Tap water can contain various chemicals like chlorine and fluoride. While many of us use filters for drinking water, it makes sense to consider filters for bath water too. Over the years, I’ve invested in different kinds of water filters. I started with a drinking water filter and later added a whole-house filter to cut down on contaminants throughout the home.
For our showers and baths, we use filters on our shower heads. When my kids were little and taking baths regularly, I searched for a good bath water filter. They were hard to find! I even suggested to my dad, an engineer, that he should design one.
Meanwhile, I focused on reducing the chemicals my kids were exposed to during bath time. My son had allergies and skin issues from early on, so it was a priority. We’ve managed to alleviate most of these issues through dietary and lifestyle changes.
I began by switching to more natural bath products and even made homemade bath bubbles. But I wanted to do more. Although the EPA regulates water quality in the U.S., there are still concerning substances present, like heavy metals from old pipes and various other chemicals.
Municipal water can also include chlorine, ammonia, and fluoride, which are used to reduce pathogens. These substances can increase the risk of asthma, allergies, and other health problems. They’re harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin, and children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing bodies and proportionally larger skin surface area.
Children are at higher risk because they often bathe for extended periods, allowing for more chemical absorption. Moreover, as their tissues and organs are still developing, toxins can significantly affect them.
So, what’s the solution? No one wants their kids—or themselves—soaking in harmful chemicals. There are several options depending on preferences and budget. If you have rusty, hard water, a water softener can be a start. For those on city water, where fluoride and chlorine are more common additives, a whole-house filter system can be effective. It cleans water before it even reaches your bath, and you can pair it with faucet or shower filters for added protection.
Another affordable option is a bath ball filter that attaches to the bathtub faucet to filter incoming water. These filters can capture sediment and neutralize chlorine. Brands like Crystal Quest and Sprite are popular, though they may not handle hard water well and can struggle with high flow rates.
For bath water, I’ve had success with a bath ball de-chlorinator. You just swirl it around in the bath for a few minutes before getting in. It uses vitamin C as a filtering medium and is effective for over 200 uses.
I also use a shower filter when filling the tub, though it takes longer and the water may be cooler by the time the tub is full.
Here’s a simple tip to reduce bathwater chemicals: vitamin C. It’s not just good for your immune system; it helps neutralize chlorine and chloramine in water. I use sodium ascorbate since it affects pH less, and add a teaspoon per tub, letting it work for a few minutes before bathing.
If you find adding powder inconvenient, the bath ball de-chlorinator achieves the same effect.
For detoxification, healing clays like Bentonite clay are excellent. They bind to heavy metals and remove them from the body. Bentonite clay becomes electrically charged when mixed with water, helping it attract and absorb toxins.
After removing chlorine, I mix Bentonite clay in a glass jar and add it to the bath. Note that metal utensils diminish clay’s effectiveness.
While these methods don’t reduce toxins, they help replenish essential minerals. Many people are magnesium-deficient due to depleted soil nutrients. Adding Epsom salts or magnesium flakes can counteract this, and magnesium is absorbed well through the skin.
An easy way to increase magnesium levels is by taking relaxing baths with these salts. Longer soaks, around 15 minutes, are ideal. Magnesium oil can also provide benefits when there’s no time for a bath. Transdermal magnesium is more rapidly beneficial than oral supplements.
For conditions like eczema, daily magnesium baths are therapeutic; however, consult with a doctor for any medical conditions first.
To summarize, here are my steps for reducing toxins in bath water:
– Use filtering systems.
– Add natural products like Vitamin C and Bentonite clay.
– Replenish with important minerals.
Do you use bath water filters or add anything special to your child’s bath? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
