Muslin cloths, are they hygienic

sixtiesgal_2

I have used a muslin cloth a couple of times with a sample of Liz Earle cleanser and I must admit it made my skin feel clean but I wonder about the tap rinsing and using again, is this hygienic, doesn't it cause bacteria, isn't it preferable to use a wet wipe and discard after one use?

I do like the Liz Earle cleanser but just wonder about these cloths, even though they seem popular. Also, although these are recommended on sensitive skin, are not they not abrasive when used every day?

I guess I am trying to talk myself out of spending more money

Cooper18

You're right, anything that is rinsed and left to dry is a breeding ground for bacteria. Especially in a nice warm bathroom.

System

I put my home-made muslin cloths in with the hot wash in the machine. I don't use them as much these days because my skin has gone from being a bit oily to being dry and flaky, and rubbing with the cloths seems to make the flakiness more noticeable so possibly they are a little bit abrasive. Use whatever you feel comfortable using.

Fire_Fox

Muslin cloths dry super fast so if they are rinsed thoroughly IMO they are more hygienic than a terry flannel or towel. However it depends on the skincare product you use, I use a water based cleansing lotion with emulsifier so slosh well in a couple of sinks half full of hot water - works better than under the tap - an oil or wax based product will not come out as easily.

Do you only have one cloth? You can buy packs of ten unbleached muslin cloths for a few pounds on eBay, then you can have a clean cloth as often as you see fit. If I am removing make up or was dirty/ sweaty/ greasy I just chuck the old cloth in the laundry.

I have sensitive, eczematous skin and find a muslin cloth an effective and gentle method of removing cleanser and lightly exfoliating, suitable for daily use. I don't tend to scrub at my whole face tho or use very hot water, I don't need to with the product and technique that I use.

Most wet wipes contain chemicals I wouldn't want on my face. You don't want to be super anti bacterial or sterilising your skin, healthy skin has beneficial microorganisms on it which help keep the pathogenic ones in check. Given ideal circumstances - temperature, water, food, oxygen - bacteria can double every twenty minutes, so how much residue of product, skin cells or make up and how long the cloth takes to fully dry is highly relevant.

sixtiesgal_2

Hi, thanks for your replies. I have thought of getting a cloth for every day but there still seems something 'faffy' about them, I do like quickness which is why I like wipes. I also wondered about the muslin being too exfoliating for daily use but if you use them Firefox and have skin similar to mine they must be OK.

maddiemay

sixtiesgal wrote: »

Hi, thanks for your replies. I have thought of getting a cloth for every day but there still seems something 'faffy' about them, I do like quickness which is why I like wipes. I also wondered about the muslin being too exfoliating for daily use but if you use them Firefox and have skin similar to mine they must be OK.

My all time beauty guru Caroline Hirons blogs as beautymouth, is not so keen on muslin but is convinced that face flannels are the way to remove cleanser, they can be bought cheap as chips from supermarkets, New Look, Dun Elm etc, I have about 2 dozen facecloths and muslins that I use for one day then sling into the wash bin and do a hot wash about once a week/10 days, when clean I keep them folded in a nice wicker basket in bathroom. I have dry sensitive skin and do not rub hard, but apart from eye make up when I am away from home, I will not have a face wipe anywhere near my face. Hope you find something that suits you.

TimBear

I use a face wipe to get rid of my eye make up, then a flannel with a face wash on it to remove my foundation and the rest of my make up. My skin is sensitive, and prone to break outs (particularly around my chin), and I find this is a really good way to get my skin really clean, and gently exfoliate.

Be careful you don't rub too hard though or it would be too much - I've given myself horrible friction burn on my chin from this before! Ouch!

I've got a few flannels so I rotate them every other day, then chuck in a hot wash with my towels once a week.

Bronnie

They can easily be sterilised by popping damp clean cloths in a lidded tub in the microwave for a minute or two!