5 reasons to include a washcloth in your self care routine
Yes I admit, washcloths tend to have a bad rep - skin doctors generally advise not to use any ‘tool’ for showering (washcloths included) because IF CLEANED INCORRECTLY, they will harbour bacteria. Washcloths also tend to be associated with "old traditions" - something that our grandparents may have used and are now obsolete in the age of bluetooth-voice-activated AI-controlled shower buffing tools (just kidding). In addition, in our fast-paced lives, our daily shower tends to be just a splash of water and a squirt of soap. Somewhere along the way, the tradition of using washcloths was lost.
I rediscovered washcloths when I had a baby. I needed something soft to help gently dislodge the cradle cap around her hairline. Soon I discovered that she loved having the weight of the washcloth on her scalp, and on her tiny belly - so bath times became a slow, restorative routine. Since then, I love the luxuriousness of using a washcloth, and the benefits that they bring. Here are 5 reasons to try them out in your next self care time!
1. Creates denser lather for a better clean
Washcloths help to work up a good lather with less product. Natural bar soaps and some liquid soaps have less foaming power due to the exclusion of chemical surfactants (e.g. SLS) which is harmful to you. Using a damp washcloth to gently massage your skin will help the soap to produce creamier, denser foam - essential for a deeper clean.
2. Promotes healthier, smoother skin
A washcloth is the best natural manual exfoliator - promoting smoother, healthier skin and better blood circulation, much like a loofah does. Eco-friendly tip - skip the bath gel scrubs that contain microbeads. Natural washcloths made from hemp or linen can be used when dry to provide extra exfoliation (e.g. for elbows & knees), and when wet will soften (and soften and soften) to give a gentle all-over scrub. This can be done daily without fear of over-abrasion. Washcloths made of natural materials can also be laundered easily without fear of leeching micro plastics into our ecosystem.
3. Relaxing self care time
A warm organic cotton washcloth recreates that ‘ahhh’ spa-like experience and is a luxurious way to wind down at the end of the day. Embrace the comforting feel and fully take your time to be mindful in the present and feel your tension melt away. For added bonus spa feels, add several drops of essential oil. The heat from the shower will release the scent and refresh you further.
4. Multi-functional face & body use
A washcloth works not only for your body, but also as a multi-tasking makeup remover cloth when used together with a face cleansing oil. Simply massage cleansing oil onto dry skin, dampen your washcloth, and wipe away traces of makeup, pollution & dust from your face. You can easily remove stubborn makeup stains by immediately washing it out with a little liquid detergent or dishwashing soap. If you prefer smaller sized facial rounds designed specifically for makeup removal, check out these reusable cotton rounds.
5. Sustainable and zero waste
Washcloths are reusable - they can be washed again and again for many years, easily popped in the machine and dryer, and if made of natural materials like cotton - biodegradable and compostable at end of life. If you do choose a microfiber washcloth, do your research to check on the best way to minimise micro plastics pollution.
Most importantly, remember to launder your washcloths frequently, and thoroughly dry them out in between uses. Cotton takes slightly longer to dry in high humidity so either have several to rotate around, or use a flax one which I find dries overnight. Put them in the washing machine for a thorough cleansing every week or so to prevent bacteria from breeding.
Let me know if you’re a washcloth gal!