Avoid soaking the wound (i.e., taking a bath) until the wound is completely healed, which may take up to 3 weeks. You may shower or sponge bath 48-72 hours after surgery. You may take your arm out of the sling when taking a shower and support the arm and its weight using the opposite arm or a homemade cloth sling.  

For the first 5 days, keep the wounds dry using a garbage bag or taping Saran wrap over the shoulder. Do not scrub the area. After taking a shower, pat the wounds dry with a clean towel and reapply new bandages. It is essential to keep the axilla (aka: armpit) of the operated shoulder clean and dry. To clean the axilla, do not try to lift the arm or elbow away from the body using the shoulder muscles. Instead, it is more comfortable to lean towards the operated side and let the arm gently dangle away from the body supporting the arm. You can then wash and dry the axilla.