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How long should you shower for? Experts settle debate
New York Post • • world
Key Points:
- Americans spend an average of 16.1 minutes in the shower, but environmental scientist Dr. Pablo Pereira-Doel recommends limiting showers to three minutes for effective cleaning, with an additional two minutes if washing hair.
- For a more eco-friendly approach, Pereira-Doel suggests turning off the water while scrubbing, reducing shower time to as little as one minute for rinsing and two to three minutes when using shampoo and conditioner.
- Many people linger in the shower for reasons beyond hygiene, such as relaxation and warming up, with over 40% of showers taken for non-cleaning purposes, often unconsciously extending their duration.
- Factors like water softness, time of day, and water pressure influence shower length, with softer water and evening or weekend showers typically lasting longer, while low water pressure may cause people to stay in longer to feel properly rinsed.
- Pereira-Doel advises shampooing once instead of twice, as repeated lathering is often habitual rather than necessary, potentially saving water and money.
