Essential 72-Hour Kit Hygiene Items: Stay Clean and Healthy (and Maybe Even Smell OK) in an Emergency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When disaster strikes, we all like to think we\u2019ll be calm, cool, and collected\u2014but let\u2019s face it, three days without a shower and things might start to smell a bit less<\/em> than fresh. That\u2019s why having a 72-hour kit is crucial. And while most people focus on food, water, and shelter, your future self will be very<\/em> thankful if you also pack some basic hygiene items. Because trust me, you don\u2019t want to find yourself in an emergency and<\/em> smelling like one. Here\u2019s a list of essential hygiene items to include so you can stay clean, healthy, and maybe even a little less stinky when it counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Hand Sanitizer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve probably got enough hand sanitizer lying around from 2020 to supply a small army, so just toss a bottle into your kit. It\u2019s a must-have when you don\u2019t have access to clean water and soap, and it\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affiliate link: Click here to get your travel-size hand sanitizer<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Wet Wipes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014no one needs the added challenge of an allergic reaction on top of everything else. Trust me, the wipes will keep things from getting too<\/em> funky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affiliate link: Grab your pack of unscented wet wipes here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Toothbrush and Toothpaste<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, even during a disaster, you\u2019ll want to keep your pearly whites in good shape. No one wants to be the person dealing with a toothache and<\/em> a flood. A travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste will keep your mouth feeling fresh, so at least something about you won\u2019t smell like three days of chaos. Throw in some floss or dental picks too\u2014getting that piece of jerky stuck between your teeth when there\u2019s no dentist around? Not ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affiliate link: <\/em>Get a travel toothbrush here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Get a travel toothpaste here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Multi-Purpose Soap<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t need a ton of water to rinse off? Even better. After all, water might be more valuable than gold in those 72 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affiliate link: Pick up your multi-purpose biodegradable soap here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Feminine Hygiene Products<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a woman, it\u2019s non-negotiable. Pack enough sanitary pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup to last the full 72 hours. Emergencies are stressful enough\u2014you don\u2019t want to be caught unprepared for this<\/em> situation on top of everything else. Because when it rains, it pours, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affiliate link: Shop for reliable feminine hygiene products here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Travel Towel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll have something absorbent nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affiliate link: Grab a quick-dry travel towel here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Deodorant<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s be real\u2014emergencies are smelly. Pack a travel-sized deodorant to at least keep your<\/em> part of the smell under control. Your future self (and anyone stuck with you) will be forever grateful that you didn\u2019t skip this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affiliate link: <\/em>Click here for men\u2019s travel-size deodorant<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here for women\u2019s travel-size deodorant<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Sunscreen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In case the emergency has you outdoors (and let\u2019s be honest, it probably will), make sure you\u2019ve got sunscreen. You don\u2019t 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\u2019s cloudy\u2014UV rays are sneaky like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affiliate link: <\/em>Buy travel-size SPF 50 sunscreen here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 9. Toilet Paper and Portable Toilet Solution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re gonna need toilet paper. Pack a roll or two, because trust me, that\u2019s one thing you really<\/em> don\u2019t want to be improvising in a crisis. And while we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affiliate link: Shop for compact toilet paper rolls here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n