In an effort to conserve water, the concept of the Navy shower was born. Originally used on navy ships where freshwater resources were limited, this method has become popular among eco-conscious individuals and anyone looking to reduce their water usage. Here are eight steps to help you successfully take a Navy shower.

1. Turn on the water: Begin by turning on the water in your shower. Let it run just long enough to get wet and rinse your body. While it’s not necessary to use an extreme temperature, it’s generally best to use lukewarm water for a comfortable experience.

2. Wet your body: Once the water is at a comfortable temperature, step into the shower and quickly wet your entire body.

3. Turn off the water: After your body is fully wet, turn off the water immediately. Remember, the key to a Navy shower is minimizing water usage.

4. Lather up: With the water turned off, begin lathering soap or body wash onto your body using a washcloth or loofah sponge. Make sure to cover all areas of your skin, focusing on areas that tend to hold more dirt and odor like armpits, feet, and groin.

5. Shampoo and condition: Apply shampoo to your hair and work it into a lather, ensuring you cover every strand from root to tip. After rinsing out the shampoo, apply conditioner if needed, focusing mostly on the ends of your hair.

6. Turn on the water: Once you’ve finished soaping up and applying shampoo and conditioner, turn the water back on.

7. Rinse off: Quickly rinse away all soap from your body and hair while minimizing your time under running water. This step should be done as efficiently as possible.

8. Turn off the water: As soon as you’ve rinsed off all soap and product residue from your body and hair, turn off the water. Gently shake off any excess water and grab your towel to dry off.

By following these eight simple steps, you’ll successfully complete a Navy shower and significantly cut down on water usage. Not only will this benefit the environment, but it can also help lower your water bill and save you money in the long run.