How to Take a Bath

Clean the bathtub if it hasn’t been cleaned recently. The best time to clean the tub is right after use. However, if it hasn’t been used in a while, you’ll need to clean it again to ensure you’re not soaking in dirt or mold.

• Spray a mixture of warm water and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio into the tub. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe it clean with a towel or sponge. Rinse with clean water and wipe it down again. Alternatively, you can use paper towels, spray cleaners, or ready-made bathroom cleaning products.

Insert the drain stopper and start filling the bathtub with water. You may need to flip a lever near the faucet or use a rubber stopper to keep the water in. If you're unsure whether the stopper works, test it by letting some water into the tub. The water level should remain steady if the stopper is effective. If the stopper is broken, missing, or ineffective, you can create a temporary solution to still enjoy your bath:

• Place a flat rubber jar opener—typically used for opening stubborn lids—over the drain.
• Soak a large handkerchief, twist it, and stuff it into the drain without pushing it too deep.
• Use an unused coffee filter to cover the open drain.
• For a push-down stopper, apply plumber's putty around the edges to seal it.

Adjust the water temperature to no more than 38°C. While hot water can be relaxing, excessively high temperatures may overstimulate your nervous system and lower blood pressure. This can cause your heart to pump harder, leading to dizziness or fatigue. More importantly, overly hot water can make it difficult to relax or fall asleep after your bath.

• Use a thermometer to ensure the water isn't too hot, especially important for pregnant women.
• Test the water with your wrist instead of your hand, as it provides a more accurate sense of temperature.

Fill the tub to about two-thirds full, then turn off the water. Remember, the water level will rise when you step in. Overfilling the tub can cause water to spill everywhere.

• Place a mat or towel on the floor to absorb any water that splashes out during your bath or drips when you step out. This helps prevent slipping and falling.

Bring a cold drink and a cold compress if desired. Soaking in hot water causes your body to sweat and cool down, leading to dehydration. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Placing a cold cloth on your forehead can help prevent overheating.

• Opt for lemon or cucumber water instead of diuretics like soda, coffee, alcohol, or caffeinated tea, as these can further dehydrate you.
• If you feel dizzy after bathing, drink water and cool down by applying a cold compress to your forehead, hands, or feet.

Create a relaxing environment. If your goal is to unwind, harsh overhead lighting and surrounding noise won’t help. Instead, dim the lights or light a few candles in the bathroom. Play soft music like classical tunes or ambient sounds such as ocean waves or birds chirping.

• If your bathroom has curtains, close them partially or fully to trap steam and warmth inside. Just ensure the curtains don’t dip into the bathtub.
• If there’s a heater in the bathroom, turn it on to ensure the room stays warm. Running water in a closed bathroom also helps create a cozy atmosphere. Be careful not to let the heater get wet.
• Avoid using electronic devices in the bathtub. This is dangerous (and potentially fatal). While it won’t cause electric shock, phones or e-readers will get damaged if dropped in water.
• Be cautious with candles. They can tip over during your bath and cause a fire. Avoid placing unstable candles near the tub.
• Bring a magazine or book to read. Paperbacks are easier to handle in the bath compared to heavy hardcovers.

Add bubble bath, salts, or essential oils to the tub. Customize your bath experience by adding bubble bath or bath bombs; use essential oils for aromatherapy and skin hydration; or incorporate Epsom salts, honey, or oats to soothe and heal your skin and muscles.

• Add oils or other ingredients when the tub is half full to ensure they disperse evenly in the water.
• Use at least a full cup of oil for a single bath to deeply moisturize your body.

Use a face mask or hair treatment. This is the perfect time to pamper yourself. Exfoliate your body with a sugar scrub. Apply a mud or clay face mask, or place cucumber slices over your eyes to soothe and reduce puffiness. Try oil steaming or a deep-conditioning hair mask for extra hydration.

• Opt for a hydrating face mask if you have dry skin or worry about dehydration during your bath.
• Use a clay mask for ultra-smooth skin, ideal for oily skin or large pores.
• Tea tree oil can help treat dandruff and moisturize dry hair.
• Try a bit of Moroccan oil for shiny, non-greasy hair.

Massage. Bring a small ball into the tub and place it between your body and the bathtub. Roll over the ball to massage your back muscles. If your body feels too tense, let yourself float in the water to relieve pressure.

• Try a facial massage for relaxation.
• Use your fingertips to massage your temples in circular motions. This helps ease tension and reduce headaches.
• If you’re feeling cold, massage your nose bridge to open up your sinuses. Pinch the bridge and slide your fingers down to your nostrils.

Invest in a plush robe or towel and keep it ready. If you want to maintain that luxurious feeling after stepping out of the bath, nothing beats wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy robe or a high-quality towel.

• Keep your robe or towel ready in the bathroom to wrap yourself immediately after your bath.

Limit your bath to no more than 30 minutes. Opinions vary on the ideal bath duration, but 15-30 minutes is generally recommended. Prolonged soaking can lead to severe skin dryness. Wrinkled fingers are a sign that it’s time to step out.

• If you bathe longer than 30 minutes, ensure you moisturize immediately after getting out.
• While bath salts can soothe muscle aches, they also dry out the skin quickly. Keep your bath short if using salts.

Avoid soap or save it for the end. Hot water can dry out your skin, but soapy water is even more damaging. Opt for body wash or gel instead of bar soap, as the latter strips away natural oils. Alternatively, wait until the end of your bath to avoid soaking in soapy water for at least 15 minutes.

• Look for bubble baths with hydrating oils or add oils to your bubble bath to prevent post-bath dryness.
• Use superfatted soaps, which contain extra oils to moisturize the skin.

Take a quick shower before or after your bath (optional). Opinions differ on whether showering before or after a bath is better. Showering beforehand helps exfoliate and ensures you’re clean before soaking. Showering afterward rinses off any lingering oils, masks, or conditioners.

Moisturize and pat yourself dry. Wet skin acts like a sponge, so applying moisturizer right after your bath maximizes absorption. Gently pat yourself dry with a towel, avoiding harsh rubbing to prevent irritation and loss of moisturizer.

• Try coconut oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter for enhanced hydration. "Butters" and "oils" are far more moisturizing than "lotions."

Drain the bathtub and wipe it dry with a clean towel. Taking a moment to remove excess oils and moisture helps prevent long-term buildup of soap scum, dirt, and mold.

• Quickly rinse the tub with clean water, then use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or soft sponge to wipe away any remaining water.