What Is a Washcloth For? Using It for Yourself & Your Baby the Right Way | Parachute Blog (2024)

What is a washcloth good for when it comes to skincare? In the shower, you can use it to clean your body better than you can with just soap and your hands. That’s because one major skincare perk of washcloths is that they provide gentle physical exfoliation for the face and body.

Just apply a small amount of body wash or soap to the washcloth, rub it together to create a nice lather, run it over your body, and rinse off.

When washing your face at the sink, it's important to dry it with clean fabric. In other words, don't reach for the hand towel multiple people use to dry their hands throughout the day. After patting your face dry, you can also use the washcloth to mop up inevitable splashes.

Want more ideas? Here are 3 Skincare Rituals to Rejuvenate Your Routine.

How Many Skincare Washcloths Do You Need?

For sanitary reasons, you should use a washcloth for skincare no more than twice (once in the morning and once at night). While high-quality textiles will dry quickly, bacteria can still grow on the damp material, especially in humid bathrooms. Assuming you do laundry once a week, seven washcloths is a good place to start.

Additionally, if you remove makeup with a washcloth, you probably won't want to use it again the next day. To avoid staining light-colored bath linens, consider a black makeup towel set.

Your overnight visitors will appreciate a stack of fresh washcloths. Explore more Guest Bathroom Essentials in our blog, and learn How to Turn Your Own Bathroom Into a Spa.

What Is a Washcloth For? Using It for Yourself & Your Baby the Right Way | Parachute Blog (2024)

FAQs

What Is a Washcloth For? Using It for Yourself & Your Baby the Right Way | Parachute Blog? ›

A washcloth will come in handy when cleansing their body and gently scrubbing their scalp. It can also help with rinsing to avoid getting soap in their eyes, as well as drying off afterward. See our Baby Bath Guide for step-by-step guidance on bathing your child with a newborn washcloth.

What is the purpose of a washcloth for a baby? ›

Baby washcloths are a piece of fabric designed to wash the newborn's face and body. It can be used to clean them while in the bath or after meals. It is not essential to have them but it does help to keep your baby clean and germ-free.

What is the best type of washcloth for a baby? ›

Organic bamboo is one of the softest fabrics around, and it feels luxurious on any skin type, no matter how dry or sensitive. These bamboo washcloths from KeaBabies stay soft and thick no matter how much you wash them.

Should you use a washcloth to wash yourself? ›

Depending on texture, washcloths can help provide body exfoliation that ranges from gentle to intense. You can also easily control the amount of pressure you use to concentrate on tough areas such as the knees and elbows and a gentler touch on more sensitive areas.

Are baby washcloths better than regular washcloths? ›

These baby washcloths have safer materials for sensitive skin. These are going to be gentler, softer & just better overall for the fragile skin on your face, better than a cotton washcloth. Since it is so gentle on your baby's skin, these baby wipes are great for preventing ailments like eczema rash and baby acne.

Do babies need their own washcloths? ›

Technically, you could get by without baby bath towels, but you probably won't want to. Babies are small and fragile. Their skin is delicate and far more sensitive than your own. They also lose heat rapidly, nearly 4 times faster than an adult, making them susceptible to getting chilly after a bath.

Do you need a washcloth for a baby? ›

A washcloth will come in handy when cleansing their body and gently scrubbing their scalp. It can also help with rinsing to avoid getting soap in their eyes, as well as drying off afterward. See our Baby Bath Guide for step-by-step guidance on bathing your child with a newborn washcloth.

How do you wash a baby with a washcloth? ›

Wet the sponge or washcloth in the warm water and wring out the extra water. Then, simply wipe or sponge your baby's skin, repeating this process all over their body, starting at their sweet head moving all the way down to their tiny toes.

What material to use for baby washcloths? ›

Muslin is a universal fabric, which has many uses for your baby and even beyond. However, when it comes to baby care, muslin does have the best benefits. The muslin face washcloths and bath cloths are very helpful.

Can I wash my newborn with a washcloth? ›

Clean your baby's face, nose, and ears with the damp washcloth. Wet the second cloth with the soapy water, then gently wash your baby's head and the rest of the body. Pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck, and in the diaper area.

What is the cleanest thing to wash your body with? ›

For the most natural cleansing, nothing beats water. It's the simplest and most gentle way to clean your skin. If you need something more, a mild, organic soap or a plant-based body wash with minimal ingredients is a great natural alternative.

What is the most sanitary way to wash your body? ›

Scrubbing up with your hands is recommended. "It's best to just wash with our hands," suggests Erum Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD. "Loofahs have been well-documented reservoirs of bacteria. They have been shown to grow Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, and more.

How to wash yourself with a washcloth? ›

How to use a washcloth
  1. Step 1: Prepare your washcloth. Always start with a clean washcloth. ...
  2. Step 2: Apply soap or cleansers. Apply your preferred cleanser, soap, or body wash. ...
  3. Step 3: The right way to scrub. Use gentle, circular motions to cleanse your face or body. ...
  4. Step 4: Rinsing off.
Sep 6, 2023

Do dermatologists recommend washcloths? ›

Many dermatologists recommend cleansing skin with your hands over a shower loofah or washcloth. Using your hands will get your body clean as long as you wash them first. It's a great option for people with sensitive skin. Loofahs are breeding grounds for bacteria.

What do people use instead of washcloths? ›

Another very affordable alternative to a loofah or a washcloth is a body brush, made out of boar bristles. It is highly recommendable for gentle and abrasive skin. It is sourced from natural materials since it comes with a solid wood handle, which also makes it easy to grasp and hold in the shower or a bath.

Is it OK to use the same washcloth for a week? ›

With that said, if you want to avoid as much bacteria, fungi, and mold growth as possible, it's best to change your washcloth daily, Dr. Vij and Dr. Tierno say. After you shower, they both recommend, rinse your washcloth to get rid of as many dead skin cells and bacteria as possible.

Why do you put a towel over a baby in the bath? ›

To help keep your baby warm during their bath, keep a warm, wet wash cloth on baby's abdomen.

Are baby washcloths good for face? ›

Skin Care Tip: When it comes to your skin, you always want to treat it gently. One simple, but effective way to do this is to wash your face using baby washcloths instead of regular washcloths. Baby washcloths are very soft when rubbed across the skin.

Can I give my baby a wet washcloth? ›

You can also take a clean washcloth and soak it in cold water. After you wring the washcloth out until it's damp, then place it in the refrigerator until it gets cold. You should fold the washcloth to make it smaller and give it to your little one to chew on.

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