# "White people don't use washcloths." **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 29, 2004, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838 "2004-10-29T13:16:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2004, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/41 "2004-10-29T21:55:14Z")
“But Ironhead…what’s with this thingy?” ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2004, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/42 "2004-10-29T21:55:49Z")
violacrane, that is precisely to what I was referring. ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2004, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/43 "2004-10-29T22:00:39Z")
I only use soap on my face. If I want to clean my butt, I just drag it on the carpet. ---
**Author:** ![Shrinking\_Violet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@Shrinking\_Violet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shrinking_Violet)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/44 "2004-10-30T00:01:15Z")
I find nothing buffs up the skin better than a good all-over scrub with long, luxuriant armpit hair. ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/45 "2004-10-30T00:25:05Z")
I’ve never used a washcloth in the shower. I’ve always been a bit puzzled by them, frankly. What’s the point? Eliminate the middleman! Soap on the body! And, for that matter, pee in the shower! ---
**Author:** ![rolandgunslinger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/cdc98d/32.png) [@rolandgunslinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rolandgunslinger)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/46 "2004-10-30T00:35:21Z")
> [@Avarie537](#): > > White girl checking in here. > > I use my washcloth at night to wash my face (only). I use the same one for 2-3 days. In the shower, I almost never use a washcloth. I’ll use a fluffy scrubby thing for my body if I’m using body wash. I usually just use my hands and soap. The Girly Bits are washed thusly: lather up both hands really really well. Use one for the “front” and the other for the “back.” Voila! All clean, and no nasties being put back on the bar. Now I’m tuned on… 😃 ---
**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:** [October 30, 2004, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/47 "2004-10-30T02:43:48Z")
_perks up_ What’s Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap? Where do I get it? What does it look like? Is it actually minty? I want some. On top of the cabinet that sits just outside my shower, there lives an ever-renewing pile of white, fluffy, newly-laundered washcloths. I grab a new one every time I wash. I launder the washcloths, towels, and my panties in one load, and put bleach in with it to kill all the germs. The washcloths are the cheap 12-for-$5 Target ones. I love them because they are rough, and do a good job exfoliating. I am white. ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/48 "2004-10-30T03:07:53Z")
[Behold the wonder that is Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap in Peppermint](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00012NDTW/qid=1099105804/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3_hpc/103-0041724-3271039?v=glance&s=hpc&n=3760931). It’s a great pick-me-up. I alternate between that and Origin’s Salt Suds shower gel. It’s scented with peppermint and spearmint. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/49 "2004-10-30T03:17:53Z")
"And what’s the deal with those Gauls, I ask you? Rubbing themselves with potash, lard and lye? And don’t you hate it when you find some plebian’s pubic hair on your stirgil when you return from the tepidarium? Thank you, I’ll be here all week. Try the roasted hummingbird’s tongues. Then throw them up and try some more." ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/50 "2004-10-30T06:38:40Z")
> [@adam yax](#): > > Isn’t anybody here concerned that there seems to be somebody watching and taking notes about what others do in the shower? > > Where do people with massaging shower heads point the stream? Inquiring minds want to know. I point the stream wherever I please. And it does a dandy job of making me feel clean and refreshed I’d hate to try to shower without one… I use a fresh washcloth for every shower. I squirt some of the liquid soap on it, wash my face, and then work downwards. ---
**Author:** ![Ludicrous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/82dd89/32.png) [@Ludicrous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludicrous)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/51 "2004-10-30T07:01:16Z")
The version i heard mentioned how bars of soap are ususally shared between family memebers and it is that which is disgusting. Who wants to use a bar of soap and no washcloth to scrub their face when it was just used to clean your mother’s butt or genitals? If only the washcloth has body contact, well that unsettling image can never spring to mind. ---
**Author:** ![Scissorjack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c67d28/32.png) [@Scissorjack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scissorjack)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/52 "2004-10-30T10:51:48Z")
Bart Simpson, fantasising: “Ah wash mahself with a rag on a stick.” ---
