7 ultimate personal hygiene tips for au pairs in Germany
A practical guide to feeling comfortable, confident, and culturally aware in your host family
How often you shower, which products you use, or how you manage daily routines may feel completely normal to you, but can be perceived differently in a German household. This guide offers clear, respectful, and practical hygiene tips to help you feel confident and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings during your Au Pair experience in Germany.
Living with a host family in a new country means adjusting to more than just language and routines. It also means adapting to everyday habits that are often invisible, especially when it comes to personal hygiene.
At My Family Au Pair, we support Au Pairs throughout their journey in Germany. One topic that often comes up, sometimes quietly, is hygiene expectations. Not because anyone is doing something wrong, but because standards vary widely across cultures.
How often you shower, which products you use, or how you manage daily routines may feel completely normal to you, but can be perceived differently in a German household.
This guide offers clear, respectful, and practical hygiene tips to help you feel confident and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings during your Au Pair experience in Germany.
Why Personal Hygiene Matters in Germany
In Germany and across much of Europe, there is a strong cultural preference for subtle, neutral personal scent. Cleanliness is expected, but strong perfumes or noticeable body odor are generally avoided.
This does not mean that your natural scent is “wrong.” In fact, scent is deeply connected to diet, climate, and even skin biology. Many Au Pairs notice that their body odor changes over time after living in Germany, simply due to changes in food and environment.
The key is not to eliminate your individuality, but to adapt to shared living standards in a respectful way.
1. Shower regularly, but be mindful
Daily showers are generally expected, especially if you are active with children. Pay attention to areas like underarms, feet, and overall cleanliness.
At the same time, excessive showering can be seen as wasteful. Water and energy costs in Germany are relatively high, and many families are conscious about sustainability.
A good balance is one shower per day, with additional showers only when needed, for example after sports or hot weather.
2. Keep towels clean and fresh
A clean body should not be dried with an unclean towel. Towels should be changed regularly, typically once or twice per week, or sooner if they start to smell.
Equally important is how you store them. Always hang your towel to dry properly after use. Leaving damp towels in a pile can lead to unpleasant odors and even mold.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential. In shared living environments, fresh breath is especially important.
In addition to brushing, flossing and cleaning your tongue can significantly improve oral hygiene. Many people underestimate how much these small steps impact overall freshness.
It is also worth noting that Au Pair insurance in Germany usually covers emergency care only, not routine dental visits. Preventive care becomes even more important.
4. Use deodorant appropriately
In Germany, using deodorant daily is considered standard. It helps maintain a neutral and fresh presence throughout the day.
You may come across two types:
– Deodorants, which reduce odor
– Antiperspirants, which reduce sweating
Choosing what works for your body is key. Many people in Germany prefer aluminium-free options, though preferences vary.
5. Wash clothes regularly
Clean clothing is just as important as personal hygiene. Items like underwear and shirts should be washed after each use.
Other items such as trousers or sweaters can be worn multiple times, depending on use, but should always be washed once they are no longer fresh.
Being mindful of laundry routines in your host family is also important. Each household may have different expectations about frequency and sorting.
6. Take care of your skin
Germany’s climate can be quite different depending on the season. Winters are often cold and dry, which can affect your skin.
Using a simple skincare routine helps:
Clean your face regularly
Use a facial cream to maintain moisture
Apply body lotion, especially in colder months
This is not only about appearance, but also about comfort and health.
7. Manage feminine hygiene carefully
For female Au Pairs, managing menstrual hygiene properly is essential for both health and comfort.
Products such as tampons and pads should be changed regularly. This helps prevent odor and reduces health risks such as infections.
It is also important to dispose of products correctly. In Germany, tampons and similar items should never be flushed down the toilet, as this can cause serious plumbing issues.
Living Together Means Adapting Together
Personal hygiene is a sensitive topic, but it plays an important role in shared living. Most host families will not address it directly unless necessary, which is why awareness from the beginning can make a big difference.
As an Au Pair, small adjustments show respect, professionalism, and cultural understanding. These are qualities that strengthen trust and help you build a positive relationship with your host family.
Conclusion
At its core, personal hygiene is not about strict rules. It is about feeling comfortable in your environment and helping others feel comfortable around you.
When you live with a host family in Germany, these small daily habits become part of a bigger picture. They shape how you are perceived, how smoothly daily life runs, and how easily you integrate into your new home.
Want to become an Au Pair in Germany?
My Family Au Pair is one of the few agencies that:
• Do not charge Au Pairs any fees
• Offer safe, honest, and transparent matching
• Support you through documents, interviews, and cultural preparation
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