The perfect bath? It's tonight at 8pm for 22 minutes with 39C water
There's nothing quite like a long, relaxing soak to soothe a tired body and ease away the worries of the day.
Now experts have come up with a formula for the perfect bath: 8pm on a Sunday evening, with the water temperature of 39.8C (103.6F) and 22 minutes long.
A survey commissioned by British Gas found that adults take an average of 96 baths a year – the equivalent of two a week – while one in ten people admitted to having had three or more soaks in a single day.
Nearly a quarter of the 2,000 adults surveyed said that they like the water to be as hot as they can bear when they dip in their toes – usually between 43C and 45C, (109 to 113F), which is several degrees higher than normal body temperature of 37C (98.6F).
Separate research by Victorian Plumbing found the optimum amount of time to spend in a bath is 22 minutes – and that you're likely to start feeling dehydrated after 28 minutes.
Tim Hollinger, co-founder of Bathing Culture, a US-based toiletries company, said a big pile of fluffy towels next to the bath, low-key music and even plants in the bathroom help relaxation.
Bath salts can also enhance the experience – but only use one at a time, he said.
He also recommended lighting some candles and adding at least 10 drops of essential oils to provide enough scent.
And the most relaxing activity in the bath?
Even today, there is no escape: those surveyed said it was scrolling on their mobile phones - while presumably keeping a tight hold.
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The Herald Scotland
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- The Herald Scotland
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The Guardian
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