Kamal Ghorui
Life in space is not like life on Earth. Even something as normal as staying clean becomes a challenge when there is almost no gravity. Recently, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared a video from the International Space Station showing how astronauts manage personal hygiene and why traditional showers are not possible in space.
How astronauts stay fresh in orbit
People often ask astronauts about everyday life in space. One of the most common questions is about hygiene. Shukla explained it clearly in his post.“Ever wondered how astronauts stay fresh in space? Of course you have – it’s one of the questions I get asked most,” he wrote.He added a simple explanation about how life works in microgravity.“The short answer: there are no showers up here. The long answer: personal hygiene in microgravity is a surprisingly elegant little science experiment,” he added.
Why showers don’t work in space
On Earth, water flows down because of gravity. In space, gravity is almost absent. Water does not fall the same way, so showers as we know them cannot be used. Astronauts have a different routine to stay clean while orbiting the Earth.
The hygiene kit astronauts use
Shukla showed that astronauts rely on a small hygiene kit. It contains a washcloth that already has disinfecting shampoo in it.“It starts with this unassuming bag. Inside sits a washcloth pre-loaded with disinfecting shampoo – compact, efficient, and decidedly unglamorous,” he wrote.The cloth is soaked by adding water and then used to wipe the body, similar to a sponge bath.“Add water, and the cloth becomes fully saturated. Tear open the bag, and you’ve got yourself the world’s most expensive sponge bath,” he added.
Every drop of water is important
Water is limited on the space station, so astronauts cannot waste it. After using the cloth, it is placed in a special area where the remaining moisture is collected and recycled.Shukla explained, “Once you’re done, the towel goes to its designated spot, where the moisture it holds gets pulled into the station’s water reclamation system, because in space, not a single drop goes to waste.”
Floating phones and life in space
The video also showed a small moment that caught attention. At one point, Shukla left his phone floating while he continued the demonstration.“Did you notice I left my phone suspended mid air for some time? You do not need a mobile holder in space,” he wrote.
Social media reactions
The video drew attention from many users online. People commented on how different daily life is in space.One user wrote, “This is amazing but I wonder how would I survive if I ever get a chance.”Another said, “This is amazing… so much training you must be going through to unlearn and learn things we take for granted.”A third user added, “Who knew personal hygiene could double up as a physics lesson. Incredible!”Thumb image: X
