# do white people use washcloths? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 10, 2005, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320 "2005-11-10T01:06:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/81 "2005-11-11T07:16:01Z")
> [@ouryL](#): > > Hair on the bar of soap grosses people out, so they use washcloths. Finally a reason that makes sense. However, I used shampoo and liquid soap…so, the reason to use a wash cloth would be… ---
**Author:** ![Pensandfeathers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@Pensandfeathers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pensandfeathers)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/82 "2005-11-11T07:40:17Z")
I use a shower poof - I’ve never had skin problems of any kind…but I clean it regulary. Also, I never use it to wash my tender bits - thats where my hands come in. I’ve never liked using washcloths because they don’t seem to hold soap or body wash for very long and I’d go through a lot. I only use washcloths when I’m washing my face at the sink. When it comes to my towels - I never re-use the body towel, but I’ll use the same one I wrap my hair in for at least 3 showers. ---
**Author:** ![Debaser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3da27b/32.png) [@Debaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debaser)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/83 "2005-11-11T14:39:19Z")
> [@YaWanna](#): > > And what’s up with people who don’t provide a hand towel next to the sink in their powder room/bathroom? What am I supposed to dry my hands on after I wash them after using the toilet? Makes me think they don’t wash after using the toilet. Yecccch! How about if they provide a roll of paper towels? ---
**Author:** ![bzwilak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5a626/32.png) [@bzwilak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bzwilak)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/84 "2005-11-11T15:38:42Z")
This is a bizarre thread. I never would have imagined that so many people differ on this. I’m a white guy. I have **always** used washcloths and I _always_ will. I can’t imagine showering or bathing without one! I’ve tried those poofy things. They make for better lathering volume, but I don’t feel as clean afterward. ---
**Author:** ![Debaser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3da27b/32.png) [@Debaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debaser)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/85 "2005-11-11T16:30:14Z")
> [@bzwilak](#): > > This is a bizarre thread. I never would have imagined that so many people differ on this. Tell me about it. I thought everyone just used the soap in thier hands like I do. Don’t even get everyone started on the whole “which way do you stand in the shower” question. That usually ends in bloodshed. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/86 "2005-11-11T16:40:21Z")
I am about as white as they come. I do not use a washcloth. In fact, I do not have any in my house, other than maybe in the basement to clean up grease/etc or apply stain. I am very clean, however. I take a minimum of one shower every day, often a second before going out in the evening. In the summer I often shower three times a day. Showers only, the last time I was in a bathtub was when I was an infant. ---
**Author:** ![chaoticbear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f07891/32.png) [@chaoticbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chaoticbear)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/87 "2005-11-11T16:43:13Z")
No, but I use bar soap. As far as “agitation” goes, there’s probably enough hair on the surface of my skin to agitate as much as needed. ---
**Author:** ![sleeepy2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@sleeepy2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleeepy2)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/88 "2005-11-11T16:47:19Z")
White, only use one when I’m really grimy (heavy gardening, changing oil, etc.). ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/89 "2005-11-11T17:04:32Z")
I am mystified as to how one can really feel – or be – clean without using a cloth or other similar item. When you wash your car, do you just apply some soap and then rinse it? I bet not. Besides, if there’s more than one person using the shower, isn’t it more appealing to have one’s own fresh washcloth? To each his own, of course. BTW, I am a person of northern European ancestry, if it matters. ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/90 "2005-11-11T18:22:49Z")
White. Washcloth. That is to say I am white and I use a washcloth. The washcloth is green. When I was young, everyone in my family used a washcloth and as far as I now they still do. I’ve used one my entire life, except for a brief stint working at a wilderness resort where none were available. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/91 "2005-11-11T18:25:21Z")
> [@Debaser](#): > > \ > Don’t even get everyone started on the whole “which way do you stand in the shower” question. That usually ends in bloodshed. 😉 And there’s the whole “do you take your shoes off” issue. We had some bad international relations over THAT, let me tell you. ---
**Author:** ![Avarie537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/48db29/32.png) [@Avarie537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avarie537)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/92 "2005-11-11T18:32:38Z")
White girl, here. I only use one when I’m washing off makeup at night or am really scrubbing my whole body in the shower. Other than that, my hands work just fine. I’m gonna have to throw out the shower poof now - never thought about the bacteria-harboring possibilities there! ---
**Author:** ![YaWanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/bbce88/32.png) [@YaWanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YaWanna)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/93 "2005-11-11T18:35:39Z")
> [@Debaser](#): > > How about if they provide a roll of paper towels? People do that? In their bathroom/powder room? I’ve never seen it. > [@ouryL](#): > > Hair on the bar of soap grosses people out, so they use washcloths. So, rinse the soap off! How hard is that? And then, be sure to wipe your hair out of the drain area with a piece of tissue or toilet paper, so the next person doesn’t have to look at it. Thank you. > [@Larry Mudd](#): > > I have Taiwanese friends who keep a dedicated hot towel heater by the front door and offer each visitor a hot moist towel and a cup of tea as they cross the threshold. Ooh, that’s classy! ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/94 "2005-11-11T19:05:46Z")
> [@MLS](#): > > I am mystified as to how one can really feel – or be – clean without using a cloth or other similar item. When you wash your car, do you just apply some soap and then rinse it? I might if I washed my car every single morning and kept it covered in freshly cleaned cloth most of the day. White boy here, non-washcloth user. I use a puff or my hands. Could some of this be laborer vs. non-laborer driven instead of just race driven? I imagine that if I got very dirty every day working, that I’d not be as satisfied with a non-washcloth cleaning. ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/95 "2005-11-11T20:05:51Z")
White. Soap, water, and fingernails are all I need. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/96 "2005-11-11T21:27:29Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > I might if I washed my car every single morning and kept it covered in freshly cleaned cloth most of the day. > > White boy here, non-washcloth user. I use a puff or my hands. > > Could some of this be laborer vs. non-laborer driven instead of just race driven? I imagine that if I got very dirty every day working, that I’d not be as satisfied with a non-washcloth cleaning. I 'm not so sure about the laborer slant. I know for myself (and I’m one who better run if the Revolution came today) that a wash cloth just feels good. Leaves my skin all tingly feeling. Invigorated. I’m now in the mood for a shower. ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/97 "2005-11-11T22:34:32Z")
We had them when I was a kid. My dad always made sure they were rank and horrible, so that put me off, but a clean one is great. I don’t use them now, and haven’t for years, but this thread has got me thinking I might start again. I’m white, and have never heard of the black/white divide on this until I read about it on the SDMB. Most people I know don’t use them - including my Chinese friends. Ther’e called “washers” or “face washers” here. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/98 "2005-11-11T22:39:46Z")
White, no washcloth. My family used them, and I used them when I was younger. I forget when I stopped using them. One exception: if I need to wash a small area of my body that I’d normally wash only during my morning bath, I apply soap and use the washcloth to clean off the soap. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2005, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/99 "2005-11-11T22:53:44Z")
I use a washcloth on my face every morning and noc. I use a washcloth on my body if I have been gardening all day and am filthy with ground in dirt all over. Oh,and I am as white as they come. The blacks at work call them face cloths. I for one am glad that we didn’t open the floor to the issue of how to unroll the toilet paper… ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2005, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320/100 "2005-11-12T00:41:54Z")
> [@](#): > > Quote: > Originally Posted by Rushgeekgirl > What is this? Not use a washcloth? I’ve never heard of such a thing! > Everyone in my family growing up used one; we had our own according to our favorite colors, replaced every few days. Now I use a fresh one every day because they do tend to start smelling not-so-fresh over the course of the day. I love fresh clean white wash cloths and towels. I had no idea I wasn’t supposed to like them! How else would I get the gunk outta my ears? Loofahs seem too harsh for my legs but a good soft cloth scrub makes for a good shave. > > I bet I have fifty of them. > > My Mig is the same way; likes a fresh one every day and he’s from Mexico. > [@csharpmajor](#): > > You… throw out perfectly good washcloths after using them once? :dubious: No, I wash them between uses. I said _fresh_, not new! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-white-people-use-washcloths/330320.md?page=6)