Waterless bathing: Supporting dignity and reducing infection risk

In healthcare, small changes can make a big difference. One of the simplest is how we wash our patients.

Traditional bedside bathing often means basins, towels and moving frail or post-operative patients in ways that can feel uncomfortable, time-consuming and undignified. Increasingly, hospitals are turning to waterless bathing, using pre-moistened, antimicrobial wash mitts that cleanse and protect the skin without the need for running water.

Beyond convenience, waterless bathing represents a practical step forward in infection prevention and control (IPC). For patients in critical or long-term care, every opportunity to reduce microbial spread matters. According to the World Health Organisation, up to 70% of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) can be prevented through effective IPC measures¹. Preventive washing – including the use of octenidine-based wash mitts – helps reduce microbial load on the skin, protecting patients and helping to reduce antibiotic use.

Read more about the evidence behind preventative washing in ICU here.

Every wash carries risk if shared basins or cloths are involved. Waterless bathing removes that infection risk, giving healthcare teams a controlled, single-use method that limits contamination and cross-infection.

In ICU settings, preventive washing with antiseptic solutions has been shown to reduce bloodstream infections by up to 17% (EFFECT Study²) and may cut MRSA rates by nearly 45%³. When implemented as part of a hospital’s wider infection-prevention strategy, these results translate into fewer complications, shorter stays and better patient outcomes.

For patients, the benefits go beyond protection. Waterless bathing helps preserve warmth, comfort and privacy, allowing them to feel refreshed without the disruption or exposure of traditional washing. Maintaining dignity is especially important for those recovering from surgery, or individuals who are immobile or dependent on nursing support.

Waterless bathing can also support rehabilitation and independence, giving patients the opportunity to participate in their own care where possible - even if only partially. This simple act of self-care can help restore confidence, promote autonomy and play a small but meaningful role in their recovery journey.

Clean skin promotes confidence and wellbeing, and the gentle, pH-balanced formulas used in modern antimicrobial wash mitts are kind to sensitive or healing skin.

For healthcare teams, time saved is time better spent. Waterless bathing reduces the need for equipment, preparation and manual handling, supporting safer workflows and freeing staff to focus on other critical care tasks.

It also enhances compliance with hygiene protocols, offering a standardised, measurable way to maintain cleanliness across wards, departments and patient populations.

By removing the need for basins, heating water and repeated laundering, waterless bathing contributes to more sustainable healthcare practice.

At schülke, we’re committed to minimising our environmental impact, from green energy use and electric vehicle fleets to recyclable packaging across our product range. Waterless bathing supports that same goal in clinical environments, reducing water waste while protecting patients and staff.

While first adopted in intensive care, the benefits of waterless bathing extend far beyond critical care units. Hospitals, care homes and community healthcare settings are now embracing it as a simple, effective way to combine patient comfort with infection prevention.

For more technical insight into the science and data behind this approach, visit our dedicated space for healthcare professionals here.