sponge bath advice
#1
sponge bath advice
I recently switched offices where the new building has no available shower, at least not without treading on others "personal" space. So for the time being, it looks like a sink sponge bath is my best choice after 8 mile hilly commute where I am sweaty in all weather on arrival.
One question: I brought a little hand towel for face and body. I had the idea to use a splotch of hand soap on the towel and wipe down with that, leaving it on as sort of a deodorant. Seemed to work. Ideas, suggestions?
I'm sure I will develop my new routine over time; however, I've read others in a similar situation stock underwear in their office so don't have to bring everyday. Unfortunately, in my situation, it is not really possible to trudge up to the office to pick up underwear and then all the way back to the bathroom to sponge and change. No locker rooms either.
One question: I brought a little hand towel for face and body. I had the idea to use a splotch of hand soap on the towel and wipe down with that, leaving it on as sort of a deodorant. Seemed to work. Ideas, suggestions?
I'm sure I will develop my new routine over time; however, I've read others in a similar situation stock underwear in their office so don't have to bring everyday. Unfortunately, in my situation, it is not really possible to trudge up to the office to pick up underwear and then all the way back to the bathroom to sponge and change. No locker rooms either.
#3
Urban Biker
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 731
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From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Trek 720 hybrid; 2007 Specialized Tricross Comp
When I worked at a place without showers, I always started to sweat after putting work clothes on. A fresh undershirt helped absorb it so I didn't walk in to the office drenched.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Likes: 3
I also ride up hills on the way in. Wearing a breathable jacket and multiple poly layers helps with the sweat. Today I had virtually no sweat to speak of. On days I do sweat I have babywipes. One wipe does the trick. I simply wipe the stinky sweaty parts (pits, crotch, etc).
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,603
Likes: 0
From: northern California
Bikes: Bruce Gordon BLT, Cannondale parts bike, Ecodyne recumbent trike, Counterpoint Opus 2, miyata 1000
I dry the damp spots with the paper towels in the mens room. I have long hair for a guy and towel the hair too as needed. I trtied the liquid soap trick way back and found the residue bothered my skin. I shower as soon as I get home.
#6
Enjoy

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,165
Likes: 0
From: Seattle metro
Bikes: Trek 5200
I miss read the title to read Sponge Bob.
I use Handiwipes. A 6pk costs about $1.50 and you can find them in the same isle as household cleaners. They dry very quickly, and get softer with each use. Each wipe weighs less than an ounce so they're easy to carry.
I use Handiwipes. A 6pk costs about $1.50 and you can find them in the same isle as household cleaners. They dry very quickly, and get softer with each use. Each wipe weighs less than an ounce so they're easy to carry.
#7
Recumbent Evangelist
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,991
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Rebel Cycles Trike, Trek 7500FX
I find that workout sweat isn't nearly as stinky as "nervous" sweat. You might be able to get away with a towel down, a fresh coat of deodourant and dry work clothes. All these can be applied in a toilet stall.
#8
DNPAIMFB
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,655
Likes: 0
From: Cowtown, AB
Bikes: Titus El Guapo, Misfit diSSent, Cervelo Soloist Carbon, Wabi Lightning, et al.
I vote for Wet Ones, or whatever the kids are calling moist towelettes these days. These usually have some sort of rubbing alcohol in them to kill bacteria and leave you freshened. Slap on some fresh deodorant and you're good to go. If there's any way you can cool down before changing into your work clothes, do so. I arrive early to work and chill at my desk for a few minutes, then go and change. I rarely [if ever] have to worry about sweating in my work clothes.
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
Shower before you leave.
Try and cooldown on the bike when rolling along.
Dont overdress.
Soap and spongebaths are not a good match. You can never get the soap off. Use some talk powder after drying. Underwear is small enough to take in everyday but store a set at the office for WHEN you forget to bring them in.
Try and cooldown on the bike when rolling along.
Dont overdress.
Soap and spongebaths are not a good match. You can never get the soap off. Use some talk powder after drying. Underwear is small enough to take in everyday but store a set at the office for WHEN you forget to bring them in.
#10
♋ ☮♂ ☭ ☯
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,902
Likes: 2
From: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
I keep a bottle of wintergreen alcohol in my desk at work
and buzz my hair off in the summer. I slop it on heavy with
a wet paper towel . The wintergreen feels cool going on and
has a nice , fresh aroma. Also, watch what you eat. The less
meat you partake of the less odiferous you will be.
and buzz my hair off in the summer. I slop it on heavy with
a wet paper towel . The wintergreen feels cool going on and
has a nice , fresh aroma. Also, watch what you eat. The less
meat you partake of the less odiferous you will be.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 10
From: Albany, WA
I have been doing the sponge bath routine for a year now. I have a small microfibre sports towel.
1. Towel hair dry.
2. Rinse towel in soapy water, wring out, wipe face & hair
3. Rinse towel, wipe body. Use some deodorant.
4. Rinse towel, put office clothes on, go.
Next day the towel is dry and ready. I find the wet wipes are too small and leave a sticky residue for a while.
The deodorant step is crucial for me; I found it completely prevents any BO compared to before when my cycling shirt used to knock out the girls in the next building. I put on a small amount before the ride (keeps shirt odorless) and after the sponge bath.
1. Towel hair dry.
2. Rinse towel in soapy water, wring out, wipe face & hair
3. Rinse towel, wipe body. Use some deodorant.
4. Rinse towel, put office clothes on, go.
Next day the towel is dry and ready. I find the wet wipes are too small and leave a sticky residue for a while.
The deodorant step is crucial for me; I found it completely prevents any BO compared to before when my cycling shirt used to knock out the girls in the next building. I put on a small amount before the ride (keeps shirt odorless) and after the sponge bath.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 1
From: Down on East End Avenue.
Bikes: Salsa Las Cruces, Burley R&R and a boat load of others.
I sometimes use a concoction of Palmolive, water and rubbing alcohol. I mix this and keep it in a squeeze bottle. I use the big wash clothes and rinse with plenty of water. This is for the super oily skin types.






