shower

[filthiestfis]

Is it alright to shower using washing up liquid?

[Buenchico]

You really are into money-saving, aren't you, Ed?

Washing-up liquids, shower gels, shampoos and many household cleaning products are basically the same. i.e. they start with a 'bog-standard' detergent, add a thickening agent (such as salt) and chuck in a few things to make it look and smell nice. In many cases, it's only the ratio of such 'extras' which distinguishes between the products.

A recent television programme on allergies suggested that one part of the cause of the sudden rise in allergies is that we're now removing some of skin's natural protection by too much washing and the use of lots of extra chemicals in the products we put onto our skin. It would therefore seem to make sense to go back to using unadulterated soaps or detergents which have got the fewest 'extra' in them. The best (and cheapest) way to buy such detergents is to buy the cheapest washing-up liquids. (My local Tesco has recently withdrawn their 'Value' brand but buying the cheapest available will be perfectly good enough for both washing-up and showering).

So (because there are fewer 'extras') it might actually be better to shower with washing-up liquid, rather than using shower gel. However, Tesco 'Value' bath soap is really cheap, and will do the job just as well.

Chris

[R1Geezer]

as chris says, it's pretty much all the same so yes!

[Ethel]

I find washing my hands with washing up liquid is very drying to the skin, so that may be a problem

[Velvetee]

Would probably be ok on the odd ocassion, but contains grease stripping detergents, so your skin will dry out.

[4getmenot]

When I run out of washing up liquid I often put bubble bath in sink, same thing

[LoftyLottie]

Years ago, when we ran out of shampoo, we had to wash our hair in washing powder!! Dishes were done in washing powder all the time - Tide or Omo!!!

[Velvetee]

I remember when Tide was used to wash dishes too.

[LoftyLottie]

Far less additives in washing powder back then I presume!!

Actually, I do use the non perfumed shower creams and bath stuff for sensitive skin and they definitely stop me getting dry patches and rashes which I am prone to.

[LoftyLottie]

Off the topic somewhat, but I remember making soap in chemistry lessons and taking it home to use!!

[filthiestfis]

LOL Zacmaster. I wasn't serious with my question. I am running out of bath gel though so will probably opt for the value bath gel or soap bar.
I had been using Tesco's blue marine 1 litre bath gel (to shower) for a while, as it was only 48p. In the space of 2 months, it has shot up (along with the rest of the bath cremes in the same range) to 78p, so that's me done. I am looking for cheap alternatives.

[Mamyalynne]

If you keep having these lovely fragrant baths you may have to change your username though LOL

[joko]

apparently its great for washing your hair

i guess more so if you have greasy hair

[pinkkitty]

my hairdresser suggested washing my hair in washing up liquid when i was mid-way through getting it from black to red to blonde to help strip out the colour, so i think it must be quite harsh on the hair. i also find it makes my hands dry when i don't wear my marigolds