And it only took a global pandemic for us to take our cleanliness seriously.
For some of us, myself included, the transformation wasn't massive - more an accelerated version of what we already practise.
Before Covid-19, I was often referred to as a bit of a paranoid germophobe by those who know me best. Once the seriousness of Covid was known, the mockery stopped slightly and many of them have joined the hand sanitisers in every bag, vehicle and work station team, to which I say welcome.
But as we return to a nearly normal existence, this is a Covid-19 habit I think we should hold on to.
Temperatures are cooler and we're heading into a change of season, with winter fast approaching. If hand sanitisers continue to be available in every business we enter, and we remain focusesed on our hygiene practices, surely that's got to have a positive impact on our overall health.
Could it even mean fewer colds and flu this winter?
For at least 10 weeks, keeping our hands clean and reducing the risk of becoming sick has become part of our everyday reality. It's a habit that has been thrust upon everyone, with no age limit, and we all understand its importance.
Let's not break a habit that's worth keeping.