Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with shower

Sorry in advance.

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:01:10 -0800

Inspired by the wiping technique thread from earlier today - what is the proper, best way to wash one's ass in the shower? Washrag? Loofah? Hands? Bar of soap? Something else I'm missing?

My parents never schooled me on this, and it's surprisingly undiscussed elsewhere on the internet. I'm looking for a combination of a) most efficiently cleaning, and b) getting as little fecal matter on yourself or other things as possible.

My shower vibrates loudly.

reductiondesign — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:39:23 -0800

How can I stop my vibrating shower pipes… in a college dorm? My shower here at college will vibrate really loudly, seemingly at random. Sometimes if I turn the water all the way to hot or all the way to cold, it stops. This isn't a daily thing, and it does eventually go away on its own—that can take anywhere from five seconds to five minutes.

The building is brand-new this year, so I don't think it's a matter of old plumbing. No one else has this problem. It's a shower/tub combination, with a level to pull up on the faucet to activate the shower.

What might be causing this? Might I be able to fix it on my own, or will I have to submit a work order?

ripe for the pickens

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:03:50 -0800

The man I am in a relationship with and I had sex for the first time last night. I like this man. He has many great qualities. However, I am fairly smell conscious. When I suspect sex is involved I shower, thoroughly out of preference and consideration for my lover...however last night there was an issue. He had bad breath and body odor, to put it gently, in more than one area. How do I handle this situation without offending? How does one nicely say; brush your teeth and shower before we go on a date or plan to have sex? This could be a deal breaker for me if I can't figure it out.

Help us get our shower back!

joshuaconner — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:20:46 -0800

I live in a mobile home, and I went to change out the shower arm and head in our bathroom, and I ran into some trouble. Instead of finding a fixed, metal pipe coming through a relatively small hole in the wall - what I've found when I've done this previously in apartments and the like - there's a plastic fitting attached to some flexible plastic tubing coming out of a hole that's larger than the flange that came with my new shower arm.

Because the fitting is not fixed to anything (I actually had to fish it out from in the wall with a bent coat hanger because once I detached it from the original shower it kind of just sprung back down into there), it won't hold up my shower arm, as you can see in the second picture here. (That goopy-looking stuff is residue from some Great Stuff I sprayed in the hole to try and at least stabilize the fitting in one place on the advice of a guy at my local hardware store. It didn't work.)

I'm not attached to this shower arm or head - at this point, really we just want a fully functioning shower again. We've talked about removing that piece of drywall and replacing it with a new piece (or cutting out that part of the drywall and putting a new "patch" piece in its place (so the hole can at least be closer to the correct size), but a) it seems really labor-intensive, and b) it doesn't solve the fundamental problem that the pipe the water is coming out of is just kind of flopping around in there.

Putting the original shower arm and head back on isn't an option, though we're fine with changing to some different style of shower arm and head if it will give us back a fully functioning shower.

Ideas?

What to bring

dstopps — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:07:24 -0800

My wife is helping to host a baby shower for a good friend of hers having a baby boy. The theme is "king of the jungle". Someone else is already bringing baked goods. What could my wife bring for favors

Shower-filter filter

Lesser Shrew — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:26:31 -0800

Tell me about your shower filter - why'd you get it and does it do what you wanted? The city did something a few months ago and my water changed. It's now very hard and leaves a stain in the dog water bowl. I'm feeling kind of itchy and with winter coming I'm wondering if shower filters work.

Does anyone have a shower filter on a hand-held shower?

Halloween Baby Shower Help

chiababe — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:38:39 -0800

Baby shower help please? I'm throwing a baby shower for my sister-in-law in a couple weeks. It's going to be a co-ed Halloween party basically, but also there will be baby presents. How can I incorporate babies & Halloween in the food and decorations? Cheaper is better, as I'm about to be laid off soon!

Blood & Bathing

boubelium — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:47:24 -0800

Why are my nose and mouth bleeding (gross!) whenever I take a shower? Having never really had a trouble with nosebleeds, I now find that nearly every time I take a shower that the red stuff starts flowing. It must be a rupture pretty far up the nose, as it also runs down into my mouth.

