It occurred to me while “wiping down” after a shower that even though I had just bathed I certainly wasn’t sterile and repeated use of my towel could expose me to discrepancies in bathing to other parts of my body. Would any smudge from my feet end up in my hair the next time that I used the towel? I came up with a process to minimize this possibility.

Almost every towel on the market has a tag that states the type of fabric and usually includes washing instructions. I use the tag as an index for reference when orienting the towel for use. I hold my towel with the tag on the upward edge facing me, that way the pattern of use is repeatable. If there is no tag you can color a corner with a permanent marker as an index or perhaps sew a spot with contrasting thread.

Here’s the pattern: I use the top portion for my head and hair, the upper middle portion for my chest and arms, the lower middle for my personal areas and legs, and the bottom portion for my feet. I can alternate sides on alternate days or change sides after a set number of days.

This may not be a concern for the rugged outdoors folk but it’s nice to have an approach for those who are a little more fastidious in their hygiene practices.

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.