How to Give a Sponge Bath

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Sponge baths, or bed baths, are used to bathe people who are bedridden or unable to bathe on their own due to health reasons. Giving a bed bath involves washing and rinsing the entire body one section at a time while the patient remains in bed. It is important to gather all the supplies needed before you begin so you do not have to leave the patient unattended. A good bed bath will leave the person feeling clean and comfortable.

Things You Should Know

  • Prepare your patient for the bath by laying them on towels, covering them with a sheet, and undressing them.
  • Clean your patient by washing the skin with one washrag and rinsing it off with another. Work in sections, blotting each area dry as you go.
  • Start the sponge bath by washing the patient's face, hair, shoulders, arms, torso, and legs.
  • Complete the bath by washing the patient's back, buttocks, and genitals.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Give the Bath

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  1. One is used for washing, and the other for rinsing. The water temperature should be 115 degrees F (46 degrees C) or less. You want it to be comfortable to the touch, but not too hot. [1]
  2. Most bar soaps are fine to use. Body washes are also acceptable as long as they don't leave a residue. You may add soap to one of the basins to create a bowl of warm, soapy water for washing, or keep the soap separate and apply it directly to the patient's skin. [2]
    • Avoid using soap that has exfoliating beads or other substances that could end up staying on the patient's skin and causing irritation.
    • No-rinse soaps are available at drug stores. This is a convenient solution for a quick cleanse, but they leave a residue so you'll still need to rinse the patient's body from time to time.
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  3. If you plan to shampoo the patient's hair, you'll need a shampoo that's easy to rinse out (such as baby shampoo) and a special basin designed for washing hair in bed. You can find one at a medical supply store, and it's a big help when it comes to washing hair in bed without getting water everywhere. [3]
    • If you don't have a special basin, you can make do by placing an extra towel or two under the patient's head to protect the bed from getting too wet.
  4. At minimum, you'll need three large towels and two washcloths, but it's nice to have extra in case there's a spill or the supplies get soiled. [4]
    • It's convenient to stack towels, washcloths, water basins, and soap on a portable cart, such as a TV cart, so you can keep everything you need close to the bed.
  5. This will prevent the bed from getting wet and keep the patient comfortable during the process. To place the towels under the patient, lift the patient onto their side and scoot the towel under, then carefully lower the patient and do the same on the other side. [5]
  6. This will ensure the patient stays warm during the bath as well as provide some privacy. The sheet or towel will stay on the patient's body the whole time.
    • Be sure to adjust the temperature in the room if necessary, to prevent the patient from getting a chill.
  7. Fold down the sheet or towel, uncover the patient's top half, and remove their shirt. Replace the sheet over the top half of the patient. Fold the sheet back from the patient's legs and remove their pants and underwear. Recover the patient with the sheet. [6]
    • Try to keep as much of the patient covered as possible while you're removing the clothes.
    • Keep in mind that this process can be embarrassing for some people, so try to work quickly and with a purposeful attitude.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Bathing the Head, Chest, and Legs

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  1. First, apply soap or soapy water to the patient's skin. Scrub it gently with a washcloth to remove dirt and bacteria, then place the washcloth in the soapy basin. Dip a second washcloth into the rinsing basin and use it to rinse away the soap. Pat the area dry with a towel. [7]
    • Remember to rotate between the two washcloths: use one for soaping and one for rinsing. If the clothes become soiled, switch to clean ones.
    • Replace the water in the basins as necessary.
  2. Gently wash the patient's face, ears, and neck with soapy water. Rinse away the soap with a separate washcloth. Dry the cleaned area with a towel. [8]
  3. Gently lift their head into the shampooing basin. Wet the hair by pouring water over the patient's head, taking care not to get it in their eyes. Apply shampoo, then rinse it away. Pat the hair dry with a towel. [9]
  4. Fold over the sheet on the left side of the body down to the hip. Place a towel beneath the exposed arm. Wash and rinse the patient's shoulder, underarm, arm, and hand. Dry the wet areas with a towel. [10]
    • Dry the washed areas thoroughly, especially the underarm, to prevent chafing and bacteria growth.
    • Recover with the sheet to keep the patient warm.
  5. Fold over the sheet to expose the right side. Place the towel beneath the other arm and repeat, washing, rinsing and drying the right shoulder, underarm, arm, and hand.
    • Dry the washed areas thoroughly, especially the underarm, to prevent chafing and bacteria growth.
    • Recover with the sheet to keep the patient warm.
  6. Fold the sheet down to the waist and gently wash and rinse the chest, stomach, and sides. Be sure to wash carefully among any folds in the patient's skin, since bacteria tends to get trapped there. Dry the torso carefully, especially among the folds. [11]
    • Recover the patient with the sheet to keep the patient warm.
  7. Uncover the patient's right leg up to the waist, and wash, rinse and dry the leg and foot. Recover the right leg and uncover the left, then wash, rinse and dry the leg and foot. Recover the lower half of the body. [12]
    Give the care your loved ones deserve. "With my dad now bedridden from advancing cancer, my family is committed to comforting him at home. Though I have no experience bathing the elderly and frail, the clear instructions and illustrations here walk me through the process with care and dignity so I can keep him clean." - Sheri H.
    You can tackle solo bathing challenges. "I need to bathe my frail mom alone without extra hands, which is extremely difficult. The step-by-step guidance here provides a precise blueprint for washing her properly and safely when using my Hoyer lift. Knowing what to expect empowers me." - Elaine T.
    Solo bathing is in your wheelhouse. "As my mom becomes increasingly frail, I now bathe her alone without extra help. Initially unsure how to correctly wash her, this article’s step-by-step instructions showed me how to properly position her, keep her warm and comfortable, and maintain her dignity throughout." - Elaine S.
    Share this article to those you care for. "Bedridden and requiring a health aide for the first time, I appreciated learning how baths would be conducted respectfully, what supplies were needed, and how my private regions would be appropriately covered. This article helped me feel ready, logistically and emotionally." - April H.
    Clear instructions make the process easy. "Helping care for an elderly relative but lacking experience, I needed exact directions to properly clean bedridden individuals. The straightforward guidance and illustrations here taught me techniques to correctly and sensitively sponge bathe." - David M.
    Did you know that wikiHow has collected over 365,000 reader stories since it started in 2005? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story here .
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Bathing the Back and Private Area

