Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Preparing your bath
• Part 2 of 3: Taking your bath
• Part 3 of 3: Trying variations on the regular bath
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Whether you want to take a bath to scrub yourself clean or just soak in some hot water to unwind, taking a bath can be a very pleasant experience. Before taking a bath, you will need to make the necessary preparations to make your bath as comfortable and relaxing as possible

To step

Part 1 of 3: Preparing your bath

1. Place a bath mat on the floor. Before filling the tub, consider laying out a bath mat. This will ensure that any water that splashes out of the tub is absorbed by the mat, rather than spreading through the bathroom. Also hang a towel somewhere so that you can easily reach it when you get out of the bath - so you will drip less. It may be wise to choose the clothes you want to wear after your bath and put them somewhere where they won't get wet.
2. Rinse the bathtub. Before you put in the stopper and start running the water, you should flush some water through the tub. This way you can rinse out any dust or dirt that has accumulated in the tub since your last bath.
   • You may also want to consider rinsing yourself in the shower before taking a bath. This will keep your skin clean so that no dust or dirt gets into the bath.
   • If you haven't used the tub for a while, consider cleaning the tub with a clean cloth and some water to remove all dust and dirt.
3. Make sure the plug is in the tub. There are several mechanisms that can prevent the water from running out of the tub. For example, there may be a lever that you can turn.
   • With other baths you usually have to put the stopper in manually. If this is the case, take the plug and put it in the drain. Make sure that the plug is properly inserted so that no water can run out.
4. Start filling the tub with water. Again, the way you fill the tub can vary from tub to tub. For example, the faucet may have a button or two. If you don't have running water, you can heat some stones and add them to the water. Stir the stones well and the water will heat up. Remove the stones from the bath when the water is warm.
5. Adjust the temperature as desired. When the water has started running, you can adjust the temperature so that it feels as hot, warm or cold as you like. If you are using the hot stones, add some extra cold water until the temperature is to your liking. Some people prefer a cold bath, but most prefer a hot, relaxing bath. Fill the tub until it is about three-quarters full.
   • How long it will take to fill depends on the size of the tub and the water pressure. It can take between three and ten minutes to fill the bath, and sometimes even longer if the bath is very large. During this time you can feel how warm the water is with your elbow or wrist. You should do this because your hands quickly get used to the temperature; your elbow or wrist doesn't. Proceed with caution when the water is very hot.
6. Add bubble bath or other accents to the running water. While the bath is filling, you can pour a small amount of bath foam right under the tap. Pouring it right under the tap will mix the bath foam with the water that is already in the bath. Make sure you follow the instructions on the packaging carefully; if you put too much in, the bathroom will become full of bubbles. Other accents you could add include:
   • Bath pearls. These are massive balls of bath foam that spread a wonderful scent with the bubbles or foam they create.
   • Essential Oils. If you'd rather not have bubbles, but still like to soak in water that smells good and helps you relax, try adding a few drops of the essential oil to the water. Soothing scents include lavender, rose, eucalyptus, peppermint, chamomile, jasmine and cedarwood.
   • Bath salts. As an alternative to the essential oil, you can also opt for bath salts. This salt does not cause bubbles or foam, but it does ensure that the water will smell wonderful.
7. Turn off the water. Know that the water level will rise when you sit in it, so do not fill the tub completely. Otherwise, the water will run over the edge and hit the floor.
8. Turn on the heating in the bathroom. On cold days, it can be difficult to get out of the warm, relaxing bath. Turning on the bathroom heater - or the heating in the bathroom - will make it easier to get out of the bath and get on with your day (or evening). It is a lot easier to get used to the warm air than to dry it in the cold air of the bathroom.
   • If you don't have heating in the bathroom, close all bathroom doors and windows. The steam from the hot water can heat the bathroom, making it easier to get out of the bath later.
9. Add soothing accents to the bathroom. What you add mainly depends on your personal preference. Consider lighting a candle for a relaxing atmosphere, or put on some music for you to listen to. When lighting a candle, stick to normal safety precautions to avoid setting things on fire. Other ideas include:
   • Take a book or magazine into the bathroom so you can read (just be careful not to drop them in the water).
   • Burn some incense to create a calming atmosphere (this works especially well if you don't have bubbles or scented soap).
   • Never take electronics into the bath. If they fall into the water, they could electrocute you!

