How to Take a Bath for Beginners (Step-by-Step Guide)

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Enhance your bath with oils, bath bombs, candles, and more

Co-authored by Barbie Ritzman and Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: August 10, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Taking a Bath
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• Enhancing Your Bath
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• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips
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• Warnings

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Treating yourself with a hot or warm bath can feel like the height of luxury. It can help you unwind after a long day, warm you up on a winter's night, or heal sore and aching muscles. With just a little preparation, you can transform your bathroom into your own private spa and step out feeling clean, comforted, and relaxed. Keep reading to learn how to take a bath, with exclusive insights from skincare specialists. We'll also cover more tips that can elevate your bathing experience.

How do you take a bath?

1. Clean the bathtub with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water.
2. Turn the faucet on and adjust the temperature to below 104°F (40°C).
3. Plug the drain and fill the tub with water.
4. Add bubbles, salts, or essential oils when the tub is half full (optional).
5. Turn off the water when the tub is about ⅔ full.
6. Get into the bath and soak for 15-30 minutes.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Taking a Bath

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1. 
   1
   Clean the bathtub if you haven't done so recently. The ideal time to clean a tub is immediately after a bath. But if it's been a while, you want to make sure you won't be bathing with any dirt or mildew. Spray the tub's surface with a 1:1 mixture of warm water and white vinegar. Allow the solution to stand for 15 minutes, then wipe it away with a cloth or sponge. Rinse the tub with clean water, then wipe it out again.

   • Note: If you're pregnant or have any health concerns, personal care specialist Barbie Ritzman recommends consulting with your doctor before starting any new bathing or wellness routine.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Barbie Ritzman is a personal care specialist with over 10 years in the beauty industry. She has over 5,000 articles published on beauty, skincare, and wellness.

   Indy Chabra, MD, PhD, is a board-certified dermatologist with over 15 years of experience. He provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology for adults and children.

   Lorena Barcal is a clean beauty specialist who develops natural alternatives for beauty products. As a writer for IslandBeauty.co, she shares knowledge to promote the natural beauty industry.
2. 
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   Turn on the hot water, but keep the temperature under 104°F (40°C). While you may find a scalding bath relaxing at first, too-hot water can actually agitate your nervous system and cause a drop in your blood pressure. Your heart will start pumping harder, and you may feel dizzy or sick. On top of that, it can actually make it more difficult for you to relax and fall asleep after a hot bath.

   • Use a thermometer to ensure you don't run your bath too hot. This is especially important if you're pregnant!
   • Tip: Test the water with your inner wrist, not your hand. This will give you a more accurate sense of how the water will feel on the rest of your body.
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3. 
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   Plug the drain and fill the tub with water. You may have to flip a lever near the faucet, or you may have a rubber stopper or bath plug that blocks the drain. If you're not sure if your plug is working, fill the bath with just a little water. The water level won't change if your plug is effective. If your plug is broken, ineffective, or missing, purchase a new one.
4. 
   4
   Add bubbles, salts, or essential oils (optional). If desired, pour oils, salts, or other extras into the water when the tub is halfway full to ensure they disperse evenly. Add fun bubbles or bath bombs; 4-6 drops of essential oils for aromatherapy; Epsom salts to soothe sore muscles; or honey or oatmeal to moisturize dry skin.

   • Oatmeal baths can help with dry or itchy skin, eczema, rashes, insect bites, and more.
   • Tip: Clean beauty specialist Lorena Barcal says rosemary, tea tree, cedarwood, ylang ylang, and pomegranate seed oil are all beneficial for your skin.
   • Caution: Avoid adding anything to your bath that irritates your skin or that you're allergic to, says board-certified dermatologist Indy Chabra, MD, PhD.
5. 
   5
   Fill the tub until it is about ⅔ full, then turn off the water. Remember that once you step into the tub, the water level will rise. If you fill it to the very top, water will spill over the sides and go everywhere.

   • Place a bath mat or towel on the floor to catch any water that might slosh out while you bathe or drip off your body when you get out. This will help prevent you from slipping and falling when you step out of the bath.
6. 6
   Take off your clothes, step into the bath one foot at a time, and sit down. If you added oils or salts to the water, the bottom of the tub might be a bit slick. Brace yourself with one hand on the side of the tub or the tile wall surrounding the tub as you step in, one foot at a time. Slowly and carefully lower yourself into the tub into a sitting position. Then, slide down until you're lying down with only your head and neck above the water.

   • If you're tall or if your tub is short, you might have to bend your knees to fit into a lying-down position.
   • You can also remain sitting up if you prefer, especially if you plan on reading while you soak.
   • Always test the water before getting into the bath to make sure that it is not too hot or cold.
   • Tip: Put a small pillow behind your head, so you can recline more comfortably.
7. 
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   Keep your bath under 30 minutes. The proper length of a bath soak is 15-30 minutes. Any longer, and you run the risk of severely drying out your skin. Wrinkled fingers are a good indication that you should start wrapping things up.

   • If you do take an extra long bath, make sure you moisturize as soon as you step out of the bathtub.
   • Bath salts can ease sore muscles, but quickly dry out skin. Keep your bath short if you're using salts.
8. 
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   Skip the soap or save it for the end. Hot water can dry your skin, but it's actually soapy water that does the most damage. Soap can strip the natural oils from your skin, so you may want to use a body wash or gel instead. Regardless, wait until the end of your bath to suds up, so you're not sitting in soapy water the entire time.

