Hygiene
Essential 72-Hour Kit Hygiene Items: Stay Clean and Healthy (and Maybe Even Smell OK) in an Emergency
When disaster strikes, we all like to think we’ll be calm, cool, and collected—but let’s face it, three days without a shower and things might start to smell a bit less than fresh. That’s why having a 72-hour kit is crucial. And while most people focus on food, water, and shelter, your future self will be very thankful if you also pack some basic hygiene items. Because trust me, you don’t want to find yourself in an emergency and smelling like one. Here’s a list of essential hygiene items to include so you can stay clean, healthy, and maybe even a little less stinky when it counts.
1. Hand Sanitizer
You’ve probably got enough hand sanitizer lying around from 2020 to supply a small army, so just toss a bottle into your kit. It’s a must-have when you don’t have access to clean water and soap, and it’ll help you keep those germy fingers in check before eating or after using the bathroom. Bonus: It doubles as a way to clean off that mystery goo you just touched.
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2. Wet Wipes
Showers? In an emergency? Probably not happening. Wet wipes, however, can work wonders when you need to freshen up. Use them for your hands, face, and, well, all the places that need it most. Choose unscented wipes—no one needs the added challenge of an allergic reaction on top of everything else. Trust me, the wipes will keep things from getting too funky.
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3. Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Yes, even during a disaster, you’ll want to keep your pearly whites in good shape. No one wants to be the person dealing with a toothache and a flood. A travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste will keep your mouth feeling fresh, so at least something about you won’t smell like three days of chaos. Throw in some floss or dental picks too—getting that piece of jerky stuck between your teeth when there’s no dentist around? Not ideal.
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4. Multi-Purpose Soap
A small bar of soap can be the Swiss Army knife of your hygiene kit. Wash your hands, face, or even your clothes if things get really rough. Opt for biodegradable soap so you can be clean and eco-friendly at the same time. A bar that doesn’t need a ton of water to rinse off? Even better. After all, water might be more valuable than gold in those 72 hours.
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5. Feminine Hygiene Products
If you’re a woman, it’s non-negotiable. Pack enough sanitary pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup to last the full 72 hours. Emergencies are stressful enough—you don’t want to be caught unprepared for this situation on top of everything else. Because when it rains, it pours, right?
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6. Travel Towel
Think of it as a more absorbent sidekick to your wet wipes. A quick-dry, lightweight travel towel is great for drying off after a wipe-down or using as a makeshift washcloth. Plus, when you need a moment to cry about how things are going, at least you’ll have something absorbent nearby.
Affiliate link: Grab a quick-dry travel towel here
7. Deodorant
Let’s be real—emergencies are smelly. Pack a travel-sized deodorant to at least keep your part of the smell under control. Your future self (and anyone stuck with you) will be forever grateful that you didn’t skip this one.
Affiliate link: Click here for men’s travel-size deodorant
Click here for women’s travel-size deodorant
8. Sunscreen
In case the emergency has you outdoors (and let’s be honest, it probably will), make sure you’ve got sunscreen. You don’t want to survive a disaster only to spend the next few days looking like a lobster. A travel-sized bottle with at least SPF 30 should do the trick. And yes, you still need sunscreen even if it’s cloudy—UV rays are sneaky like that.
Affiliate link: Buy travel-size SPF 50 sunscreen here
9. Toilet Paper and Portable Toilet Solution
You’re gonna need toilet paper. Pack a roll or two, because trust me, that’s one thing you really don’t want to be improvising in a crisis. And while we’re on the subject, consider a portable toilet solution. That sealable plastic bag or camping toilet might seem extreme, but future-you will be eternally grateful when nature calls.
Affiliate link: Shop for compact toilet paper rolls here
Affiliate link: Check out portable toilet options here
10. Nail Clippers and Tweezers
Nails have an annoying habit of growing and snagging at the worst times. Toss in a pair of clippers to avoid any hangnail-induced suffering. Tweezers are also essential for removing splinters or anything else sharp that decides to introduce itself to your skin during the chaos.
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11. First Aid Kit with Antiseptic Wipes
Your hygiene kit needs to be first-aid ready too. Antiseptic wipes will clean up any cuts or scrapes, and some antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection. Because nothing says “bad day” like getting an infection from a tiny scrape during a full-blown disaster.
