Hygiene is a set of intentional practices performed to preserve health and spread of disease-causing microorganisms.
An individual’s habits such as how frequently one was to bathe, wash one’s hands, wash one’s clothes, or even trim one’s fingernails would be examples of hygienic practices. Hygiene also pertains to all surfaces being pathogen-free like at home or a workplace, especially kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Hygiene and cleanliness are seen as commendable to society and could be reasons for experiencing disrespect and disdain if neglected.
Hygiene is a trifecta concept related to cleanliness, health, and medicine.
Professional and self-care practices include hygienic standards laid out by sanitation departments. In the field of medicine and daily lifestyles, these hygienic standards are employed as preventive ways to decrease the incidence and propagation of disease.
Cultural differences play a role in what may be accepted to be hygienic or not.
Industrially, the manufacturing of various products including food, clothing, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, etc. requires good hygiene which is a critical aspect of quality assurance.