I've thought of two factors that might come into play. I've just moved from living in a low (250ft) to a high (5,500ft) elevation town. Also, the bathroom doesn't have a fan, so I open a window high up in the shower stall, causing the humid shower air to collide with the dry outside air at about head level.

So, have any other mefites experienced this issue or have tips for helping me keep my blood on the inside?

Oh baby, did I just blow it?

shiu mai baby — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:33:24 -0800

Are baby showers, by default, supposed to be surprises? A few weeks ago a few friends threw a lovely baby shower for me. It was supposed to be a surprise, but several out-of-town family members ruined the surprise for me. I was fairly peeved by their unintentional thoughtlessness until I found out that the organizers didn't actually specify that it was supposed to be a surprise. At the time, I just wrote it off to an oversight on the part of the planners, but now I'm not so sure.

Why? Because just now I was discussing baby showers with a pregnant friend of mine (one of the organizers of my party, btw), explaining that I might or might not be able to make hers, because I was totally going to try but that it's also just a few days after I'm supposed to have this kid, but I'm still going to do my very best to be there for her. She was perfectly gracious about it, but then she was like, "don't let anyone know you said anything to me!!"

Again: the shower invite said nothing about the party being a surprise, so I had no reason to keep mum about it, but somehow I feel like I've just committed a faux pas.

So: should one always assume that baby showers are surprises? Is this some sort of east coast/pennsylvania-area tradition? I consider myself fairly well-versed in all things etiquette, but in my mind if you're throwing a surprise party for a person, whether we're talking showers or birthdays or anniversaries or whatevers, YOU SAY EXPLICITLY ON THE INVITE THAT IT IS A SURPRISE. Am I wrong? Have I just completely stepped in it, or is it a simple case of regional culture clash?

Bathroom Cat-astrophe! How do I fix my shower rod?

amileighs — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:44:27 -0800

Bathroom Cat-astrophe! How do I fix my shower rod? My cat is loveable and rambunctious and so he decided to go scaling the shower curtain on our freestanding tub in the house we are renting. Unfortunately this broke the joining piece on the shower rod halo, which was bizarrely plastic? We would like to replace the piece without having to buy a new halo, like this. The piece we need is the one that is sticking up from the top. The guy at Home Depot said they did not have one separately, and that we would have to buy a new halo but I was hoping the internet could help me. Any other less expensive solutions? Thanks so much!

Invitations Direct

eggerspretty — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:32:26 -0800

Online Invitation ordering that can be sent directly to invitees? I need to order and send out bridal shower invitations from an online vendor, but I would like to have the invitations sent directly from the printer to the invitees. Has anyone used or just know of a website that will allow this service?

What happened to the water pressure?

bunny hugger — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:26:47 -0800

Sudden drop in water pressure since repairman was here the other day. Is there a simple trick for fixing it? Repairman was here and replaced the pipe that holds the shower head. Since then, our pressure is crappy. Any simple ideas for fixing it myself, rather than call the repairman again?

Not a Card-Carrying Member of the Lollipop Guild

DMan — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:34:03 -0800

Is there some sort of extension I can put on my shower head to make it sit higher on the wall? I recently moved into an apartment, and one complaint I have is that the showerhead is way too low--and I'm only 5' 8"! It makes showers annoying because I have to crane my neck to get my head under it.

Is there some kind of device I can screw into the showerhead pipe that will raise it a few inches? I'm aware of the existence of handheld showerheads, but I'd really like it to still be mounted, just a few inches higher than it is now. I'm picturing something like an S-shaped pipe that attaches to the showerhead on one end and the wall on the other.

Any ideas?

Showers at Heaven's Gate?

at the crossroads — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:38:18 -0800

[Astronomyfilter] A new meteor shower? Last night I had the pleasure of watching the Perseid meteor shower from the warm & floaty comfort of a back porch hot tub.

As I lay soaking, a dozen or more shooting stars were falling in close at hand. Some were so big, they left a trail of smoke in their wake. It was something truly mesmerizing.

I know the Perseid shower comes in August from debris left behind
by Swift-Tuttle; and the Leonid shower in November from Tempel-Tuttle.

