Is there a good all-in-one clothes/body wash?

[edmilkman]

I've been on many tours in the last 4 years, but have never asked how to compact one very basic need- washing my body and my clothes. I still carry three separate containers of shampoo, bar of soap, and some Dawn for grease on my bike jersey. Never have experimented to find out if soap, or Dawn, works on my hair, or if Dawn messes up my skin? I'm chicken I guess. The only thing I have discovered is that soap lasts way longer when I started using one of those puffy - girly looking sponges instead of a wash rag. /the only drawback to it is you can't reach all the way behind your back.

[WesternFlyer]

The answer is "All-One" 18-1 pure castile soap by Dr. Bronner.  About a third of the bikers I met this summer had a 2 oz bottle of it.  You can refill the bottle at many natural food stores' bulk bins.  The label states "To clean body-mind-soul-spirit instantly uniting One!  Absolute cleanliness is Godliness!"  What more could you want or you ask of your soap!?

In the Oregon hiker/biker campsites there are signs in the bathrooms telling you not to wash you clothes in the sinks.  There are no such signs in the showers.  I would step into the shower with my bike clothes on and start soaping up with Dr B from head to toe.  Peel off the layers and rinse.  The cleanliness is absolutethe Godliness varies from day-to-day.

And with a good scrubber and a little elbow-grease it does fairly well on the frying pan.


Western Flyer

[JayH]

I agree with WesternFlyer, I take the Dr. Bronners everywhere, camping, biking, etc.  It's pretty useful and pretty strong, don't forget to dilute a bit.  

And in addition to cleasiness, when it's raining outside and you're stuck in your tent, you can sit there and read all the little fine print that's on the label. In fact, apparently, they couldn't fit everything on the label and resorted to selling the container with a small book on a lanyard with it!

Jay

[driftlessregion]

Ah but which flavor? I usually tour/camp with peppermint but have just discovered almond. Love the stuff for over 30 years.

[WesternFlyer]

Well I am from Oregon so I of course use Hemp/Lavender!

Western Flyer

[JayH]

I typically use Peppermint but I will try others, even Almond!

I use this as a soap, shampoo, wash my clothes, etc.. I do carry toothpaste though..

Jay

This message was edited by JayH on 10-31-07 @ 5:24 AM

[gregg]

Well, to offer a different opinion. I have sensitive skin and have found Dr. Bronner's too harsh. I use Clearly Natural, which is a glycerine soap to wash me, my bike clothes (in the shower or sink), my hair, my dishes, my water bottles, and to shave (my face) with. It is about $2.00 for a 4 oz. bar and I get about 2 weeks out of a bar of it. I keep it in a zip lock bag, and usually have no trouble finding it at a various supermarkets. It is hypo-allergenic, cruelty free, etc. etc. I prefer the unscented, but it does come in scents if you like that kind of thing. It made by Beaumont Products out of Georgia, www.clearlynaturalsoaps.com. I don't work for them, and neither does anyone I know, I just like the soap.

Gregg

[driftlessregion]

"I use this as a soap, shampoo, wash my clothes, etc.. I do carry toothpaste though.. "
But it's nice to know we can use it on our teeth in a pinch though! ( I have and once is enough)

[JayH]

driftlessregion: OK, you're braver than I!  But I'll keep that in mind for the future.

Gregg: I agree with you, it is pretty strong in it's natural form but I always make sure to dilute it pretty well. I think even the instructions (that get lost in all the flotsam) say to dilute it.  I believe the soap will really dry out your skin if not diluted...

Jay

[Houston]

Try not to use anything too heavily scented because it will often attract mosquitos.

[roadrunner]

I take a simple approach for carrying soap for body, shampoo, laundry, and dishes -- I fill a small (2 oz.) squeeze bottle with whatever liquid dish soap my wife has under the kitchen sink.  It works well for me for all purposes.  It that runs out, I refill the bottle with liquid hand soap in a restaurant/convience store restroom.  Perhaps being bald makes me less picky about shampoo.

[WesternFlyer]

Besides mosquitoes being attracted to scents from soaps, bears can be attracted as well.  And not just scents from soaps, but deodorants, perfumes and even toothpaste can make brother Bruno curious.  Never spit your toothpaste out near your tent.



Western Flyer