You're running your bath wrong! Experts reveal the correct way to fill your tub - and why you should NEVER use bubble bath
There's nothing like running a lovely, hot bath at the end of a long day.
But it turns out you've probably been filling your tub wrong this entire time.
Experts have revealed the correct way to run a bath - and why you should never opt for bubble bath.
To come up with the perfect bath formula, the researchers asked 2,000 adults what their favourite bathtime routine was.
The results revealed that the ideal time to opt for a soak is 8pm on a Sunday night.
And, while many people like the water to be as hot as 45°C, the perfect temperature was actually found to be 39.8°C.
Meanwhile, instead of reaching for the bubble bath, the experts advise an alternative combination.
According to their results, the optimal extras are soaking salts, candles, and at least 10 drops of essential oils.
The survey, commissioned by British Gas, found Brits take an average of 96 baths a year – the equivalent of two a week.
And one in 10 even admitted to having had three or more soaks in a single day.
Nearly a quarter said they like the water to be as hot as they can bear when they dip their toes in – between 43 and 45°C.
Meanwhile an unexpected cold bath was ranked as one of the top ways to ruin someone's day.
The poll also found that in the event of no hot water in the home, 17 per cent would use their gym membership purely for a hot shower.
Meanwhile 12 per cent would consider asking a neighbour if they could pop round to use theirs.
Separate research carried out by Victorian Plumbing found the optimum amount of time to spend in a bath is 22 minutes.
The study also found that you're likely to start feeling dehydrated after 28 minutes, and that scrolling through your phone is the most relaxing activity to do while soaking.
Tim Hollinger, co-founder of Bathing Culture, has previously spoken of how to create a relaxing bath atmosphere.
Removing the shower curtain – if there is one – and rinsing the tub is a good first step, he told the website Byrdie.
Setting up the space by keeping the bathroom clean and decluttered is another important step in creating an oasis.
'Add some plants or a flower cutting, put on some low-key music and mass up a big pile of towels next to the bath,' he said.
Adding soaking salts can also enhance the experience – but only use one at a time, he said.
While magnesium salt flakes are good for physical relaxation, an Epsom salt soak also does wonders to soothe sore muscles.
He also recommended lighting some candles and adding at least 10 drops of essential oils to provide enough scent.
A spokesman for British Gas said: 'We know how much Brits value bathtime, so now is the time of year to check your boiler is in tip-top condition, or you may find yourself sheepishly standing at a neighbour's door in your towel.'
Scientists in Canada recently claimed to have cracked the code for the perfect day.
According to the experts, it includes six hours of family time, two hours spent with friends, 1.5 hours socialising, two hours exercising and one hour eating and drinking.
Additionally, the perfect day should involve no more than six hours of work and less than 15 minutes of commuting.
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- Scottish Sun
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