So my question is this:
Since Hale-Bopp was only fairly recently (1995) discovered, when can we expect to see a Heaven's Gate Meteor Shower?

Granted, it most probably wouldn't be named the Heaven's Gate shower--- but from which constellation would the debris left over from Hale-Bopp appear to be emerging?

(and) Do we still name showers like that, according to their corresponding constellation?

(plus) how often would Earth's orbit collide with Hale-Bopp debris?
Is it possible that Earth's orbit wouldn't intersect Hale-Bopp's stardust trails every year like the Leonids and Perseids?

(Also) Is there a software program that would help me visualize spatially the routes and timelines of these comets and their trajectories?

Thanks (a zillion) in advance.

where to view meteors in colorado

TheBones — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:34:15 -0800

question on viewing the persiad meteor shower on the front range in colorado. I am very interested in seeing the persiad meteor shower in the next week or two with my wife for our 3rd anniversary. We currently live in Colorado Springs and I am trying to plan an overnight camping trip. My question is where would the best place to go be? We are both avid outdoors people and would like to get away from the crowds in a beautiful alpine setting.

I was originally thinking up in indian peaks outside of nederland, but after being there over the weekend a couple of weeks ago, decided it was way too crowded, unless we went up to diamond lake.

Would love great views, maybe a good hike where we can possibly take our dogs and a very scenic spot for photography. Of course, it should be away from city lights and wide open for best comet viewing.

Best handheld shower?

annabellee — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:16:58 -0800

I'd like to install a good handheld shower in my bathroom in my rented apartment. I have great water pressure with my current shower head and am looking for tips for best brands (I hear Grohe and Moen are the best, but are they overpriced or overrated?), installation tips (it sounds easy, like I just need pliers and plumbers' tape). I also want to make sure I don't get a head that restricts water flow. Basically, I want the same pressure I have now with a good, reliable handheld shower head.

PS My bathtub is about 2/3 the size of a normal tub, in case that matters.

Quilting for Lazy Non-Quilters

otherwordlyglow — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:44:55 -0800

Are there services to assemble your quilt squares for you? In other words, can I pay someone to make a quilt out of a bunch of decorated squares of fabric that I provide? I'm thinking about a group crafting project for a baby shower. I know how to sew but don't think I can get my act together to learn how to quilt before the event. What I was thinking of doing is having a bunch of pre-cut squares available for guests to decorate/paint/draw on and then I'd gather up all the squares and drop them off/send them somewhere and then they'd magically be transformed into a blanket. In my ideal version, there would be a kit that I could buy (this is how lazy I am) with all the squares of fabric pre-cut and color coordinated for a specific pattern and size of quilt and all we'd have to do is rip open the kit, go to town on the squares and then there'd be a postage paid envelope in the kit that we'd throw the squares into and send off to a lovely old woman in Vermont who would assemble to quilt in her farmhouse by the fire on a brisk autumn weekend. Failing that, I can certainly get my ass to a fabric store and cut out the squares myself if I know what size they should be.

So does this type of service exist? I know it's lame to not do the assembly yourself but this baby is arriving in September and I know there's no way I'll get to it before then. I'm in San Francisco, if it matters.

What is that strange acrid smell whle showering

srboisvert — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:58:18 -0800

My shower (an in-stall water heater) sometimes smells like something rubber is burning. It's a strong acrid smell that I only notice while in the shower and usually only after a sweaty workout. There is no sign of smoke like you would expect with burning rubber. Is this just some sort of weird sweat and treated water chemical reaction? Anybody heard of something like this?

Philosophy's 3-in-1's as shampoo

BostonTerrier — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:30:17 -0800

Philosophy's 3-in-1's as shampoo: what are your experiences? I've recently discovered the 3-in-1 products by Philosophy (the shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath product.)

I very much like the idea of portmanteau products (one thing that can do multiple things) and I'd like to ditch using a separate shampoo.
Before I do, however, I must ask the HiveMind: has anyone used 3-in-1's exclusively for shampoo? Or even mainly as a shampoo? How did it work out for you?
My hair is between chin and shoulder-length, and needs washing every other day, if that makes a difference.
I look forward to reading your experiences with Philosophy.

