The Prompt Hygiene Checklist

Not everything belongs in a prompt.

It’s tempting to treat tools like ChatGPT like a private diary or trusted advisor. And sure — it feels safe. You’re typing. It’s replying. No one else is watching… right?

But here’s the truth: your prompts aren’t always private.

Even if they’re not read by a human, they can still be stored, reused, or leaked.

That’s why you need something most people have never heard of: prompt hygiene.

What is “prompt hygiene”?

It’s the digital equivalent of washing your hands.

Before you submit your prompt to an AI system, check it for anything sensitive, personal, or risky.

If you wouldn’t put it in an email to a stranger, don’t paste it into an AI prompt.

The Prompt Hygiene Checklist ✅

Here are 7 things you should not include in any AI prompt:

1. Full names (yours or others’)
2. Private addresses or contact info
3. Passwords or security info
4. Medical or mental health details
5. Legal or financial data
6. Work or school data that’s not yours
7. Anything you’d be embarrassed to see published

What if I’m just experimenting?

Use fake data.
Try made-up names. Placeholder info. Fictional situations.

If you need to use real data, consider a local tool like Ollama or LM Studio.

One extra tip: Check your clipboard

Don’t paste private info by accident.

Accidental sharing is still sharing.

Your takeaway: Pause before you prompt

Prompt hygiene isn’t about being scared of AI — it’s about building smart habits.

Treat your prompts like public text, even when the screen feels private.

Privacy isn’t just about what you hide. It’s about what you choose to share — and with whom.

Want to go deeper?
Join the 7-Day Privacy Bootcamp.