   • Look for bubble bath that includes a hydrating oil, or add oil to your bubble bath to keep your skin from drying out.
9. 
   9
   Take a quick shower before or after your bath (optional). Again, there is a dispute over whether it's better to shower before or after bathing. Showering beforehand makes it easier to exfoliate and means you're already nice and clean when you soak. On the other hand, a post-bath shower will help you rinse off any oils, masks, and conditioners that are lingering on your body.

   • Be careful not to slip when getting in or out of the tub.
10. 
    10
    Apply a moisturizer and pat your skin dry. Soaking in warm water dries out your skin, says Dr. Chabra. Wet skin acts like a sponge, so applying moisturizer immediately after your bath allows your skin to absorb as much of it as possible. Afterward, gently pat your skin with a towel and avoid harsh rubbing, which can irritate your skin and may wipe off your moisturizer.
11. 
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    Drain the tub and wipe it down with a clean rag. Taking a moment to wipe off oil and excess moisture will help prevent soap scum, grime, and mildew from building up. Give the tub a quick rinse with clean water, then use a clean, dry squeegee, microfiber cloth, or soft sponge to wipe it down.
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Section 2 of 2:

Tips for an Enhanced Bath Experience

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1. 
   1
   Bring something cool to drink and a washcloth soaked in cold water. "Drinking a glass of water before and after the bath is a good idea," says Ritzman. As you soak in the warm water, you can quickly become dehydrated, so make sure you're replacing those fluids. Applying a cold washcloth to your forehead can also keep you from overheating.

   • Drink plain, lemon, or cucumber water and skip diuretics (like soda, coffee, alcohol, or caffeinated tea), as these will further dehydrate your body.
   • Tip: If you have a headache after your bath, drinking water and cooling your forehead, hands, or feet may help.
2. 
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   Create a soothing environment with candles or calming music. If the purpose of your bath is to relax, then bright, overhead lights and the sounds of arguing neighbors shan't help you unwind. Dim the lights or light a few candles in the bathroom. Turn on calming music, like a classical station or some ambient noise, such as ocean waves or bird calls.

   • If your bath has a curtain, draw it all the way or partway to trap steam and heat. Just make sure the curtain is not in the bathtub with you.
   • If you have a heater in the bathroom, turn it on to make sure the temperature outside the bath water isn't jarringly cold. Running the bath with the bathroom door closed can also help create a warm environment. Ensure the heater doesn't get wet.
   • Avoid using electronics in the tub. This can be dangerous (and potentially deadly). And while your phone or e-reader probably won't electrocute you if you drop it in the tub, it will be ruined.
   • Be careful if you use candles. They could fall over during your bath and burn something. Avoid placing unsecured candles near the tub.
   • Bring a magazine or book to read. Paperbacks are easier in the bath than heavy, hardback books.
   • Reader Poll: We asked 421 wikiHow readers if they think baths help them relax, and 85% said yes. [Take Poll]
3. 
   3
   Use a facial mask or hair treatment. Now is a great time to really pamper yourself. Exfoliate your body with a sugar scrub. Apply an all-natural face mask and lay slices of cucumber over your eyes to soothe and de-puff. Try an oil hair treatment and deep condition your hair.
4. 
   4
   Give yourself a massage while you're bathing. Bring a small massage ball into the bath and place it between your body and the tub. Move your body around on top of the ball to massage your back muscles. You can control the pressure by allowing your body to float up if it's too intense.

   • Try a relaxing facial massage, too. Massage your temples with the tips of your fingers, using a circular motion. This can help relieve tension and reduce headaches.
   • If you have a cold, try massaging your sinuses. Pinch the bridge of your nose and slide your fingers down toward your nostrils.
5. 
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   Invest in a fluffy robe or towel, and have it ready post-bath. Keep your bathrobe or towel in the bathroom with you so you can immediately swaddle yourself. You want your bliss to continue once you've stepped out of the bath. Nothing says luxury like a big, fluffy robe or a soft, plush towel!
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  What causes me to feel dirty?

  

  Community Answer

  There are several factors involved that can cause you to feel "dirty". These can include: Being sweaty, having body odor, having a buildup of dead skin on your body, buildup of grease, oil, or dandruff in your hair, or, having visible dirt or dust on your body.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  Is it okay to have earbuds in a bath?

  

  Community Answer

  It's okay if you're careful. Make sure the actual electronic device is beside the tub, nowhere near the water, and be careful not to get the earbuds wet.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  Is it good to take a bath before bed?

  

  Community Answer

  Yes it is. It's recommended to take your bath at least an hour and a half before bed time. Baths before bed will help you sleep better.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• Remember to check the bottle of soap or oil you are using in your bath. Look for any allergens or irritants in the ingredients. Sensitive skin may break out in rashes, hives, or dry patches if not cared for properly.
• Consider bringing a nice book to read while you take a bath. Just be sure to not get it wet!

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Warnings

• Never use or plug in electronics in or around the bathtub. This is extremely dangerous and can result in electrocution and death.
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• Falling asleep in the bathtub could result in drowning; You can avoid this by only filling the tub with a small amount of water.
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• Avoid taking a hot bath if you're pregnant or recently had a baby.
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