Until a recent change in departments, I was in a public-facing customer service position. I know what you mean about not looking or smelling homeless at work.
I'm also very sweaty...Here's what works for me:
- Shower very last thing before leaving home. Apply deodorant....
In ten years of bike commuting, never a peep from patrons, co-workers or management.
I totally agree with @tsl’s clean-up protocol, though I use an abbreviated version with my own particular innovation, as described in this post to a recent Commuting thread, "Do you really need to shower?."
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
I have shower facilities and can store clean clothes at work, though usually I wear scrub shirts and pants. I don’t have much close interaction with staff,and they would let me know if I offended. But here’s my unique contribution.
I shower in the evening or the morning before the ride, and as my deodorant I use 91% rubbing alcohol. This is used to clean the skin prior to drawing blood and is an effective bactericide. It leaves no scent and evaporates quickly and refreshingly. It can also be used to clean “down there” to prevent lesions from the saddle [and it lasts a long time, at least day-long].
If I have to wear regular clothes though, I always want to take a shower.
I usually defer a shower because I get very busy as soon as I arrive and I don't want to lose that
get-up-and-go euphoria after the bike ride.