How to Take Navy Showers (A Fast & Eco-Friendly Way to Get Clean)

PDF download Download Article
Conserve water, time, and money with this speedy shower technique
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to take a shower that wastes less water and takes very little time? A normal shower can waste up to 37 gallons (140 L) of water (or more!), where a navy shower can use as little as 3 gallons (11.4 L) over the course of only 2–3 minutes. Developed on naval ships to preserve the supply of freshwater on ships, the technique is simple: just get wet, turn the water off to lather up, turn it back on to rinse, and you’re done! Read on to see how navy showers can save you time, money on your water bill, and have a positive impact on the environment.

Navy Shower Technique

Turn on the water and get your body and hair wet. Once you’re soaked, turn the water off to lather up with your shampoo and soap and give yourself a good scrub. Turn the water back on to rinse off, and you’re done! A navy shower only uses about 90 seconds of running water, or 3–4 gallons (11–15 L) total.

Section 1 of 4:

Taking a Navy Shower

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Step into the shower and quickly get yourself fully wet. Use your hands or a washcloth to fully douse your body before turning off the water.
    • Let the water warm up for a few seconds first if you like. It’s a myth that navy or military personnel have to take cold showers, although some choose to for muscle recovery or alertness after a workout or training. [1]
    • If you plan on scrubbing with a loofah or washcloth, get that fully wet too.
    • If you’re trying navy showers for the environment, collect cool water in a bucket while the shower heats up to water plants or even shave with.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Perform this while your shower is off by using a loofah, washcloth, or your hands. Some showerheads even have a switch that lets you turn the water on and off without adjusting the temperature knob or handle. [2]
    • Scrub yourself firmly since you won’t have the benefit of running water and its additional cleansing power.
    • Wash quickly, especially if you have an inefficient water heater. Waiting too long can let the water cool down.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Now that you've finished washing yourself thoroughly, rinse yourself off with a short blast from the shower.
    • Once you’re rinsed off, you’re done with your navy shower!
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you need to apply extra products after your rinse, turn the water off again and lather up. When you're finished applying your conditioner, turn the water back on and quickly rinse off again to finish showering.
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How long does a navy shower take?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [3] Experienced navy showerers can clean up in under 2–3 minutes total, while others who take a bit more time can shower in 5 or 6 minutes (or less). If you’re looking to save time when you’re getting ready, this is the method for you!
    • Turning the water on and getting wet takes about 30 seconds.
    • Turning the water back on and rinsing off can take about 60 seconds or less.
    • The biggest variable in how long the total shower takes is how long you spend scrubbing and how many products you need to use.
Section 3 of 4:

How much water do navy showers use?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A modern, standard showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm). [4] If you multiply that by the approximate 90 seconds of running water that navy showers use, you end up using about 3.75 gallons (14.2 liters) of water (depending on how long you actually have the water on for).
    • History fact: Navy showers originated on naval ships, where officers and crew have to conserve and use clean water as efficiently as possible.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Modern showerheads (from 1994 onward) are required to use 2.5 gpm of water or less, meaning an 8- to 15-minute shower uses 20–37 gallons (75.7–140 liters). Older showerheads may use up to 6–8 gpm of water, meaning a 15-minute shower with one of these can use 90–120 gallons (340.7–454.2 liters). [5]
    • So, switching to navy showers (even if it’s just now and then) can save a ton of water , as well as lower your energy costs. Water heating takes up 15–25% of energy in most US homes. [6]
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Finding Your Shower Water Usage

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-8-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-8-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place a 1-gallon bucket under your showerhead and gauge the length of time it takes for the bucket to fill. This will give you your approximate gallons per minute. For example, if it takes 20 seconds for the bucket to fill, your flow rate is about 3 gallons per minute. [7]
    • The goal of a navy shower is to reduce the amount of water you use to about 3 gallons (11.4 liters). To reach this goal, you must first understand your average water consumption.
    • A standard modern showerhead uses 2.5 gpm, so if you don’t have a bucket on hand, use this value to get an estimate. [8]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Say you typically take 10 minutes to shower and your gpm is 3. Since 10x3=30, your average shower uses about 30 gallons of water.
    • The typical flow rate of a shower is approximately four gallons per minute. If you have difficulty measuring your flow rate for some reason, use this number to predict the total gallons used.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Take-a-Navy-Shower-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Showerheads with the “WaterSense” label are legally required to use no more than 2 gpm while still providing a quality shower and are easy to install . [9] Or, install a flow restrictor with your current showerhead to lower its gpm manually.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Navy showers are also known as a military shower, combat shower, sea shower, staggered shower, G.I. bath, or a water-saving shower.
        Thanks
      • The opposite of a navy shower (a long and indulgent shower with hot water running the whole time) is called a “Hollywood shower.”
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Video

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Take a Bath
      How to
      Bathe when Water Is Scarce
      How to
      Bathe an Infant
      The Best Way to Wash Your Face (Plus Product Recommendations)
      How to
      Take a Shower
      How to
      Dry Yourself After a Shower
      How to
      Give a Sponge Bath
      How to
      Deep Clean Your Body
      How to
      Take a Detox Bath
      How to
      Take a Steam Bath
      How to Take a Sitz Bath in the Bathtub & Using a Kit
      How to Use Bath Bombs and Up Your Spa Day Game
      Ice Bath at Home: Everything You Need to Know
      How to
      Set up a Romantic Bath
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.military.com/military-fitness/should-you-take-ice-baths-part-of-training-and-recovery
      2. ↑ https://droughtresources.unl.edu/water-conservation-shower
      3. ↑ https://niagaracorp.com/news/learn-from-the-us-navy/
      4. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads
      5. ↑ https://droughtresources.unl.edu/water-conservation-shower
      6. ↑ https://droughtresources.unl.edu/water-conservation-shower
      7. ↑ https://www.e-tankless.com/measuring-flow-rate.php
      8. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads
      9. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Taking a navy shower is a great way to save you time and water. First, step into your shower when it gets warm and wet your hair and body. Then, shut it off. Shampoo your hair and wash your body, and try to do it quickly so the water doesn’t go cold again. Turn the water back on and rinse your hair and body. If you need to condition your hair, shut the water off again, condition your hair, turn the water back on, then rinse it out. To save even more water, use a bucket to collect the cold water as your shower first warms up. Then, use the water to shave or water your plants. For more tips, including how to reduce the flow of your shower to save water, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 145,093 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement