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Sharing bath water

255 replies

UltimateLuxury · 04/02/2026 19:41

Just that really.
For what it is worth we have a massive roll top bath which takes 15 minutes to fill
I usually offer out to rest of family when I am done.
is that okay or grim?

OP posts:
Heyhoherewego23 · 04/02/2026 22:05

I’m genuinely really shocked about the severe reaction to this. I had no idea I was so grim! We all wash frequently and my children are always clean.

I had a couple of weeks with a shower not working, was I supposed to run 5 hot baths before 8.30am? It wouldn’t heat up quick enough!

The repulsion about sitting in your own skin cells I find really bizarre! It’s water, you’re washing, you come out clean. To be fair I’m not a wallower, I get in, wash, get out. You do realise you give your child a hug, their skin cells are rubbing off on you? When your child is sick, do you leave them to it in case they get anything gross on you?

I would never make my children get in grey lukewarm bath water but that really has never been the case! Water is not rationed at all anyone can run themselves a hot bath or shower at anytime, but I can’t imagine needing a quick wash and draining a bath just to refill.

ChocolateCinderToffee · 04/02/2026 21:55

My mother used to make me bath in my brother's water and I knew he'd peed in it.

Bloody grim.

I shower, these days.

ImADelightActually · 04/02/2026 21:55

Twattergy · 04/02/2026 21:11

Its not at all grim! Its not like someone's shat in the bath before you! Yes I pop in the bath for 5 mins and DS has it after. First user doesn't wash hair, shave etc. Its totally fine and an efficient use of water.

Why is washing head hair in the water a no go for shared water but washing genitals and arsecrack before someone else uses the water is ok? As I said in my last post I don’t think people who share water are grim but my childhood experience of fishing out pubes makes me feel sick and I couldn’t do it now.

HattieJ2 · 04/02/2026 21:51

Happyjoe · 04/02/2026 21:42

😧!!!

That’s nearly as bad as boogies on the steering wheel 🛞

😂😂

Happyjoe · 04/02/2026 21:43

XDownwiththissortofthingX · 04/02/2026 21:42

Haven't had a bath in getting on for 35 years because I can't stand sitting in my own effluent. The thought of climbing into someone else's used water is stomach-churning. 😐

And the rest of us wipe after the loo 😂

Shypinkpiggypants · 04/02/2026 21:43

I go first then husband uses mine ! Never other way around !!!!!!!!

I used to date a builder who would watch me bath then go in it !!! He was filthy from work so of course I’d leave !!!!!!! I had forgotten him!

XDownwiththissortofthingX · 04/02/2026 21:42

Haven't had a bath in getting on for 35 years because I can't stand sitting in my own effluent. The thought of climbing into someone else's used water is stomach-churning. 😐

Happyjoe · 04/02/2026 21:42

Proccy · 04/02/2026 21:41

Never thanks. Very grim. My dp told me when they'd had a particularly bad fallout with their ex they pissed in the water, then their unknowing ex partner got in and washed their hair etc. So no, I certainly wouldn't 😁

😧!!!

holdtheline11 · 04/02/2026 21:41

It's fine!

Proccy · 04/02/2026 21:41

Never thanks. Very grim. My dp told me when they'd had a particularly bad fallout with their ex they pissed in the water, then their unknowing ex partner got in and washed their hair etc. So no, I certainly wouldn't 😁

Happyjoe · 04/02/2026 21:39

Used to share them in a romantic way with OH. Not now tho, bath time is my precious time.
I doubt I'd use his bath water after he got out, be too cold by then anyway.

TheIrritatingGentleman · 04/02/2026 21:38

I just couldn't, I wouldn't feel clean.

If people are worried about water bills then a shower makes more sense anyway, surely?

I'm not a bath fan generally, although I understand people taking one to relax so possibly going in together for that reason.

Definitely not for more than one person cleaning themselves!

Happyjoe · 04/02/2026 21:38

Tableforjoan · 04/02/2026 19:44

I’d say grim but I think baths full stop are grim. You just sit in your dirt sweat and dead cells.

And can rinse yourself down just before getting out. Baths are amazing, time to ponder, feels amazing on aches and pains and actually gets into all the nitty gritty better than showers, lol. Love em.

Clefable · 04/02/2026 21:38

Absolutely not. Look, on a logical level I know it’s okay but it doesn’t override the massive klaxon sounding in my head that it is GRIMMER THAN A GRIM THING IN GRIMSBY.

That said, our two DDs sometimes share a bath or bath water but as an adult I could never get in a bath that someone else has been in, washed themselves in and then got out again. Never!!!!

HattieJ2 · 04/02/2026 21:38

Always did this as kids and teenagers and my parents always shared

MyTrivia · 04/02/2026 21:37

Also surely the water gets cold as well as dirty??

MyTrivia · 04/02/2026 21:37

Ewww no, no, no!

liamharha · 04/02/2026 21:37

UltimateLuxury · 04/02/2026 19:41

Just that really.
For what it is worth we have a massive roll top bath which takes 15 minutes to fill
I usually offer out to rest of family when I am done.
is that okay or grim?

I'm with you op we do too .

Iamsotiredandfedup · 04/02/2026 21:36

Mathsdebator · 04/02/2026 20:01

Our friends do this. Her first then their ds, then the dh. They offered my ds 3rd place once when he stayed

He declined 🤣

Oh no that’s a bit much, your poor son 😂

my daughter or partner will have mine after me, no hair washing rule applies. I would have daughters after her, not partner though, fuck that

Fuelledbylatte · 04/02/2026 21:35

Yep
ordinary dip in and out before bed happy to share with a kid but not DH

any mud/dirt/shaving/hair washing then no

we all shower independently each morning, a bath is more to warm up and relax before putting pjs on

skippy67 · 04/02/2026 21:35

Grim as grim can be.

NewsOfMidLevelPortent · 04/02/2026 21:35

I don't think there's anything wrong with it, but I wouldn't want to do it unless under unusual circumstances (like a lack of another way to clean myself). I prefer showers, though, so a bath typically holds little appeal for me.

Fizbosshoes · 04/02/2026 21:34

MTOandMe · 04/02/2026 20:54

I wish PP’s would come up with a better word than grim? Can we have a different word, let’s have a bit of variety!

Tbf the OP specifically asked if it was grim....although it is a MN favourite....along with vile!
Baths (with and without sharing)- grim
Showering once a day - grim
Ensuite bathrooms - grim
Toilet brushes- grim
Wearing a hoodie or tshirt more than once - grim
Washing pet bowls (by any method) - grim
Home baking - grim
Other people using a toilet - grim
Etc etc!!

Imokfineok · 04/02/2026 21:33

Eww just no it's disgusting 🤮
I remember a thread some time ago about the kids using the OP's DH bath water - disgusting.

Zov · 04/02/2026 21:32

Youspurnme · 04/02/2026 21:31

wtf?? How is this even a question in this day and age, it’s revolting!! Sharing dead skin cells, fecal matter, pubes, hairs, with someone?? Fuck me how do you even need to ask? 🤮

Great reaction! 😆