What is the method of ghusl (the full ritual bath) from janabah (major ritual impurity)?

Question:
This man asks: How is the ghusl performed? What is the method of ghusl from janabah? Is it with water only, or with water and soap?

Answer:
No, it is with water only. Soap is not part of it. If he wants to use soap for cleanliness, he is not prohibited from doing so. However, janabah is removed by plain water.
Unless there is something on his skin that prevents the water from reaching it, such as dyes, paints, clay, dough, or the like. In that case, he must remove it, because if he does not remove the barriers that prevent the water from reaching the skin, his ghusl is not valid. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw a man who had a spot on his foot the size of a dirham that the water had not reached, and he said to him, "Go and perform your wudu' (the ablution for prayer) properly." As for if there is a bandage on a wound or a cast on a wound, and it needs to remain on the wound, it is sufficient for him to wipe over it. Wiping over it is sufficient in place of washing what is underneath it, due to necessity and dire need. This is part of the facilitation from Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He).