Shower vs bath: Which one actually leaves you cleaner?
It’s the great hygiene debate that’s been around for years: does a shower or a bath do a better job of getting you clean? Here’s what you need to know.
Washing your body is an essential part of maintaining good personal hygiene.
Regular bathing or showering helps remove dirt, sweat, excess oil and germs that build up on the skin throughout the day, reducing the risk of skin infections and other hygiene-related illnesses.
Keeping your body clean also helps you smell fresh, prevents itchiness caused by sweat and dirt, and leaves your skin feeling more comfortable. Beyond the physical benefits, a warm, relaxing bath can also improve blood circulation and even contribute to better sleep.
Whether you prefer stepping into the shower or soaking in a bathtub, both methods can help keep your body clean and healthy.
Many people have a clear favourite. Vote in our poll below and tell us whether you prefer to bath or shower and we'll explain the benifts of each.
Benefits of showering
Showering offers several practical benefits.
It generally uses less water than filling a bathtub, especially if you keep your shower between five and 10 minutes. There’s also no waiting around for the tub to fill, you simply turn on the water and hop in.
Benefits of bathing
Bathing, on the other hand, is often favoured for relaxation.
Soaking in warm water can help you unwind after a long day and create a calming experience. It’s no surprise that many people turn to bathing as a form of self-care.
Showering vs bathing: Which one is better?
When it comes to cleanliness, experts claim showers come out on top.
According to Healthline, showers are generally more hygienic because the running water continuously rinses away dirt, sweat, excess oil and bacteria, sending them straight down the drain.
During a shower, fresh water is constantly washing over your skin rather than allowing impurities to remain in the water around you.
By comparison, when taking a bath, you spend time sitting in the same water that has already collected the dirt, oils and sweat washed off your body. While this doesn’t mean baths are unhygienic, they may not rinse away contaminants as effectively as a shower.
In an article published by Good Housekeeping, microbiologist Primrose Freestone from the University of Leicester said showers are generally the more hygienic option.
“In my opinion, showers are definitely more hygienic. In the bath, you’re cleaning your skin, but the sweat, dead skin and bacteria from your skin and bottom that has been washed off is now suspended in the water around you and, while more diluted, will still coat your body when you leave the bath,” she explained.
Freestone added that showers are more effective because "there'll be less depositing the bacteria, sweat and dirt that was on one patch of skin on to the rest of the body."
To get the best of both worlds, some experts recommend rinsing off with clean water after a bath. One simple method is to wash yourself in the bath, drain the tub completely, and then use a detachable showerhead or fresh running water to give your body a final rinse.
Ultimately, both showers and baths are effective ways to maintain good personal hygiene.
If your main goal is getting as clean as possible, however, experts say a shower has the advantage. If you’re looking to relax and unwind, a bath remains a great option, especially if you finish with a quick rinse under clean, running water.
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your OpenView decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa
Follow us on social media:
· TikTok