Our readers have submitted several questions regarding hygiene on the road. Here is our take on those questions:
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Do truck stop showers provide towels and washcloths?
Depends – while truck stops usually provide towels and washcloths, there are smaller Mom & Pop places that do not.
Always bring your own shower and dry supplies just in case. This includes lotion, soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving razors, shower flip flops, etc.
How often do truck drivers shower?
Truckers usually schedule their shower based on their company, schedule, account, and time management.
Some truckers shower every day, others take one shower per week. It’s based on preference and what can be managed.
Where are showers for truckers?
Truck stops are the usual places where drivers take showers. This includes Loves, Flying J, Pilot, Mom & Pops, and so on. The setup typically involves a personal restroom with a shower, toilet, sink, bench and chair.
There are also showers at the company terminals (if your company has them). They aren’t as clean as the truck stops you pay for, but they do the job.
Do you use shower flip flips or go in barefoot?
Use shower shoes or flip flops. There’s word that Pilot and Loves employees will use their dirty towels to mop clean the floor. That said, make sure you bring your own fresh towel too. There’s word that these truck stop workers dry their towels without washing them between truckers.
How much clothing do you take when you go on-the-road?
Take about two weeks worth of clothing. Pack more underwear than you think you need on top of that.
That said, keep a duffel bag for all of your dirty laundry.
That way, by the end of those two weeks you already have all your dirty laundry ready to go in the wash.
You can also pack as much as you need until you’re back home. That way you can do your laundry or even get your partner to do it for you if they’re like that.
How much money do truckers spend on laundry?
If you’re OTR then you can expect to spend about $3 to $7 doing laundry. It depends on where you go. Many truck stops offer points that help reduce the cost or take care of the cost entirely.
If you cook in your truck, where do you wash your dishes?
You want to eat off of paper plates and use plastic utensils where you can. Aside from that, you would wash your pots and pans at any sink you can find. Take them into a truck stop shower room with you and use the sink. You can also spray cleaner on them, wipe them off, and rinse with water when you get the chance.
What do truck drivers soak toothpicks in?
Funny enough, this wasn’t a hygiene question unbeknownst to the submitting reader.
The soaked toothpicks are a reference to bull hauler toothpicks. These are toothpicks that are soaked in liquid meth for drivers to get a high off of.
This used to help drivers stay awake. Nowadays people prefer caffeine pills.
We don’t encourage the use of illegal substances.
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Modafinil is the #1 pill to help truckers stay awake at the wheel. Always consult your healthcare professional before using any prescribed substances to see if it’s right for you.