Proper Edwardian Bathing Etiquette

Lather well with a pure soap, rinse with freshwater and if you want the full affect of the bath, stay quietly in the tub in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes. 

• Don’t dash into a tub when you are very exhausted. Wait until you have rested a bit. 
• Don’t take a very hot bath in the morning unless you sponge off with cold water. There is less danger of cold. 
• Do not think that hopping into a tub and out again with a hurried dab with a sponge is bathing. A flesh brush is needed. 
• Lather well with a pure soap, rinse with freshwater and if you want the full affect of the bath, stay quietly in the tub in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes. 
• If possible, finish with a cold spray. 
• If but one hot bath a day is taken, it is better to have it before dressing for dinner at night, if it all feasible. Not only is the dust of the day washed off, but new life is given for the evening. 
• If bathing before dinner is out of the question, take the hot bath just before retiring and a cold sponge in the morning.
• Sea salt dissolved in the hot bath has a wonderfully tonic affect. It should be melted in a cup or pitcher rather than poured into the bath when ready for use. 
• If much begrimed with dust, rub it off with a good cold cream or olive oil before getting in the tub. This opens the pores and is much more cleansing. — The New York Times, 1909

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia