# Poll: What type of soap should a host provide? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 12, 2013, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713 "2013-03-12T15:29:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/21 "2013-03-12T22:42:31Z")
People think bar soap is gross now? Add another item to the germophobe hit list šŸ˜› If they are people I think might be a bit picky, Iā€™d put a new bar of soap out, but then itā€™s not likely to come up at our house because we only have one bathroom. I know, three bedrooms and only one bathroom - in America that would probably qualify us for food stamps or something, but we survive. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/22 "2013-03-12T22:48:37Z")
Bar soap. Weā€™d put a fresh one in the guest bathroom. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/23 "2013-03-12T23:02:55Z")
I have something like 17 different types of liquid soap and shampoo in my bathroom; I think my wife collects them. Myself, I use a bar of Dove, which the very rare guest is welcome to use, or not. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/24 "2013-03-12T23:04:49Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > People think bar soap is gross now? Add another item to the germophobe hit list šŸ˜› When I was growing up, bar soap was what people had in their bathrooms. I would no more expect to see liquid soap in a private bathroom than I would expect to see one of those hot-air hand dryers on the wall. Even though I still use bar soap myself, my SO asked me to leave some liquid soap by my sink, and I was happy to do so for her sake. Except, even though I hardly ever touch it, the spout drips and makes my sink basin all blorpy. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2013, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/25 "2013-03-12T23:08:51Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > I have something like 17 different types of liquid soap and shampoo in my bathroom; I think my wife collects them. Myself, I use a bar of Dove, which the very rare guest is welcome to use, or not. I use Dove bar soap as well and am slightly amused that this product used to be gender-neutral but now the traditional white and pink Dove bar soaps (and the hypoallergenic unscented one that I use) are in an aisle for ā€œwomenā€™s soapsā€ while there is now a separate aisle with ā€œmenā€™s soapsā€ containing Dove for Men soaps. I still buy the traditional Dove soaps, partly because theyā€™re cheaper and also because the menā€™s soaps arenā€™t available in an unscented version. ---
**Author:** ![KermitTheFrig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/47e85d/32.png) [@KermitTheFrig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KermitTheFrig)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/26 "2013-03-13T00:26:02Z")
> [@Alice\_The\_Goon](#): > > Soap isnā€™t anti-bacterial, unless it is. The purpose of soap is to loosen up oils and therefore dirt and germs go down the drain with the water. Soap can definitely harbor bacteria on itself. And any bacteria on the soap will get washed off along with your handsā€™ bacteria and go down the drain, too, right? Youā€™re using the soap to _wash away dirt!_ Any dirt on the soap also gets washed away. Or do you wash thinking that somehow youā€™re going to get dirtier from it? ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/27 "2013-03-13T00:48:13Z")
> [@Colophon](#): > > People think bar soap is gross now? Add another item to the germophobe hit list šŸ˜› I donā€™t think of bar soap as a dirty or germy thing, that never occurred to me. I just hate bar soap unless itā€™s dry and unused. More often than not, itā€™s sitting in a puddle - thatā€™s gross - and the underside is wet and spongy/goopy and it grosses me out. Itā€™s a texture/wetness problem for me, not a germophobe one. Iā€™ve always had liquid soap at the sink just because Iā€™m not a fan of bar soap, but if thatā€™s all someone has at their house, Iā€™ll use it anyway after I use the toilet - just know Iā€™m making a face when I do it! ---
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/28 "2013-03-13T01:19:40Z")
> [@SeaDragonTattoo](#): > > I donā€™t think of bar soap as a dirty or germy thing, that never occurred to me. I just hate bar soap unless itā€™s dry and unused. More often than not, itā€™s sitting in a puddle - thatā€™s gross - and the underside is wet and spongy/goopy and it grosses me out. Itā€™s a texture/wetness problem for me, not a germophobe one. > > Iā€™ve always had liquid soap at the sink just because Iā€™m not a fan of bar soap, but if thatā€™s all someone has at their house, Iā€™ll use it anyway after I use the toilet - just know Iā€™m making a face when I do it! Thatā€™s how I feel. I donā€™t like cold and slimy. And judging by the towels I toss in the laundry after people leave - no one seems to be washing his hands anyway. And I donā€™t have those linen cutesy-poo guest towels that people donā€™t like to use. ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/29 "2013-03-13T01:42:42Z")
I grew up with bar soap in the bathroom. My grandmother and mother both had these fancy French soaps pressed into the shapes of roses and other flowers for guests. Us kids got to use Dove. Iā€™d say that whateverā€™s there should be good enough. Of course if you know someone has a particular preference, especially if theyā€™re going to be there for a while, try to grab some. But if you donā€™t have time, no big deal. ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/30 "2013-03-13T02:20:12Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > After seeing this thread I intend to install a vending machine in the bathroom so guests can choose their own type of soap, and pay for it. Also, people havenā€™t been leaving a dime on the toilet tank, so Iā€™ll need a real coin operated lock for that as well. I used to have a cat who liked to play with shiny dimes on the bathroom tile. She was a little tiny thing, dimes were too big for her to swallow, so she always had one. I used to laugh myself silly when Iā€™d go into the bathroom and find my kittehā€™s dime AND another dime on the toilet tank. As to the OP, I agree that it depends on if they are houseguests or drop in visitors. Most of my drop in visitors are bikers, and the bathroom they use has a bottle of nice smelling handsoap, a used bar of Ivory and some liquid hand de-greaser. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/31 "2013-03-13T02:27:11Z")
