by E. Rae Fallesen

Created on: January 17, 2008

A perfect bath is worth the effort. If you're going to invest the time to soak in hot water then you may as well make it worth your while. A perfect bath is about more than getting clean. In fact, I recommend that you take a bath when you are already reasonably clean. Bathing like this is for relaxing.

These are the steps that lead to the tub of your dreams:

1) Clean the bathroom.

The last thing you want interfering while you're having a relaxing soak is the question "What in the world is that?" Or "What is that awful smell?"

Scrub at least an hour before you head in. Clean the bath and shower first, remove all scum, mold, hair, and general filth you can find. Mop the floor, wipe down the counters, clean the mirror, polish the hardware, organize your collection of toothbrushes. If it bothers you while you're in the tub it can ruin your perfect bath.

Launder fresh towels, curtains if you have them, and a thick mat for the floor. Place some fresh flowers in a vase to perk up the room. Don't forget to make room for candles!

2)Prepare an hour of free time.

While the smell of cleaners airs from the space, take the time to make certain you have no responsibilities on the other side of the door. You don't want to be worrying about what your children are doing, what the dog is getting into, or if that important call is going to come. This is also a good time to choose a nice relaxing book, something that doesn't really make you think. Something that doesn't really matter if it gets a little damp.

3) Consider the sound.

Once you've absolved yourself of all outside responsibility and found your book, make certain you can't hear what is going on outside the door. If you live alone, wonderful. Peace and quiet. If you don't, find yourself a radio. Choose something relaxing. You don't want the pop's top ten.

4) Prepare the bath.

Run the water. Go with all hot. Pour in some bubble bath, bath salts, bath oils or powders. Don't mix and match. Just choose one simple scent that pleases you. While you wait for it to fill, light some candles and dim the other lights. For peace of mind remind yourself of where the fire extinguisher is.

After you've got it to about the depth you want start carefully adding cold to get a temperature that is good for you. Be careful, bath tubs can be tricky. A cold tub can cool down hot water fast. If you add too much cold you'll be shivering the entire soak.

5) Get in.

Once the temperature is ready step on in and slip beneath the surface. Now you can pull out your book or just lie still letting the warmth soothe your frazzled nerves. A bath is a time for you alone. Sort things out if you want, or let your mind go blank. Don't fall asleep.

6) Stew and drain.

Soak until you're sweating. Soak until you're wrinkled. When you're finished start draining the tub. Let the water flow out while you lie there. Think of all the stress you're carrying being pulled right from your body. Let all worries slip down the drain.

7) Get out.

Stand, step from the tub onto the thick mat and drip dry. Next slather yourself with lotion. Let that soak in and then pat yourself dry with a freshly laundered towel. Put on some comfortable pajamas. You are now a puddle of melted muscle and bones. If you're lucky you timed it so that you can go to sleep. If not, have a glass of water to rehydrate and wake up.

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