I used to shower every day, sometimes twice if I worked out or had a long, stressful day. It felt like the only way to stay clean. That’s what we’re taught, right? Daily showers mean you’re hygienic, fresh, and presentable. But about a year ago, I decided to cut back—not because I got lazy, but because I started thinking about the bigger picture.

It began with my water bill. It wasn’t outrageous, but it kept climbing. Around the same time, I read an article about water scarcity and how much water an average shower uses—about 10 gallons every time. That number stuck with me. If I showered seven days a week, that was 70 gallons. Multiply that by four weeks, and suddenly I’m using almost 300 gallons of water a month just for showers.

It made me wonder: do I really need to shower every single day? Or have I just been conditioned to believe that’s normal?

I started experimenting. At first, I tried showering every other day. It wasn’t as hard as I thought. My hair didn’t get greasy right away, and my skin actually felt better—less dry, less irritated. After a couple of months, I cut back again. Now, I shower three times a week, and honestly, it feels like the right balance for me.

Of course, I don’t go completely without cleaning up on the other days. I use wipes for freshening up, especially underarms and intimate areas, and dry shampoo for my hair when needed. I also wash my face daily, sometimes twice a day, because skincare is important to me. So I’m not walking around dirty—I’m just not doing a full head-to-toe shower every day.

What surprised me most was how many people had strong opinions about this. When I mentioned it to a friend, she looked horrified. “That’s gross,” she said. “I could never do that.” And maybe she couldn’t—but that doesn’t make me unhygienic. In fact, I started researching and found out that dermatologists say daily showers can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and irritation.

So why do we act like showering every day is the only acceptable way to live? For me, this change has been positive. I save water, I save money, and I save time. I feel like I’m making a small but meaningful choice that’s good for me and good for the environment.

Some people might think showering only three times a week is strange, but for me, it’s practical. It saves water, it saves money, and honestly, I’ve learned that I don’t need to shower daily to feel clean and confident. I use dry shampoo, gentle wipes, and a good skincare routine to stay fresh in between.

This choice might not work for everyone, and that’s okay. But for me, it’s about being mindful of my habits and the impact they have—not just on my wallet, but on the planet. And honestly, I’m happier for it.

“That’s my hygiene routine, and I hope someone out there understands.”

— Wendy, 29

This story was submitted by one of our readers. We share it here to give voice to real experiences and perspectives.

Editor’s Note: While Wendy’s approach helps conserve water, it’s important to recognize that the environmental impact of disposable wipes—including manufacturing and waste—can also be significant. Readers interested in sustainability may want to explore reusable alternatives.