Forget dirty brushes and razors, what about soaps and creams

[lowcountry_sc]

I've seen the the dirty brush/razor threads ad nauseum and because of simple sterilization options they don't really concern me. HOWEVER: what about used creams and soaps? For instance, right now I have a trade coming where the guy has a flu bug. What are the chances of catching that bug? Or what if somebody had a raging case of herpes and used the cream during an outbreak? etc.

While pure conjecture will certainly make for some interesting reading, I'm really hoping there's a mad scientist with a PhD in microbiology or some such field who can shed some light on the matter as well.

 

[luvmysuper]

When I get a soap I'm truly worried about, I usually give it a good cleaning with soap and water.

 

[lowcountry_sc]

yeah, I knew that was coming...but seriously, say Joe Smith had something really nasty that is transmitted fairly easily, and you saw him shave with said cream, then he handed you the tub. Would you feel comfortable using it? Is there some sort of time limit on germs, so maybe you could store it for a month?

I'm not talking Howard Hughes germophobia here, and I've merrily enjoyed many fine samples. Just curious.

 

[luvmysuper]

With a soap, I don't really worry. I honestly just wash it with water and let the "new" stuff come to the surface.
I might be more concerned about creams than soaps, particularly those in a tub over those in a tube. If it's a tube, squeeze a bit more out, and toss the bit and the rest should be ok.
I generally don't buy used creams because I don't have any idea if there might be a problem or not.
I suppose you can't be sure that cream in a tub hasn't had a brush dipped in it, been stirred up etc.

You kinda just gotta go with your own "ewww" factor here. I can't say I have ever heard of anyone who has ever heard of anyone getting sick from used shaving cream in a tub, let alone in a tube or a soap.

 

[5savages]

I'll trade for or buy soaps or used creams in tubes, but I won't buy used tubs of creams. I did once and it kind of grossed me out.

Soaps I'll give a wash to get rid of the outer layer. Tubes of creams, I just waste the first inch that comes out.

 

[DMT]

Bacteria can live on regular soap; soap doesn't kill bacteria it works by suspending them so that they can be dislodged with friction and rinsed away. If you're concerned just rinse the soap that'll dislodge anything bacteria left from the previous owner

 

[sychodelix]

Very few bacteria or viruses can survive without something living for more than a few minutes. After the time it takes to ship, there's far less that can survive.

It isn't impossible to catch something, but you probably have a better chance of winning the lottery.

 

[WBG Bama]

Bacteria & virus CAN and DOES survive on non-living things, and they can for an extended period of time and especially in moist environments. If they couldn't, humans wouldn't get as sick as often as we do. Bacteria/virus is horrible on remote controls, telephones, door knobs, kitchen sinks, trash cans, etc., etc., etc.,

 

[sgtd]

I just drink whiskey when I'm done. That stuff will kill anything.

 

[luvmysuper]

Bacteria & virus CAN and DOES survive on non-living things, and they can for an extended period of time and especially in moist environments. If they couldn't, humans wouldn't get as sick as often as we do. Bacteria/virus is horrible on remote controls, telephones, door knobs, kitchen sinks, trash cans, etc., etc., etc.,

I think his point was that there's really no reason to live in fear over the very remote possibility that you're going to catch something from a shaving soap or cream.
Again, I'll state the comment that people who fear using used shaving equipment or products are often the same people who don't think twice about putting a fork in their mouth in a restaurant that someone else had in theirs a half hour earlier, and the same folks who'll boldly stroll up and fill their drink cup full of ice at the fast food joint without blinking.

 

[WBG Bama]

I think his point was that there's really no reason to live in fear over the very remote possibility that you're going to catch something from a shaving soap or cream.
Again, I'll state the comment that people who fear using used shaving equipment or products are often the same people who don't think twice about putting a fork in their mouth in a restaurant that someone else had in theirs a half hour earlier, and the same folks who'll boldly stroll up and fill their drink cup full of ice at the fast food joint without blinking.

I don't know what his point was, but I thought people should know that it was incorrect. We don't need to live in fear of catching something from a used tub of shaving cream, but to boldly state that bacteria cannot live there is simply false.

 

[luvmysuper]

Fair enough.
The list is minuscule for what might possibly still live on a dry surface after a weeks shipment from seller to buyer.
That's the point here.

 

[Kabong30]

I just wear one of these when I shave. I mean, yeah, you're not gonna get BBS but I feel a little safer.

 

[RobE]

...HOWEVER: what about used creams and soaps? For instance, right now I have a trade coming where the guy has a flu bug. What are the chances of catching that bug? Or what if somebody had a raging case of herpes and used the cream during an outbreak? ...

When I get a soap I'm truly worried about, I usually give it a good cleaning with soap and water.

Best laugh I had all day. Thank you!

 

[catherix]

When I get a soap I'm truly worried about, I usually give it a good cleaning with soap and water.

+1. As funny as the above might be, Phil is on point in my book.

 

[sychodelix]

Sorry, meant viruses only. Very few viruses can survive for more than 3 hours, and very few of those are really bad. Certain bacteria can survive. But if it was real issue, there'd be a whole lot of sick B&B members. I'd avoid used stuff if you had a severely low immune system, otherwise they'll be fine.

 

[AABCDS]

It's good to see that I'm not the only one.

I just wear one of these when I shave. I mean, yeah, you're not gonna get BBS but I feel a little safer.
View attachment 305532

 

[Sir Lurkalot]

I just drink whiskey when I'm done. That stuff will kill anything.

Awesome!

Fecal bacteria is what I would be most concerned with. Used soaps are acceptable but not creams in my book.

 

[wrinkles2]

I never really Thought About it before, So i Guess it Doesn't Bother me much.