to share a large communal plate of food.
This practice promotes unity and shared experience, but it can seem unhygienic to Americans, who are more accustomed to individual servings.
The concept of everyone eating from the same plate might feel uncomfortable, particularly when it involves using hands instead of utensils.
9. Reusing Water Bottles
In many parts of the world, it is not uncommon to reuse water bottles, often for days or even weeks at a time. In some cases, people wash and refill bottles repeatedly.
While this is an environmentally conscious practice and can be perfectly safe when done properly, Americans often prefer to use single-use, disposable bottles or to buy new ones to ensure cleanliness.
The idea of reusing a water bottle over and over may seem unsanitary to many.
10. Lack of Hand Washing Before Meals
In several countries, including some African and Middle Eastern nations, washing hands before meals is not a strict custom, especially when eating with one’s hands.
This practice might seem unhygienic to Americans, who are taught to wash their hands before eating to prevent the spread of germs.
However, in cultures where eating with the hands is common, the act of eating with clean hands is considered sufficient.
11. Cleaning the Body with Cow Urine
In parts of India, especially among followers of certain Hindu traditions, cow urine is considered to have medicinal properties and is sometimes used for cleaning purposes, including as part of personal hygiene rituals.
While this practice is rooted in religious beliefs, it may seem highly unhygienic to those unfamiliar with the tradition, particularly in Western cultures that are not accustomed to using animal byproducts in their hygiene routines.
12. Public Grooming
In many Asian countries, public grooming is a normal part of daily life. People can often be seen combing their hair, trimming their nails, or even shaving in public spaces like parks or bus stops.
While this is an acceptable practice in these cultures, Americans typically reserve personal grooming for private spaces like bathrooms.
Public grooming can seem unsanitary or inappropriate in the United States, where such actions are considered private and should be done in more discrete settings.
13. Eating Raw Fish and Meat
In some countries, such as Japan and various parts of the Pacific Islands, raw fish and meat are staples of the diet.
Sushi, sashimi, and dishes like ceviche are celebrated for their fresh taste. However, for Americans, who often associate raw meat with foodborne illnesses, consuming raw fish and meat may seem risky and unhygienic.
In these cultures, however, the proper preparation and handling of raw food is considered safe and part of the cultural culinary experience.
14. Not Using Toothpaste
In some parts of the world, such as parts of the Middle East and Africa, it’s common for people to clean their teeth using sticks or miswak (a teeth-cleaning tool made from a tree branch) instead of toothpaste.
While this practice is effective and centuries-old, many Americans may find it strange or unhygienic because they are accustomed to modern toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Alicia Richards