Frank Rubio is on track to break the record as the NASA astronaut who has spent the most time on the International Space Station (ISS). He must miss his home, his family, food, gravity and above all, a good bath.
The astronaut will celebrate one year in space, where personal hygiene methods, with microgravity as a common factor, are completely different from those on our surface.
How do they bathe? We are going to explain, in great detail, the complex process an astronaut goes through to “take a shower” after a long day at work.
It is necessary to take into account that saving water in space is essential. As little as possible is spent and the greatest amount that the systems allow is recycled.
How do astronauts bathe?
Astronauts in space have to adapt to an environment where water flows much differently than it does on Earth due to microgravity. They can’t just shower or soak in water like we would here.
Instead, they use a system called “personal hygiene system” or “waterless washing system”. This system allows them to maintain their personal hygiene in the space without the use of running water.
The waterless washing system consists of different components. One is a gel-like, leave-in liquid shampoo that astronauts apply to their hair and scalp..
They then use wet towels and special sponges designed to clean your body. These items are infused with no-rinse substances that help remove dirt and sweat from the skin.
After cleaning up, the astronauts dry off using special towels that also absorb moisture without rinsing. All the water used in this process is collected and treated to prevent it from dispersing and causing problems on the spacecraft.