Washcloths - Bed Bath & Beyond (2024)

FAQs

How many times should you use the same washcloth? ›

The average person should change their washcloth every 1-2 days for optimal hygiene. Washcloths should be thoroughly rinsed and dried after each use to prevent bacteria and germ buildup. It is recommended to replace washcloths every 2-3 months if used daily, or every 3-4 months if used less frequently.

To give a bed bath, you will need: Four or more washcloths or bath sponges. Three or more towels. Two wash basins (one for soapy water, one for rinsing).

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.

In summary, the number of towels you need depends on several factors, including the size of your household, your laundry routine, and your personal preferences. However, as a general guideline, you should have at least one bath towel per person, two hand towels per bathroom, and two washcloths per person.

Don't overdo it: Only use a washcloth a few times a week, especially if you have sensitive skin. And make sure to use gentle, circular motions when rubbing it on your skin to avoid causing irritation. Moisturize: After using a washcloth, it's important to moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated and healthy.

However, using bare hands may not provide as much exfoliation as using a washcloth or loofah, and may not be as effective at removing dirt, oil, or body odors from the skin. Ultimately, the choice of whether to use a washcloth, loofah, or bare hands to clean the body is a personal one.

Start by washing the shoulder, upper body, arm, and hand. Move to the hip, legs, and feet. Rinse each area free from soap and pat dry before moving to the next. Check for redness and sores during the bed bath.

Wash the face, ears, and neck. Wash the arms one at a time, and then the hands. Wash the chest and belly, including the belly button. To wash under skin folds, first lift and flatten the skin.

The best practice is to wash towels after every use, says Kelly Reynolds, PhD, a professor at the University of Arizona Zuckerman College of Public Health in Tucson, but you can stretch them to two to three uses — max — as long as you fully dry them out in between.

In fact, dermatologists recommend showering in water that's lukewarm or slightly warm. Do a quick rinse to wet your skin before applying any soap. Using a loofah, washcloth, or just your hands, apply bar soap or bodywash to your body. Start at your neck and shoulders, and work your way down the length of your body.

How often should you shower? ›

Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health. It depends in part on your lifestyle.

You leave the towel around you hair, so that it can soak up the excess water from your hair, and you avoid wet furniture and clothing.

Cleansing Washcloths

Touching your eyes, nose or mouth with a dirty washcloth is an easy way to introduce bacteria and spread infection. To prevent the spread of bacteria, you should machine wash your washcloths every three to four days -- or more often, if you prefer.

Ultimately, though, when a towel's threads begin to pull—or you notice a lingering odor, despite a careful wash—it's time to toss it; you can expect body and hand towels to last between two to five years depending on their quality. Wash cloths, on the other hand, should be replaced every one or two years, notes Winch.

In general, expect to replace washcloths about every six to ten months. Washcloths are harder to maintain than towels because they get saturated with soap and water. Soaps designed for your body don't necessarily play nice with some fabrics, so your washcloths may not last as long as your towels.

You only need to use your washcloth once, twice or at most three times before sending it through the wash. Of course, it will depend on how often you use this cloth, but we recommend washing it two or three times every week.

Washcloths are perfect for dusting the surfaces around your house once they're too ratty to use for washing up. Old hand towels make terrific cleaning rags, and you can use them for cleaning everything from the car to the patio furniture.

Reusing towels a few times is better for the environment and likely won't be a cause for alarm. But as soon as you notice any funky smells, it's definitely time for a wash, since this is an indication of fungal and bacterial growth, Mohammed said.