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Where are the "no shower at work, cleanup in a bathroom" threads?

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Where are the "no shower at work, cleanup in a bathroom" threads?

Old 03-27-13, 09:34 PM
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Originally Posted by nkfrench
My routine was similar. On arrival to work I sat outside in shade with a breeze and drank water until I quit sweating. My restroom stall cleanup was with a lightly-soaped washrag, a small bucket of clean water, and a 2nd wet washrag. No wetwipes. The first wipedown pass was with the soap scrub washrag. The second wipedown pass was with the non-soapy washrag as a "rinse", using the bucket to re-wet the washrag after wringing it out over the toilet. After particularly sweaty morning commutes I would sink-wash the bike clothing. I had a small fan in my cubicle to help the bike clothes dry faster. No Lysol needed. I used thin microfiber towels/washrags that pack small, dry quick. I kept 2 sets at work.

It was actually a much easier and faster transition than I had at other facilities with showers due to walk distance.
This sounds closer to what I may be able to do. The large bathroom I have access to it has a lock and there are other multi-person bathrooms around that people can use. I can get as complicated or simple as I want. I'll start with "Full featured" and modify from there.
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Old 03-27-13, 11:05 PM
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Originally Posted by dramiscram
I work in an automobile dealer so if I stink too much one morning I'll spill some gear oil on a wipe and put it under my desk to cover my own smell
I noticed a couple of techs from the local Ford dealer sniffing each other and themselves in Cici's Pizza a few days ago. Couldn't figure out what was going on until the woman that had just walked by their table passed me on her way out the door. She reeked of scorched gear oil.

I really don't want to know why, especially since she wouldn't have fit under any vehicle with less clearance than Gravedigger.
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Old 03-28-13, 04:42 AM
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I envy commuters who have to go to such extrordinary lengths. After commuting for a couple of years I'd like to think I would to but initially, maybe not. I have the luxury of several shower/locker rooms. I work at a VA Hospital. We're building a new parking ramp so to encourage bike commuting during the process (construction will eat up alot of parking) they are reimbursing up to $20/month in bike related expenses if you ride half the time. Tune ups, equipment whatever. Show them the receipt and BaBam, it shows up in your bank. Not a bad deal...
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Old 03-28-13, 02:10 PM
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don't cool down, wash up as soon as you get there. strip everything and put on new everything. you can always shove some paper towels under your arm pits and underwear until you cool off. I personally hate feeling clammy.
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Old 03-28-13, 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted by rumrunn6
don't cool down, wash up as soon as you get there. strip everything and put on new everything. you can always shove some paper towels under your arm pits and underwear until you cool off. I personally hate feeling clammy.
I would think I'll keep sweating if I don't cool down, right?
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Old 03-28-13, 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by WonderMonkey
I would think I'll keep sweating if I don't cool down, right?
cool down a little maybe but don't let your sweat dry. it's decaying bacteria that smells and you want it off your body asap. I always went in way before anyone else so i could cool down, wash off, change clothes, dry off, etc. I also used the paper towels and discreetly went back to mens room to remove them after cool down was complete.

you'll find your balance. experiment. maybe try it on a very casual day like maybe tomorrow, good friday.
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Old 03-28-13, 06:40 PM
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I am commuting a similar distance at the moment, so have the same need to clean up. The shop I'm working at does not have a shower, so I do the sink routine. I pack a small toiletries kit, a washcloth and a small towel, and clean up with soap and water before getting into clean clothes. Since I work at a bike shop, it is easier than when I worked in the corporate environment - more casual clothes, mainly, so easier to pack things into the panniers.
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Old 03-28-13, 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by rumrunn6
cool down a little maybe but don't let your sweat dry. it's decaying bacteria that smells and you want it off your body asap. I always went in way before anyone else so i could cool down, wash off, change clothes, dry off, etc. I also used the paper towels and discreetly went back to mens room to remove them after cool down was complete.

you'll find your balance. experiment. maybe try it on a very casual day like maybe tomorrow, good friday.
Ah yes I do agree with that.
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Old 03-28-13, 10:16 PM
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Originally Posted by canyoneagle
I am commuting a similar distance at the moment, so have the same need to clean up. The shop I'm working at does not have a shower, so I do the sink routine. I pack a small toiletries kit, a washcloth and a small towel, and clean up with soap and water before getting into clean clothes. Since I work at a bike shop, it is easier than when I worked in the corporate environment - more casual clothes, mainly, so easier to pack things into the panniers.
I don't worry about packing my clothing as I'll be driving into work enough to transport things back and forth and keep them in my office. I anticipate commuting twice a week, three times at most due to after work kids activities, etc.
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Old 03-28-13, 11:12 PM
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I work in a hospital, so I change into hospital scrubs when I get there. Any wet/sweaty clothes get hung up in the locker room. I have some antibacterial baby wipe sort of things (only for adults and citrus scented) that I wipe down with, and some deodorant in my locker. I have a cheap comb in my locker, it gets wet down and run through my hair, then face wiped off, then I'm off to work.
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Old 03-29-13, 04:23 AM
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So glad my job has showeres. But, when I worked somewhere it didn't....I would bring along a small bucket. Also go & check out Dick's for your sweaty.....well you know :-). They have tons of camping gear & supplies. Baby wipes arte fine in a pinch, but they smaell like.....baby wipes! Sporting good stores have stuff that will accomendate nicely. Also, I currently use my trailer to pack for the entire week. 5 of everything. Shave kit, extra towels, the works. I find it better to pack for the week rather than struggle to remember 15 mins before launch time.
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Old 03-29-13, 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by cplager
You basically got it right.

Take a shower at home. In the private bath room, use baby wipes to thoroughly wipe yourself down and put on new clothes. Don't forget deodorant.
+1, I have an 11 mile commute and even in the heat of summer this works fine. I use Monkey Butt Safari towels in the summer, basically a really big baby wipe. Do a search and you'll find the science of stink - basically caused by bacteria not sweat. Taking a shower first washes off the bacteria
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Old 03-29-13, 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by TOTAL CONTROL
So glad my job has showeres. But, when I worked somewhere it didn't....I would bring along a small bucket. Also go & check out Dick's for your sweaty.....well you know :-). They have tons of camping gear & supplies. Baby wipes arte fine in a pinch, but they smaell like.....baby wipes! Sporting good stores have stuff that will accomendate nicely. Also, I currently use my trailer to pack for the entire week. 5 of everything. Shave kit, extra towels, the works. I find it better to pack for the week rather than struggle to remember 15 mins before launch time.
A small bucket is a nice idea! I have a sink I can use but maybe the bucket will help.

Since I won't be riding everyday I can use my vehicle to bring in all my stuff. I am going to get a Travoy or a Wike thing and will pull it each time to get used to it for camping so I'll be able to use it if I find myself deficient in all my supplies.
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