Are our linen and bathroom accessories properly maintained? Between towels, bath mats, makeup remover pads, sponges, makeup brushes and even washcloths, it’s difficult to find your way around! However, these, and more particularly the washcloth, must be meticulously cleaned so as not to damage your skin.
The washcloth is often found hanging in the shower, in a ball between two shampoos or on the floor in a corner of the bath… As you will have understood, these conditions are conducive to the proliferation of bacteria. However, this accessory must be properly cleaned to guarantee the best possible hygiene. Do you still need to know when and how to wash the laundry you use every day? In an interview given to Current wifedermatologist Nina Roos, tells us everything you need to know about caring for it.
How often to wash washcloths: when should you clean them?
To wash, there are several teams: those who wash with their hands, those who use a shower flower and those who prefer to wash with a washcloth. No matter the material of the accessory you use to clean yourself, in just a few days, it becomes a real breeding ground for bacteria. Humidity and heat encourage their multiplication. “The risk is common to all these objects, it is skin infection”, indicates the dermatologist. To guarantee effective washing without any risk for the skin, Nina Roos recommends washing washcloths every 3 to 4 days for daily use, otherwise washing once a week.
How to clean the exterior and interior of washcloths?
To properly wash your washcloths, Nina Roos recommends cleaning in the washing machine with a 60° program. By cleaning them in this way, no more dirt and greasy stains. Drying should not be neglected, because humidity encourages the proliferation of bacteria. So opt for drying flat and in the open air if you use a drying rack, otherwise put them on your towel dryer (this is the ideal technique for quick and efficient drying). To always have a clean and ready-to-use washcloth on hand, choose 2 to 3 identical models: this allows you to rotate to wash them correctly and without rushing. Once clean, they must be stored in a dry, closed place protected from air and dust. By taking care of these objects that you use very regularly, you will also extend their lifespan.
How to get soft washcloths?
Over time, household linen tends to become rougher and washcloths are no exception to this rule. To avoid the worst, the household linen brand White square has revealed a guide to softening towels that have become dry. These tips are also valid for washcloths, because they are the same material. The brand recommends several alternatives: dry your bath linen on a towel dryer to maintain softness, use a little detergent or even replace your softener with white or lemon vinegar in order to dissolve limescale (present in the water).
Is it okay to wash with a washcloth?
“Washcloth should be avoided, especially for sensitive skin”, told us dermatologist, Nina Roos. In fact, it can further irritate your skin. For those who use it, don’t forget to moisturize your skin when you get out of the shower.
Dry or sensitive skin: what to replace the washcloth with?
Other types of gloves exist and they have many benefits: the horsehair glove activates blood circulation and allows the skin to regenerate more quickly. As its name suggests, the exfoliating glove exfoliates the skin and removes dead cells, ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
* Thanks to Dr. Nina Roos, dermatologist.