There is nothing better than a nice hot shower after a long day’s work. When it comes to our personal hygiene we could not live without our favourite scrubbing material, the washcloth. A companion that ensures we are not only smelling good and clean but also helps to protect our skin.
The important question remains: how often should we clean and change our washcloths? And ultimately, how do we know when it’s time to throw in the towel?
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When and how often should we be changing our washcloths?
It should be no surprise that our go-to washcloths can hold onto bacteria and germs if not cleaned properly or taken care of regularly. They are used daily, and can become germ-ridden, so it is crucial that we follow a strict routine when it comes to washcloth cleaning.
Your washcloth always needs to be thoroughly rinsed and dried to make sure that all those stubborn germs and bacteria stay at bay.
Pexels / Lum3n
How do you clean your washcloth after your daily bath or shower?
After your daily bath or shower routine do the following:
- Rinse your washcloth in hot water to ensure that all the soap and bacteria are thoroughly rinsed out.
- After the rinse, proceed to squeeze as much water as you can to ensure that your washcloth dries well.
- Hang in a clean, dry area to prevent mould or bacteria growth.
How often should the washcloth be changed?
It’s essential for a washcloth to be changed every 4 weeks or 1-2 weeks if the washcloth is used more than once a day. It’s wise to keep a rotation – always keep a spare handy for when the other is in the wash.
Tip: Changing your washcloth regularly is also great for the skin, as it prevents reintroduction of old bacteria or germs which could increase a risk of acne.
Pexels / Anete Lusina
What are the risks of not regularly replacing your washcloth?
When a washcloth is not cleaned and maintained regularly, it will not only harbour bacteria and mould, it will also become less effective with the buildup of gunk and unpleasant odours.
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Signs that it time for the washcloth to be thrown away:
- Soapy cloth (washcloth will feel slimy in texture)
- Stains or discolouration
- Unpleasant odours
- Thinning (a change in the material compared to when it was new)
Note: material thinning in your washcloth can result in a loss of good exfoliation when washing your body
Pexels / Elisabeth
With the above information provided it’s clear that a regular and perfectly curated washcloth cleaning routine is important for not only the good upkeep of excellent hygiene but it also helps with the maintenance of healthy skin.
Written by Katelin Maggott.
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Feature Image: Unsplash / Sven Mieke