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  1. Since approximately half the patient's body is now clean, it's a good time to refill the water.
  2. You may have to assist the person. Make sure they are not too close to the edge of the bed.
  3. Fold the sheet over to expose the entire backside of the patient. Wash, rinse, and dry the back of the patient's neck, back, buttocks, and parts of the legs you may have missed. [13]
  4. Put on latex gloves if desired. Lift the person's leg and wash from front to back. Use a clean washcloth to rinse the area. Be sure to clean thoroughly between folds, and dry the area thoroughly as well. [14]
    • Males should be washed behind the testicles. Wash a female's labia, but there's no need to clean the vagina.
    • This part of the body should be washed every day, even when you're not giving a full-body bed bath.
  5. When you're finished, dress the patient in clean clothes or a robe. First replace the patient's shirt, keeping the sheet over his or her legs. Then remove the sheet and replace the person's underwear and pants. [15]
    • Elderly skin tends to get dry, so you may want to apply lotion to the arms and legs before putting their clothes back on.
    • Comb the person's hair and apply cosmetics and other body products according to the patient's preferences.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I sponge bath babies?
    Joel Warsh, MD
    Board Certified Pediatrician
    Dr. Joel Warsh is a board certified Pediatrician and the Owner & Founder of Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Warsh specializes in holistic and integrative medicine. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Community Health, and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Thomas Jefferson Medical College, where he was elected president of the Jefferson Pediatric Society. Dr. Warsh then completed his Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA), where he received the George Donnell Society Research Fellow.
    Joel Warsh, MD
    Board Certified Pediatrician
    Expert Answer
    Sponge baths are actually recommended for most newborns and babies with sensitive skin because it provides a gentle and controlled way of cleaning the baby without exposure to possible irritants in regular bath products. This is done with a soft sponge or a washcloth wrung out in lukewarm water to gently clean the body of the baby. Be sure to stay away from the umbilical cord stump and other sensitive parts. 
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  • Question
    What type of sponge should I use for a child?
    Daniela Castro
    Registered Nurse
    Daniela Castro is a Registered Nurse based in Denver, Colorado. She works at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center in Denver as a Nurse in the Emergency Department. She specializes in Emergency Care, and also has experience with Senior Living Care. Prior to nursing at St. Luke’s, she worked as a Patient Caregiver at Lincoln Meadows Senior Living. She received her nursing degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She received a BA in International Business & Marketing from Oklahoma State University.
    Daniela Castro
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    You can use an antimicrobial sponge that's got this brush on one side and a sponge on the other. Then start giving a bath by filling a basin with warm water and adding a small amount of baby shampoo or a medically prescribed cleanser. Gently wash your child's body with the sponge, paying attention to areas like the armpits, groin, and behind the ears. If your child has a deep wound, use sterile water and a wound irrigation cap to clean it thoroughly.
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      Tips

      • It is not necessary to wash a bed-ridden person's hair daily. But if desired, there are products designed to clean the hair without water.
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      • If the patient has open sores, it is recommended that you wear disposable gloves the entire time while giving a bed bath.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Having two wash basins prepared will help speed the process along so the patient is more comfortable.
      • Use protective sheet liners (preferably of plastic or rubber) during bathtime.
      • Make sure the patient isn't allergic to latex before using latex gloves.
      • Wash the patient with the help of a mitten rather than gloved hands.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Basin or washtub
      • Warm water
      • Sheet
      • Blanket
      • Mild soap
      • 6 washcloths (2 for face, 2 for body, 2 for peri care)
      • 2 large towels (1 for the body, 1 for peri care)
      • Disposable gloves
      • Grooming products such as deodorant and lotion


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.wsj.com/articles/burning-question-what-is-the-best-water-temperature-for-your-bath-or-shower-1451931152
      2. ↑ https://www.generationsolutions.net/three-common-questions-about-bathing-the-elderly/
      3. ↑ https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/abp9705
      4. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000427.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VKox-wy4fU
      6. ↑ https://www.agingcare.com/Questions/sponge-bather-elderly-patients-142973.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/abp9705
      8. ↑ https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/abp9705
      9. ↑ https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/abp9705
      1. ↑ https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/abp9705
      2. ↑ https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/abp9705
      3. ↑ https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/abp9705
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VKox-wy4fU
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VKox-wy4fU
      6. ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/bathing-dressing-and-grooming-alzheimers-caregiving-tips

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you give someone a sponge bath, fill a basin with soapy water and another basin with plain water. Then, soak a washcloth in the soapy water and use it to wash the person's body. Next, dip a second, clean washcloth in the basin of plain water rinse the soap off with it. Repeat that process on each section of the person’s body, patting them dry as you go. Scroll down to learn how to wash their hair, and for advice on how to clean specific parts of a person’s body.

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