Part 2 of 3: Taking your bath

1. Take off your clothes. If you are wearing the same clothes that you will be wearing after the bath, put them somewhere where they won't get wet if you accidentally spill water from the bath. Consider putting your clothes on a shelf or closet, for example. Keep in mind that the bath can give off steam, which can make the bathroom, and therefore your clothes, slightly damp.
   • If you're worried about getting your clothes wet, consider undressing in your room and then wrapping a towel or a bathrobe to walk to the bathroom.
   • Know that this is your bath; if you'd rather keep your clothes on, that's fine; if you prefer to wear a bathing suit, no problem. However, be aware that this may make it more difficult to completely clean yourself.
2. Test the water again before entering the bath. Just before entering the bath, it is important to test the temperature of the water so that you do not accidentally burn yourself. Use your elbow for this. If the water is too hot, wait a few minutes before entering the bath. If you don't want to wait, you can also drain some hot water from the tub and add some cold water. When you think the water is ready, test it again to make sure the water is cool.
3. Enter the bath and relax. Taking a bath can be a very relaxing experience. Immerse yourself up to your neck in the water. If you wish, you can also dip your head under water a few times to wet your hair and face. Once you've made yourself comfortable, sit back and let the warm water and scents of the soap or oils help you unwind.
   • Consider closing your eyes and giving free rein to your thoughts. But beware, falling asleep in the bath can be very dangerous - you could drown! Put on some music, or start in that book you want to read so badly.
4. Consider washing your hair and body in the shower. Taking a bath doesn't necessarily just have to be about relaxation; you can also take a bath to scrub the dirt off you while letting go of your worries. Shampoo and / or condition your hair, and use a sponge or washcloth to clean your skin.
   • However, be aware that if you bathe in the bath, the water can get a little dirty when you rinse off. It may therefore be wise to take a quick shower after a bath.
5. Rinse off in the shower (optional). After soaking in the soap bath, you can rinse your body in the shower. This way you ensure that all soap scraps are removed from your body. If soap remains on the skin, it can dry out and / or irritate the skin.
6. Dry yourself with a towel and drain the tub. When you are clean and relaxed, get out of the bath and dry yourself with a towel. Be careful walking with wet feet - the bathroom floor can get very slippery. If you've wrapped a towel around you, pull out the drain plug or skip the lever (depending on the type of bath you have).
   • Once the water has drained, consider removing any soap residue from the tub with a clean day. You can also choose to rinse the soap from the bath with clean water.
7. Apply lotion to the skin. In some people, hot water dries out the skin; if that is the case with you, it is best to apply some lotion when you get out of the bath.This step is optional.
   • If you have sensitive skin, consider using a mild, unscented lotion that won't irritate the skin.

Part 3 of 3: Trying variations on the regular bath

1. Try an oatmeal bath. Porridge can help relieve irritated or itchy skin. If you have a skin condition like eczema or have recently come into contact with poison ivy, consider taking an oatmeal bath to relieve the itching and irritation you are experiencing.
2. Take a detox bath. Consider taking a detox bath if you've recently been ill or if you think your lifestyle has caused toxins to be stored in your body.
3. Take an Epsom salt bath to relieve aches and pains. An Epsom salt bath may be able to relieve aches, pains, and other medical ailments that cause your mind and body to be stressed.

Tips

• Make sure you have a towel nearby so you don't have to get out of the tub to grab one.
• Take a cold, invigorating drink with you into the bathroom. A hot bath can make you very thirsty, so it can be helpful to have a drink on hand.
• If you take the bath to relax, not to get clean, consider taking a shower beforehand so you don't bring dirt into the bath with you.
• Light some candles or sprinkle some rose petals in the bath to create atmosphere.
• If you have a shower curtain in the bath, consider putting it away when you bathe.
• Consider applying a face mask before taking a bath. Leave the mask on the skin, then rinse it off when you get out of the bath.
• Lavender bath salts or lavender bath oils will help you relax when you bathe in the evening. A lavender spray that you spray on your bedding can also help you sleep better.

Warnings

• Always test the water temperature before getting in to make sure the water is not too hot.

Necessities

• Water (at any temperature)
• A bathtub
• Bath pearls (optional)
• Soap, shampoo and conditioner (optional)
• Towels and a bath mat