Occasionally, on one of those mornings where your eyes are pretty much glued shut, it might be necessary to forego a shower in lieu of that extra hour of sleep. On those days, it’s handy to know how to wash yourself without actually showering.
Granted, I’m one of those people who would rather show up exhausted than show up without having performed my morning routine. I’ve even been known to get out of bed with a 103-degree fever just to shower and go back to sleep. (What? It helps me feel better!) When I worked at a summer camp a few years back — where people went weeks claiming that “the lake was an adequate enough bath” — I put in for first period off, just so I could go back to the cabin and wash myself in an actual bathroom.
However, that doesn’t mean I haven’t utilized my fair share of body wipes and dry shampoos. There have been times when I’ve slept through my alarm, or had exactly 30 minutes to stop home in between events. At times like that, my backup of sans-shower cleaning methods were particularly handy. Nonetheless, whether you’re a sleep-prioritizer or a just-in-emergencies type of person, this list of tips and tricks will help you feel refreshed, even if you cut some corners that morning.
Deodorize With All-Over, All-Natural Body Spray
Crystal Body Deodorant, $18, Amazon
If you’re looking for something all-natural and hypoallergenic, this Crystal body deodorant is just the thing. It’s made from entirely 100 percent natural mineral salts that eliminate odor and bacteria, and it won’t leave a white residue or an overwhelming chemical smell. It comes in a spray bottle for quick and easy application, and because it’s overcoming sweat and oils rather than masking them, you can feel refreshed all day long.
Lift Away Hair Oils With Oatmeal & Lavender
Silky Touch Dry Shampoo, $10, Amazon
This Silky Touch dry shampoo is a great way to lift oils and volumize hair in a pinch. It’s entirely organic and all-natural, and it utilizes rice starch, oatmeal, and lavender to leave your hair feeling fresh and clean. It effortlessly blends in with your hair color (no matter how dark), has an easy spray applicator for convenient application, and it lasts several hours to hold you over until your next shower. Reviewers say it’s the best dry shampoo they’ve ever used, and they’ll never again be without it.
Protect Skin With Organic Vitamin E Towelettes
Giovanni Organic Towelettes, $8, Amazon
This 20-pack of organic towelettes is an awesome thing to keep in your purse for spur-of-the-moment freshening. Unlike other astringent-based wipes, they’re infused with aloe, natural oils, and vitamin E to keep skin from drying out, and they also disinfect and deodorize, so you’re left feeling refreshed. They can be used anywhere on the body, and they have a subtle, pleasant scent that reviewers absolutely love.
Clean Hair With No-Rinse Shampoo Gloves
No-Rinse Shampoo Gloves (12 pack), $9, Amazon
To wash hair anywhere, without water, these no-rinse shampoo gloves are awesome. Simply put one on and run your hand through your hair and over your scalp to remove excess sebum and build-up. There are no soaps, parabens, or alcohol, so these gloves are entirely hypoallergenic, and reviewers say that afterwards, their hair felt soft, clean, and manageable — without the shower.
Wipe Body Clean With Citric Acid Formula
No Rinse Body Bath, $10, Amazon
For quick washing during travel, this no-rinse body bath is an entire shower in a bottle. Simply dilute the liquid, wipe yourself down with a washcloth, and towel dry. You’ll remove dirt and oil, without even needing to rinse. Even though it cleans thoroughly, its mild formula won’t irritate skin, and it’s gentle enough for every part of the body. Users say it came in handy in all sorts of situations, including camping, power outages, and post-surgery.
Cleanse Face Gently & Thoroughly With Rice Extract
Burt’s Bees Facial Makeup Wipes (30 Pack), $6, Amazon
The facial area is sensitive, so using just any quick-fix could result in blemishes and breakouts. But these facial makeup wipes are specifically made to gently remove makeup and dirt without rinsing and without reaction. They’re made from cotton and have ingredients like aloe and rice extract, so you can rest easy knowing that your face is genuinely clean. They’re great for sensitive skin, and users love them because they smell fresh and come in a convenient pack of 30 that fits right into your bag.
Invest In An On-the-Go Antibacterial Microfiber Towel
EcoDept Antibacterial Towel, $29, Amazon
With normal towels, it can often feel like you’re just moving the sweat and oil around on your skin, but this EcoDept towel is wonderful because it’s super absorbent and antibacterial to prevent odor and germs. It’s great for travel and post-gym workouts because it’s lightweight, compact, quick-drying, and won’t smell in between uses.
Clean With Amino Acids While You Moisturize
Remedy Cleansing Body Lotion, $10, Amazon
Applying moisturizer over already oily skin can make you feel like a Slip’N Slide, and that’s why Remedy Cleansing Body Lotion should be a staple in anyone’s quick-wash routine. It removes oils and sticky barriers without rinsing, but it also replenishes and hydrates skin with natural antioxidants and amino acids. It comes in a spray bottle for quick application, and it’s ultra-sensitive, so it can be used anywhere.
Use Charcoal For A Quick, Soapless Sponge Bath
Riverlight Naturals Konjac Sponge, $15, Amazon
Sink showers often leave a soapy residue on your skin, and that’s why this Riverlight Naturals' Konjac Sponge is ideal for quick cleaning. Bamboo charcoal removes oils, impurities, and dead skin, cleansing your body without any soap. Because they’re entirely natural, they’re great for sensitive skin, and they fit right in the palm of your hand for a convenient sponge bath, anytime. This one has top reviews because it leaves skin feeling smooth, fresh, and clean.
Wash Mouth Of Germs & Freshen Breath Anywhere
Wisp Portable Toothbrush (Pack of 12), $15, Amazon
To clean your mouth anywhere in a pinch, these Wisp portable toothbrushes are a convenient and travel-friendly way to freshen your breath. They’re already infused with a spearmint flavor, and they don’t require any rinsing, either. Furthermore, the bristles are soft, the handles are durable, and the bottom has a tiny pick for hard-to-reach spots. The gel-like sphere cleans teeth and makes your mouth feel fresh — an incredibly easy fix for travel, post-meal dates, and any place you don’t have access to running water.
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (10)
