Bodywash - how do I hate thee? Let me count the ways

Who knew this topic would be so polarizing!? As a firm proponent of the bar soap gang I will say this, I have a water softener so I've seen no soap scum residue on the tiles although regular cleaning is still done. I don't use a washcloth but rather a nice, coarse brush - Kent makes some nice ones, the Shower Bat for example or the Bath Bat (longer) although there are some nice ones for less money that may not last as long. The hide needs to be brushed down just like a horse's to stay healthy. I also have a really coarse dry scrub brush for when the hide really needs to be exfoliated and circulation boosted. Its German made, naturally. I do use a liquid facial cleanser though - no bar soap for the face. I'm reminded of a line from the tv show friends (I think) where one of the male roommates says to the other, think of the last place that bar of soap touched me and the first place it touches you....yuk. For that reason alone roommates should never share soap.

Who knew this topic would be so polarizing!?  As a firm proponent of the bar soap gang I will say this, I have a water softener so I've seen no soap scum residue on the tiles although regular cleaning is still done.  I don't use a washcloth but rather a nice, coarse brush - Kent makes some nice ones, the Shower Bat for example or the Bath Bat (longer) although there are some nice ones for less money that may not last as long.  The hide needs to be brushed down just like a horse's to stay healthy.  I also have a really coarse dry scrub brush for when the hide really needs to be exfoliated and circulation boosted.  Its German made, naturally.  I do use a liquid facial cleanser though - no bar soap for the face.  I'm reminded of a line from the tv show friends (I think) where one of the male roommates says to the other, think of the last place that bar of soap touched me and the first place it touches you....yuk.  For that reason alone roommates should never share soap.

I tend to bathe or shower in the evening and just wash up at the sink in the morning.  Like Mark, I use a liquid facial wash at the sink but I find it washes off much cleaner than a full on body wash.  Also, there is a practical reason for the facial wash.  I live in an old apartment and the bathroom sink is one of those old fashioned pedestal types with very little room on it.  The bottle of facial wash fits on it better than a bar of soap in a soap dish.

It’s interesting to read how each of us perceives the best way to wash.  All of them work just fine so it comes down to what works best for the individual.

I like loofah and cloth, the reason to I switched from wash to bar years ago was the ingredients.

Bar soap in the shower.
Liquid for handwashing/facial cleansing.
I can't be bothered with a washcloth or loofah, and I dislike the tendency of liquid soap to slide off my hands while lathering. I went to the dark side but came back to bar soap quite a while ago.

I prefer bar soap and washcloth too, even if it slips out of my hands sometimes!

I only use bar soap and I like to mix up the rotation as well never using the same make consecutively. I do however confess a weakness for what is IMHO the best smelling soap: Safeguard, with a preference for the beige. I also like the original scent Coast.

As regards body wash, I read years ago how bad loofahs were for bacteria and threw mine out. I never use a washcloth either as you don't need one. I rub the wet bar where washing is needed.


https://www.self.com/story/loofah-bacteria

I founf body washes to be quite harsh and gave me bad eczema on my hands.

I love both bar soap and "high quality" body wash.  35 years ago in Europe I tried both Badedas (original green) and Algemarin (original blue).  Neither are inexpensive.  Both were created to nature your skin with nutrients, and both have great scents.  They are not slimy and rinse off well.  I have used them for years and feel clean and refreshed after using them.  They are not like your drug/grocery store products.  I also use L'Occitane Verbena and Vitabath Original Green body washes, which are high quality and expensive.  I apply the body wash to a boar bristle brush in the shower, and then rinse it well and dry it.  If you do not like body wash, try one of these, and then submit your opinion.  My favorite bath soaps are Stirling, Thymes, Pre De Provence and L'Occitane.

I use body wash and one of those scrunchie things for my body but a bar of soap for my tip and tail. While I like the performance of body wash I'm constantly tempted to grab a more high end wash as Im not a huge fan of the standard old spice or axe washes, but they are soooo much cheaper. I'm tempted to ask for a bottle of Brickell's body wash for Christmas...

I don't GET body washes at all. Bar soap and face cloth.