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Original poster

How long have you gone without a shower/bath?

176 replies

Inthebathagain · 30/08/2023 09:43

I normally bath/shower every day, but due to a number of unexpected matters cropping up, I haven't had one since Saturday.

Brushed my teeth daily. Quick face cleanse on a couple of those days.

I don't feel as dirty or smelly as I thought I would.

What's the longest you have you gone between showers/baths?

OP posts:
JumpingQueen · 30/08/2023 09:49

When I was in hospital it was 13 days…I didn’t smell (apart from the hospital smell) my hair was pretty awful despite dry shampoo!

Normally I wash every other day (this works with my exercise routine as well) my skin is really dry and sensitive so even that’s probably too much to be honest! I only wash my hair twice a week now tho

Face is washed daily!

Shoxfordian · 30/08/2023 09:51

Unless I’m really unwell and can’t get out of bed then every day I shower and wash my hair

We had guests recently who didn’t shower for 3 days: disgusting

Lupin61 · 30/08/2023 09:54

When I was very depressed I wouldn’t shower for 3 days at a time but I wasn’t leaving the house or seeing anyone. If I had been seeing people I would have tried to force myself to shower every day

Offyoupoplove · 30/08/2023 09:54

Most people don’t need to shower every day. It’s a relatively recent idea and won’t probably continue given water/energy concerns. Most people could strip wash and then have a shower every 5 days and suffer no ill consequences. Obviously some people enjoy them as a way to wake up but it’s not unhygienic to clean in other less energy/water intensive ways.

TheChosenTwo · 30/08/2023 09:55

About 12 days when I slipped 2 discs! Could barely move at all. It was enough of a job for dh to help me to the toilet tbh.

JSmithIloveyou · 30/08/2023 10:01

Only when ill or had operation.
This time last year l was in hospital a lot with gallbladder problems.. infection and inflamed.. liver abcess.. l was throwing up and in pain.. but if l managed a shower l felt so much much better.. the feeling of a morning shower is literally gorgeous.

Robbiesraft · 30/08/2023 10:43

3 days. We stayed at a 'friends' house and I'm sure they were listening when we were in the bathroom and DP caught them feeling how wet our towels were. Lots of mutterings from them too about how disgusting we were when we left. The thing is the bathroom was rank. Weirdos.

Dryona · 30/08/2023 10:44

In my adult life never longer than 24 hours tbh, I would feel gross if I didn't shower daily, in the morning.

TheLongGloriesOfTheWinterMoon · 30/08/2023 10:46

3 days I suppose on the odd time I've been too ill, or the water gets cut off for some reason.

There's a well known TV influencer that I follow on SM who has long hair and apparently washes it once a week. I just couldn't. My hair is rank and sweaty after 2-3 days.

LaMarschallin · 30/08/2023 10:47

Robbiesraft

Grin
Mischance · 30/08/2023 10:48

I shower twice a week.

In between I wash my "pits and bits" daily and use a good deodorant (Mitchum). I also use wet wipes after loo.

I only wash my hair once a week as it does not get greasy.

A lot of water and electricity/gas/oil is wasted on daily showers.

WandaWonder · 30/08/2023 10:49

Maybe 36 hours

Fizbosshoes · 30/08/2023 10:49

I've been on a few trekking holidays where we went at least 6 days without showering (and not much washing either ) I've done a weekend camping in the UK without showering as well and survived!

Even in normal life, I don't meet MN cleanliness standards because I generally only have 1 shower/day!

Cowlover89 · 30/08/2023 10:50

I can go 2 days without a bath. My son gets a bath twice a week.

Londonlassy · 30/08/2023 10:51

Five days no shower when I was in a very low mood. Excessively use of screen time, eating crap and neglecting my hygiene are all early signs I’m on a downward spiral. I really try and see these signs earlier and put some self care strategies in place

ErrolTheDragon · 30/08/2023 10:55

A week when we rafted down the Grand Canyon. Well, DH and I had a wash in the river, it was too cold for anyone else to attempt it. And I managed a hair wash in cold water in the sink at the loo block where the trail crosses the river.

Taketurn · 30/08/2023 10:57

Cowlover89 · 30/08/2023 10:50

I can go 2 days without a bath. My son gets a bath twice a week.

How old is your son?

eandz13 · 30/08/2023 10:59

About 2/3 weeks - I'd been in an accident, I'd broken several ribs, both wrists and tore the ligaments behind my kneecaps, so showering would have been pretty awkward to manage. My lovely mum did help to fully wash me/my hair etc in that time though so I wasn't mega smelly or anything.

I shower every day without fail. It doesn't bother me that other people don't do this though.

Cowlover89 · 30/08/2023 11:00

Taketurn · 30/08/2023 10:57

How old is your son?

Show quote history

16 months

ohtowinthelottery · 30/08/2023 11:00

Couple of weeks ago we were camping in a field for a week with very basic facilities. Had 1 shower in a very rudimentary shower but after that it got muddy on the field which crept into the shower area so we didn't use it again. So it was wet wipes only for the next 5 days.

Lentilweaver · 30/08/2023 11:01

24 hours. Except when in hospital.

Peony654 · 30/08/2023 11:01

About 6 days (Wed to Mon) at Glastonbury. Wet wipes only!

Tomhanksismine · 30/08/2023 11:02

Robbiesraft · 30/08/2023 10:43

3 days. We stayed at a 'friends' house and I'm sure they were listening when we were in the bathroom and DP caught them feeling how wet our towels were. Lots of mutterings from them too about how disgusting we were when we left. The thing is the bathroom was rank. Weirdos.

I think it was @Shoxfordian that hosted you 😂

Taketurn · 30/08/2023 11:03

Cowlover89 · 30/08/2023 11:00

16 months

Show quote history

mmm still young but I think he could still do with a couple more baths a week like. Especially if he goes to daycare.

CallieQ · 30/08/2023 11:03

Not another how often do you shower thread...