You may be familiar with the terms “Navy Shower”, “Sponge Bath” or “Stitz Bath”. These are methods of bathing where minimal water is used due to limited resources or facilities. Areas on your body that require cleansing are first wet or moistened to loosen dirt or accumulated perspiration. This loosens and dilutes dry material and enables soap to be effective when lathered and subsequently rinsed or wiped off. Although limited in quantity, hand wipes or baby wipes can be useful in the short term.

For those who travel abroad, it becomes apparent that bathing and hygiene vary greatly and are largely a cultural phenomenon. American Industries have effectively promoted their products and have helped to create a fragrant society. European countries lean toward a more humanistic natural presence. Third World countries may be even more relaxed.

Some considerations about frequency of bathing would relate to whether you are solitary or live in the company of others, and whether your environment is healthy or hazardous.