There is a storm outside! Can I shower?

boulder20something — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:55:45 -0800

Am I safe showering during a thunder and lightening storm? My mom always scared me growing up, telling us no showers during a thunderstorm. She also kept us off the land lines. Did she really think we could get electrocuted in our bathtub or by talking on the phone? Needless to say, the neurosis has stuck with me now that I am an adult and I want to make sure my mom was just crazy.

How can I watch videos on my laptop in the shower?

zinge — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:24:44 -0800

Trying to watch movies on my laptop in a steam shower. How can I see my laptop through a foggy shower door, and how can I hear the sound if the same door is sealed? I'm living with a cousin for the summer, and the room I'm in happens to have a steam shower. Basically, it means I can hang out in the shower comfortably (like a sauna) for longer periods of time without wasting water, and without getting the bathroom all steamy (the glass doors seal shut to preserve the steam). This is a two part question. I have a laptop that I can use in the bathroom. Steam is not an issue because of the sealed shower.

The two issues are sound and video. The video question is: how do I keep an area of the glass window/door from fogging up so much that I can't see the laptop screen? Is there some kind of film that I could buy in 14" squares or so to stick on the window?
The sound question is: how do I hear the movie? The sealed glass means that turning up the speakers won't do anything, and will annoy my cousins in the next room over. I can't use anything wired because of the sealed door. My thoughts were either an Olympia Soundbug (but I can't seem to find a way to buy one anymore), or some kind of waterproof bluetooth headset (which I also can't seem to find online anywhere).

Do you get ideas in the shower?

metajc — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:52:14 -0800

One thing: Why is it I come up with all these ideas in the shower. What about the shower make it easier to focus? How can I replicate the shower without having to take a shower? If I can't replicate the shower: Is there a good (water proof?) erasable marker for making notes on the shower wall? Or is that all just crazy?

My new novel: "How Effed Was My Bathroom"

littlerobothead — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:58:56 -0800

Bathroom DIY Filter: Tiling our one full bathroom. Is it okay to do one wall of tile, cover it with plastic, and take a shower? It's really the only way I see of doing this and having a normal life in the process. Or we're gonna be some stinky people. Also, I realize the grout will need to cure after it's sealed. Does it necessarily need to do this in a 100% moisture free environment, or can I tape 2 mil plastic sheeting over the whole affair so my wife and I can take (quick, cautious) showers?

you want me to wash my hair with this?

billtron — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:46:33 -0800

Why does the shower head only come up to my chest? I'm not inordinately tall. I'm 6'2". Why is it that so many shower heads are installed in the wall below my neck? The first time I experienced this was in junior high when my basketball team played a game at another school and my team was put in the girls' locker room. At that time, freshly lanky from puberty, I assumed it was just something that all girls' locker rooms had in common, like not having urinals.

But in the many years since that game (which we lost) I have run into the same problem too many times to count. Currently, I'm staying in a house in Irvine, California, that has a short shower head. It's not a girls' school, so my original hypothesis doesn't work, and it's only a few decades old at the most, so I can't chalk it up to the fact that people were tiny centuries ago. Why does it happen? Do contractors forget to factor in the distance from the bathroom floor to the floor of the tub? Are they trying to save expenses on copper pipes? Am I wrong to expect to wash my hair in the shower?

Steam Detector?

LolaGeek — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:00:06 -0800

Why does my smoke detector go off after I take a shower? This only seems to happen in mornings when I'm home by myself, it's never happened when my husband is around. About 10 minutes after getting out of the shower, one of our smoke detectors goes off. It is in the room at the opposite end of the hallway from the bathroom (maybe 12 feet away). There is a smoke detector in the hallway directly outside the bathroom which has never gone off. The only way to get it to stop is to remove the battery for a while. It doesn't happen every day, or even once a week or once a month, but often enough that I've noticed the pattern.

The first time this happened, when I didn't find anything on fire, I thought the batteries needed to be changed. That didn't solve the problem. I was thinking the steam when I open the bathroom door might cause it, but 1) doesn't a smoke detector know the difference between smoke and steam? and 2) why wouldn't that set off the detector directly outside the bathroom door? and 3) why does it only seem to happen when I'm alone?