The Great Washcloth Debate
My boyfriend’s parents just got back from a two week trip around the United Kingdom - London, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, York, etc. They scheduled it with a tour group during the fall because fall isn’t golf season (retired life sounds so nice).
Since I’m in the UK basically every other month, his parents and I tried to coordinate schedules so I could meet them up for dinner in London. Unfortunately, I missed them by five days, however, before they left on their trip B’s mom called to ask me for my packing recommendations. For the UK during any time of year, a jacket and comfortable shoes are always a must. Am I the only one for whom staying warm and staying dry is a priority during travel? The last time I took heels to Europe was in 2009 during which time they never left the travelpack, poking me in the back as a reminder of my poor packing choices. I digress. Oddly enough, B’s mom mentioned that the guide recommended they pack a washcloth as well. She asked if the hotels I stayed in supplied them, and I couldn’t think of a single one that didn’t. I told them that they would probably be fine without them. That they could pack these facial wipes, much more travel friendly in my opinion. Which apparently was the wrong answer.
In the middle of their trip through the UK and early one morning US time, B’s dad texted the entire group, including his immediate and extended family: “Ruth, there were no washcloths in Wales! And we didn’t pack any with us!“
As they bussed around the rest of the country, instead of pictures of the sights and delights of the UK, I received frequent updates as to the local washcloth condition (yea or nay). Luckily for them, most of the major city hotels had them but unluckily for me, there were <gasp> two times where they had to go without.
So my dear readers, I must ask you: who still uses a washcloth?
I can recall using a washcloth in the bathtub when my sister and I were both under the age of 7. But I can’t remember the last time I’ve actually used one. To me, they function as the smaller version of hand towels. The boyfriend uses them (with a bar of soap) to wash his face and then hangs up the damp cloth again for use the next day. Shudder. Am I alone in thinking the use of one is antiquated? Or am I a dirty barbarian because I’m the only person who doesn’t use one?
I use washclothes for my horses face.. that is it lol
ReplyDeleteI have never used a washcloth to wash my own face, but like L, I've used one on my horse! I actually frequently use them for tack cleaning? (if they're soft, haha)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! You're in big trouble now, Rooth! Bwahaha!
ReplyDeleteBut yeah....don't hate coz in our house we still use them...the kids especially. I've never heard of hotels not providing them though!!!!
I use a washcloth after I run or ride to wipe my face off. I only do that because I have to workout with a thick layer of sunblock and I hate the sticky feel of sunblock mixed with sweat. Other than that, no washcloths.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I HATE reusing one after letting it hang for the next day so I always let it dry then throw it in the dirty clothes basket but I think I'm odd for doing that. I reuse my towel which is basically the same thing.
I use one when I wash my face. It never occured to me that hotels might not provide them! I've dying to visit the UK someday so I'll be sure to add washcloths to my list when I go. ;)
ReplyDeleteI never use a washcloth...other than for washing dishes or kitchen counters (I prefer cloths that can be washed to sponges, Angel prefers sponges). I almost wonder if it's a generational preference, I know my dad always likes to have a little basket of nicely folded washcloths with the rest of their towels.
ReplyDeleteMost European hotels do not carry washcloths. We usually pack a loofah when traveling abroad. If you don't have a washcloth and you don't have a loofah, how do you scrub? (like, behind your ears, etc. etc.)
ReplyDeleteIn our part of the world, this is a must have. Every child has one in their backpack and we have them in the bathroom, everywhere in the house. Believe it or not, my husband started using them now and in a tropical country, it's very handy. We use them for showering instead of loofah and for kids they're placed on their backs to absorb perspiration while playing. I spent the last decade without it when I lived overseas but having gone back home, my Mom raised her eyebrows when I didn't own any.
ReplyDeleteYou dirty barbarian! ;)
ReplyDeleteI use one to dry my face, not to wash it. I also use one in the shower for exfoliation because it can be washed with towels and those plastic scrubby things can't be washed {and are plastic}.
LOL! I don't use one either. Doesn't everyone use those scrunchy things...I don't know. I miss the UK!
ReplyDelete