Baths or Showers- What Gets You Cleaner?

This is a long running debate. My girlfriend swears by a shower, and I truly believe a good hot soak, removes more grime. She is adamant about this. I take a lot of showers, for convenience, as a good soak just takes too long. Sure, anyone could set aside an hour or so every day, but I just don't have the spare time most days. Whenever I can though, I always go for a good, hot soak.

I read on the internet quite a lot and came across an article about shower heads harboring infectious bacteria. Its on WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/news/20090914/bacteria-may-lurk-on-your-showerhead . This seems a little phobic to me, but apparently, scientific studies have been performed, and prove it. I personally am not worried. This data collected from the study suggests that shower heads containing plastic parts, harbor much more bacteria than the all-metal type. I'm not changing my shower head, but I will take more baths.

I am a guy, so shaving my legs is of no concern to me. Most of the women that I have had the pleasure of knowing, prefer baths, due to the hair softening effect the hot soapy water has on their legs. I just feel cleaner after a bath.

Sure showers rinse soap residues better. Many of the bath products people spend good money on, are meant to subtly remain on the body after use. Perfumes, conditioners and moisturizers are wasted if they are wholly rinsed away.

I personally believe that soaking in hot soapy water dissolves and emulsifies body oils better. Soaking softens dead skin cells, exfoliates, and removes more of the environment in which bacteria thrive. Sure some are re-deposited on the body.This does not bother me. Believing that the human body is ever free of bacteria is just naive. Many bacteria found in, and on the human body are actually beneficial, keeping disease-causing strains at bay.

I encourage, and would appreciate comments, as this issue is puzzling me. Please let me know what you think.