What to Bring to the Mikveh

Some women find it helpful to have a checklist of items to pack when they go to the mikveh. As individual needs vary, we have suggested the following categories to assist you in compiling your own such list. What you actually need to take depends on what is available in your mikveh (there are mikvaot that supply just about everything on this list) and what preparations you do at home.

• For washing body - washcloth, brush, loofah, sponge, soap.
• For makeup removal if you wear make up - nail polish remover, cold cream.
• For cleaning and preparing hair - shampoo, conditioner (if you need to get out knots and it does not leave film), brush, comb.
• For removing hair (if you do this at the mikveh) - razor, depilatory.
• For cleaning teeth - toothbrush, toothpaste, floss.
• For cleaning or preparing nails - clipper, scissors, file, emery board (depending what you generally use).
• For removing and replacing contact lenses – saline and cleaning solutions, case.
• Cotton tip applicators for crevices such as ears and belly button.
• Toothpicks for teeth or under nails, if you prefer.
• Facial tissues.
• Towel, if not provided at the mikveh.
• Money for the mikveh fee, and for bedikah cloths if you need to buy them. (Money for the tzedakah box that is generally present is also a nice idea.)

Other items that might make you comfortable:

• Reading material or something to do if you will have to wait.
• Slippers to get from preparation room to mikveh.
• Robe.
• Clean underwear for after the mikveh (colored is a good idea - see article on stains for explanation).
• Makeup and/or contact lenses for after the mikveh.