I prefer liquid soaps or cleansers in my shower, and have different kinds. Guests are advised to use my ā€œgeneralā€ liquid soap instead of the more fancy one. Same goes for shampoos and conditioners. For the sinks, all of them, only liquid soap. The bars are my facial soaps, and I donā€™t want them used for cleaning the hands after toilet use, when theyā€™re used by me (with clean hands) for cleaning my face. ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/32 "2013-03-13T02:28:02Z")
> [@KermitTheFrig](#): > > And any bacteria on the soap will get washed off along with your handsā€™ bacteria and go down the drain, too, right? Youā€™re using the soap to _wash away dirt!_ Any dirt on the soap also gets washed away. > > Or do you wash thinking that somehow youā€™re going to get dirtier from it? Well, okay, but I was only replying to \*\* MichaelEmouse\*\*'s questioning whether soap was sanitary just by virtue of being soap. That is all. Didnā€™t say anything about getting dirty from it. ---
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/33 "2013-03-13T18:47:07Z")
> [@KarlGrenze](#): > > I prefer liquid soaps or cleansers in my shower, and have different kinds. Guests are advised to use my ā€œgeneralā€ liquid soap instead of the more fancy one. Same goes for shampoos and conditioners. How does this go down, I wonder? ā€œYou are welcome you use the Suave or the Prell. But be advised, the Paul Mitchell and NeXXus are for my exclusive use only, and I have measured them. Do not use them. I will know.ā€ ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/34 "2013-03-13T19:04:24Z")
šŸ˜‰ My guests are usually my parents. And yes, they have a tendency to use double the amount of anything needed, so Iā€™ll notice quick. Iā€™d rather they use the stock than my ā€œspecial treatā€ toiletries. Heh, youā€™re right I use Suave, but none of the other brands. šŸ˜‰ Theyā€™re also usually too fancy schmancy and girly for their taste. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/35 "2013-03-13T19:09:26Z")
Liquid hand soap at the sink seems like the normal thing, to me. I donā€™t have to worry about it getting soggy and also donā€™t have to worry about it gumming up my wedding ring. Bar soap in the shower for overnight guests, though. One that isnā€™t too perfumed. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/36 "2013-03-13T19:15:42Z")
All we have, all we have ever had, is Ivory bar soap. Sometimes goat friends send me their home-made goat milk soap, and then we use that up and go back to Ivory, cheapest possible soap. I do not hold with this newfangled soupified soap in a bottle. Is it even soap? As for the pantywaists whose sensibilities can no longer bear bar soap, donā€™t visit me. Our soap is never clean, or dry, and we only have one bathroom anyway. Youā€™re lucky you arenā€™t sleeping out in the studio, we give those people a jar to pee in. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/37 "2013-03-13T19:19:02Z")
> [@cjepson](#): > > Iā€™m a bar soap kind of guy, but recently it occurred to me that, as a host, I should probably provide liquid soap in each bathroomā€¦ because, well, it is more sanitary, and we have probably gotten to the point where some people think bar soap is sorta gross. Doper hosts, what say you? I think it depends on what sort of hosting youā€™re doing. When we had a dinner party recently, my wife cleared all the used soap out of the bathrooms. She put liquid soap in containers in the bathroom we directed guests to use. House guests are a different story, and it would depend on how well you knew them. When my youngest sister came to visit to see the baby, I gave the bathroom a better-than-average cleaning and made sure her bathroom was well provided with soap, but I wasnā€™t as fussy as I might have been. She was staying for a week, after all; no need to put a fresh bar in her bath every day, or to replace the body wash daily. And of course she was mostly taking care of that bathroom anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/38 "2013-03-13T19:25:56Z")
I definitely prefer bar soap in the shower as it seems like I need three times as much liquid soap to get the same effect. As an over night guest, Iā€™ll bring my own soap for the shower as my skin freaks out with perfumed soaps. At the sink, liquid or bar, whatever you have works for me. šŸ™‚ ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2013, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/39 "2013-03-13T20:03:00Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > I have yet to find somebody elseā€™s pube stuck to a bottle of liquid soap. Need I say more? You havenā€™t had \*\*ME \*\*over yetā€¦ :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![ouryL](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ouryl/32/6067_2.png) [@ouryL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouryL)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2013, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-what-type-of-soap-should-a-host-provide/652713/40 "2013-03-15T00:19:58Z")
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