A good cleanse starts with clean tools, especially the ones you use every single day. If you’ve embraced reusable makeup remover pads (love that for you and the planet), keeping them fresh, soft and hygienic is easier than you think. This 2025 guide breaks down exactly how to clean reusable makeup pads the right way, from quick daily rinses to deep-clean cycles, microfiber-shedding minimisers, and smart storage tips.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
⚡Reusable makeup pads are an eco-friendly alternative: Switching from disposable wipes to reusable pads helps reduce waste and saves money over time while maintaining a sustainable beauty routine.
⚡Hand wash after every use: Clean your pads immediately after use with warm water and gentle soap to prevent makeup stains from setting and to maintain hygiene.
⚡Air dry naturally: Allow pads to dry completely in a clean, ventilated space. Use the built-in hanging loop to keep them off surfaces and avoid damp environments that can cause odours or bacteria buildup.
⚡Deep clean weekly: Once a week, place pads in an eco mesh laundry bag and wash them in the machine using a gentle detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, as these can damage the fibres and reduce absorbency.
⚡Store clean pads properly: Keep freshly washed pads in a covered or mesh storage bag to protect them from dust and dirt. For an organised look, store them in a reusable jar or small container.
⚡Consistent care extends pad life: Regular cleaning and proper storage ensure the pads stay soft, effective, and long-lasting, providing an easy-to-maintain sustainable beauty habit.
⚡Eco tip: Pair your reusable pads with other sustainable tools like MY ECO BEAUTY KIT products for a complete, eco-conscious routine that’s kind to your skin and the planet.
KNOW YOUR PAD FABRIC (CARE AT A GLANCE)
Bamboo/Cotton Rounds
Tolerate warmer washes.
Avoid chlorine bleach (weakens fibres over time).
Great for daily cleansing and micellar use.
Microfibre Pads
Wash separately from lint-heavy items (towels, cotton tees).
Never use fabric softener as it kills absorbency.
Low-heat or air-dry to protect the ultra-fine fibres.
HOW OFTEN TO WASH REUSABLE COTTON ROUNDS & PADS
After every use for hygiene + stain prevention
A quick clean stops makeup, SPF and oils from settling into the fibres (and keeps bacteria at bay).
Weekly for a full refresh
A deeper machine wash resets your pads and helps them last longer.
DAILY QUICK-CLEAN (60–90 SECONDS)
This keeps your pads fresh between deeper washes.
Rinse with warm water immediately after use (cold for heavy pigment stains).
Skip it. Try a vinegar rinse or dryer balls instead.
Washing with towels
Lint transfers; keep pads in a wash bag or separate.
Chlorine bleaching
Switch to oxygen bleach for safe brightening.
Storing while damp
Always air-dry completely before storing.
FAQs
What’s the best way to wash reusable makeup pads?
Rinse immediately after use, then either:
Machine wash in a mesh bag with gentle detergent, warm cycle, no fabric softener.
Hand wash by soaking in warm water with gentle soap, massaging, rinsing clear and laying flat to dry.
How often should I clean my reusable cotton pads?
Quick-clean after every use. Do a deep machine wash weekly or once you’ve accumulated enough for a load.
Can I wash pads at 60 °C?
Sometimes. It depends on the fabric. Cotton/bamboo tolerate heat better. Microfibre may require cooler temperatures. Always check the care label first.
Why avoid fabric softener?
It coats fibres, reducing absorbency, especially in microfibre pads.
How do I lift stubborn makeup stains?
Pre-treat with a drop of dish soap or makeup tool cleanser. For white pads, oxygen bleach helps brighten safely.
How do I minimise microfibre pollution?
Wash full loads, use a microfibre-capture bag or filter, and keep cycles reasonable to reduce fibre shedding.
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