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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do you wash your back?

139 replies

uhaw · 23/09/2023 21:30

And if so, how? I usually let the soap from hair run over it in a shower, but not sure if that’s actually cleaning it!

OP posts:
Motheranddaughter · 23/09/2023 21:57

No

agent765 · 23/09/2023 22:00

I use a long African net washcloth. A couple of quid on Etsy/eBay/Amazon. It goes in a wash bag in the machine with the towels.

It dries quickly so even between laundering I'm happy it doesn't stay damp enough to harbour germs.

I hang mine on an over-door ironing hook (Lakeland) that hooks on the shower screen so the cloth can drip dry between showers.

I physically wash every inch, head to toe. It exfoliates my skin and keeps it smooth and healthy. I worked in the NHS for years and the number of people coming in with skin problems that could have been avoided if they'd washed properly and regularly was incredible.

Blazingunicorns · 23/09/2023 22:00

smartiesneberhadtheanswer · 23/09/2023 21:42

I soap under my arms and wash no other part of me, just assume run off from shampoo etc will clean me.

Mumsnet is so weird with all the constant washing of body parts and sheets

Fanny and bum hole should be washed daily surely 😱 Are you rationing your shower gel?

Qwerty21 · 23/09/2023 22:00

smartiesneberhadtheanswer · 23/09/2023 21:42

I soap under my arms and wash no other part of me, just assume run off from shampoo etc will clean me.

Mumsnet is so weird with all the constant washing of body parts and sheets

You don't even wash your arse?!

TomatoSandwiches · 23/09/2023 22:00

I imagine I miss a small center section but yes I use contortion and a loofer and try to get most of my back.

Borris · 23/09/2023 22:01

Only with the water and soap running down it. I don't think it's unclean though!

Shadypaws23 · 23/09/2023 22:01

Yes, a Korean exfoliating wash cloth which is like a long strip of fabric
I wash everything from in between toes to belly button

Islandsadness · 23/09/2023 22:03

smartiesneberhadtheanswer · 23/09/2023 21:51

@Lilibert456 @Waitingandwaitingg

What do you honestly think the issue is? I don't do physical work, the shampoo, soap etc rub off is more than sufficient. I smell perfectly nice and am incredibly healthy.

You're just brainwashed by the cosmetics industry

Do you don't exercise either? Ever get sweaty or hand sweaty feet? Don't poo and need to clean your bum? Don't wee and need to wash between your legs?!

justanothermanicmonday1 · 23/09/2023 22:04

Wash from the top of my back then from the bottom up to the middle!

Loomy · 23/09/2023 22:04

Yes, I shower twice a day. Sometimes once if I’ve not been out and can’t be bothered.
Mumsnet is weird with people who don’t shower often.

TomatoSandwiches · 23/09/2023 22:05

Has no one ever worn a white bra especially in summer and caught the sight of the dull grey/dirty colour on the back strap?
Backs definitely get dirty, even if it's just dead skin cells and sweat, perhaps not every day but I think a scrub twice a week is acceptable.

megletthesecond · 23/09/2023 22:05

Yes. Quick swish over with a backbrush.

Haveallthesongsbeenwritten · 23/09/2023 22:05

Hermittrismegistus · 23/09/2023 21:35

Yes. I use contortion and a sponge.

Yeah a big long brush! I once read that people were not cleaning their feet neither in the shower?? Where as i would always use a flannel on them in the shower … thoughts?

SunnieShine · 23/09/2023 22:06

Yes, with a back-wash brush on a long handle.

Somethingsnappy · 23/09/2023 22:07

Well, this thread is eye-opening!

I'm in the passive back-washing camp, unless I can reach it with my hands relatively easily for a quick rub with my palms.

ILikeDinosaurs · 23/09/2023 22:07

Yes, I use a Salux Japanese wash cloth that's really scrubby, my skin has never been so soft and smooth. And it's long, so no contortion needed.

JaneJeffer · 23/09/2023 22:08

Yes I have hyper mobile elbows

ThePoshUns · 23/09/2023 22:08

Yes with a shower puff. Hopefully get it all but I do wash all over as not properly clean otherwise

BebbanburgIsMine · 23/09/2023 22:08

I just soak myself in the bath.

I never have showers, I hate them.

TomatoSandwiches · 23/09/2023 22:09

BebbanburgIsMine · 23/09/2023 22:08

I just soak myself in the bath.

I never have showers, I hate them.

Ah no not the human stew! 😂

smartiesneberhadtheanswer · 23/09/2023 22:10

TomatoSandwiches · 23/09/2023 22:05

Has no one ever worn a white bra especially in summer and caught the sight of the dull grey/dirty colour on the back strap?
Backs definitely get dirty, even if it's just dead skin cells and sweat, perhaps not every day but I think a scrub twice a week is acceptable.

Dead skin cells aren't dirt, neither is sweat 😂😂😂😂

TomatoSandwiches · 23/09/2023 22:11

smartiesneberhadtheanswer · 23/09/2023 22:10

Dead skin cells aren't dirt, neither is sweat 😂😂😂😂

Show quote history

If sweat isn't washed off it starts to smell.

Thepossibility · 23/09/2023 22:11

smartiesneberhadtheanswer · 23/09/2023 21:42

I soap under my arms and wash no other part of me, just assume run off from shampoo etc will clean me.

Mumsnet is so weird with all the constant washing of body parts and sheets

Surely washing your arse is a bigger priority than pits?
Priority order is arse, vulva, pits, feet.
Personally I wash everything else but those are non negotiable.

Shadypaws23 · 23/09/2023 22:11

They might not be dirt but I don't want either on my back! My back gets sweat dripping down it, why wouldn't you wash it? If I just rinsed it with water I would have spots and dull skin

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