**Author:** ![calm\_kiwi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc348/32.png) [@calm\_kiwi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/calm_kiwi)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/53 "2004-10-30T11:18:04Z")
> [@Ludicrous](#): > > The version i heard mentioned how bars of soap are ususally shared between family memebers and it is that which is disgusting. > > Who wants to use a bar of soap and no washcloth to scrub their face when it was just used to clean your mother’s butt or genitals? If only the washcloth has body contact, well that unsettling image can never spring to mind. Do you also have a seperate bar of soap for each family member after they use the loo? It’s soap! It’s job is clean. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/54 "2004-10-30T15:57:28Z")
> [@calm kiwi](#): > > Do you also have a seperate bar of soap for each family member after they use the loo? It’s soap! It’s job is clean. 😃 I’ve actually got a separate bathroom for everybody 😛 It’s hard to blame somebody else because the room’s a mess. Of course my wife and I shared but with double sinks and a shower for me separate from her tub, pretty cool arrangement. Then there’s the guest bathroom which I keep spotless clean. That’s off limits to everyday use and is adjoining the guest bedroom. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/55 "2004-10-30T16:38:16Z")
> [@Trunk](#): > > I just hire a black person to wash my ass. :eek: Dude. I just inhaled Mountain Dew. HAHAHA!!! > [@Smeghead](#): > > And, for that matter, pee in the shower! And we all know who does [that\*](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=27543). Ah, good times. \*It’s a pretty old thread. Try not to bump it. ---
**Author:** ![FilmGeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@FilmGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FilmGeek)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/56 "2004-10-30T16:40:11Z")
People have the WEIRDEST hangups. 😃 I use the same washcloth (all over my body) until it starts to smell… off. Ardred uses bar soap and a cloth, with the soap held underneath the cloth. He gets a good lather because he has body hair, which gives it some great friction action. I tried this, and I got a film of soap and no lather. Blech. I use liquid soap with moisturizers and Ardred uses antibacterial bar soap. I use his only if I’m out, because it dries out my skin. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/57 "2004-10-30T18:33:34Z")
> [@pizzabrat](#): > > You may want to launder wash-cloths for peace-of-mind, but they don’t really compare to dish-sponges. Sponges are made of a completely different, much more fragile material, they don’t wash out as easily and even despite dirt, they have to be replaced due to wear. Actually, that sounds like a great way to get a staff infection! I’m white. I use a washcloth-a clean one from the cabinet-and soap-soap up the cloth, wash face, then wash the rest, ass and naughty bits last. THEN, I throw the dirty washcloth in the laundry basket with the rest of the dirty towels. Nothing fancy. Damn, who the fuck washes his ass _before_ washing his face? Because that’s just wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Marsie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/34f0e0/32.png) [@Marsie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marsie)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/58 "2004-10-30T20:41:27Z")
> [@Sattua](#): > > _perks up_ What’s Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap? Where do I get it? What does it look like? Is it actually minty? I want some. > > On top of the cabinet that sits just outside my shower, there lives an ever-renewing pile of white, fluffy, newly-laundered washcloths. I grab a new one every time I wash. I launder the washcloths, towels, and my panties in one load, and put bleach in with it to kill all the germs. The washcloths are the cheap 12-for-$5 Target ones. I love them because they are rough, and do a good job exfoliating. > > I am white. Target washcloths rock! ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2004, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/59 "2004-10-30T21:40:46Z")
> [@Slithy Tove](#): > > Thank you, I’ll be here all week. Try the roasted hummingbird’s tongues. Then throw them up and try some more." _A popular misconception is that Romans made use of a room called a vomitorium for the express purpose of vomiting in between meals, so that a person could consume more. This myth is false; a vomitorium is really a passage situated below or behind a tier of seats in an amphitheatre, into which the crowds could “spew out” at the end of a show._ [http://www.worldhistory.com/wiki/R/Roman-eating-and-drinking.htm](http://www.worldhistory.com/wiki/R/Roman-eating-and-drinking.htm) ---
**Author:** ![smartini](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/22d042/32.png) [@smartini](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smartini)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2004, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838/60 "2004-10-31T00:48:57Z")
I hate washcloths and have them mostly in case a guest wants them. Otherwise, they generally just stay stacked in the linen closet. But I just love bath _stuff._🙂 Puffs, loofahs, exfoliating cloths, brushes, a foot scrubber that sticks to the bottom of the shower, pumice. I’ve even got a rubber ducky in there. All these make my body _feel_ great, but to get _clean_ I prefer my lathered hand. And it’s always right there on the end of my arm. Can’t beat that. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-people-dont-use-washcloths/271838.md?page=4)