Gathering Your Hygiene Preps – Another Easy Prepping Action You Can Take

Last week I discussed an easy prepping action you can take with regards to gathering your cleaning supplies. Today, you can do the same with your personal hygiene supplies, here’s what I suggest:

• Soaps of all kinds (bar soap, liquid hand soap, and hand sanitizer) – Soaps are a critical aspect of keeping yourself clean and healthy. And since they will last a long time–if kept out of extremes–then I say “buy, buy, buy!” This is especially true of bar soaps. I would suggest a few dozen bars on-hand at minimum at all times. Or, you could learn to make your own lye soap. As for liquid soaps, buy several of the larger refills and you should have plenty to start with. Hand sanitizer is useful to a degree as well. As such, I would suggest at least a few of the larger bottles but note that the alcohol in sanitizers does eventually dissipate so don’t go crazy buying sanitizers and then never use them.
• Wet wipes – I wouldn’t bother with dozens of packs of wet wipes but they do serve a purpose, especially in times when water is scarce. That said, these are alcohol-based as well and will eventually dissipate rendering them nearly useless. Of course, you could choose to make your own wipes which is something I would learn to do anyway.
• Dental supplies (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, etc) – Proper dental care now and particularly during SHTF is a must. After all, I can’t think of much worse than persisitent dental problems when you can’t get help. Ensuring you have plenty of what you need is the right course of action here. Toothbrushes are cheap and will last for a long time. Heck, just start putting away the toothbrushes the dentist gives you and you’ll have plenty before you know it. Similarly, you’ll want plenty of toothpaste–let’s say several tubes to start–as well as several rolls of floss, if not more. In fact, why not learn to make your own toothpaste? I’ve been using this stuff for a while now and have come to enjoy using my homemade toothpaste, it costs less, and is probably better for me. Similarly, if you require dentures then be sure you have the supplies for that, including cleaners and cement.
• Hair supplies (hairbrush, combs) – I would think you already have what you need but, like my previous post, I’m just being thorough here. That said, hair does continue to grow (despite my best efforts otherwise) and so it might also be wise to include scissors for trims, hair clippers (if you can power one), and maybe a bit of knowledge on how to actually cut hair. I haven’t got that far but maybe you would need/want it.
• Shaving supplies (razors, cream, aftershave, etc) – If you’re like me then you use a lot of disposable razors which seem to get more and more expensive. For a while now I’ve been saving used razor blades and “renewing” them with the RazorPit. It’s not as good as I had hoped for and I would imagine that you could makeshift your own but for the money it cost versus the cost of new razors, I would say the RazorPit has already paid for itself. Regardless, I like to keep a good dozen or more of new disposable razor blades on-hand. Shaving cream, though not necessary (there are alternatives), is nice to have so I keep a handful of cans around.
• Showering (soap, shampoo) – I’ve already covered bar soap above but if you, unlike me, still need shampoo then stock at least a few bottles or, better yet, learn to dry shampoo your hair. My wife’s tried this and isn’t a big fan but I would say it will do in a pinch.
• Nail care (clippers, files, brushes, etc) – I’m a bit different than most guys and prefer my nails clipped short so I’m always searching for my favorite pair of clippers. I assume you already have nail clippers and since they last virtually forever you’re probably set. The same can be said for nail files and brushes and whatever else the ladies like to use… if it gets used up then ensure you have several replacements.
• Feminine hygiene supplies – For menstruating ladies then it’s wise to have plenty of your feminine hygiene supplies on-hand, especially if you use disposable supplies. Granted, there are other re-usable alternatives such as the Diva Cup which I hear is the best option for long-term use.
• Lotions – This may not seem like a hygiene concern and maybe it’s not, but I would also suggest you include a few bottles of your favorite skin lotions in order to keep from getting dried and cracked skin, especially in the winter.

I know I already gave recommendations for quantities but I also wanted to briefly touch upon the likelihood of needing to supply other, perhaps unexpected, additions to your home be they family, friends, neighbors, or whomever. Since you can’t plan on what others will do or bring with them then I would say it’s wise to have additional personal hygiene supplies for just such an occasion. Most of the stuff mentioned above won’t go bad and can be easily put away without much effort.