How to Wash Reusable Cotton Rounds.

Thinking about making the switch to reusable cotton rounds? Good for you! Unlike conventional cotton pads that are thrown away after one use, reusable cotton rounds can be washed and reused hundreds of times, making them a smart swap for both your wallet and the planet. Not to mention that along with reducing waste, they’re great for removing makeup without irritating your skin.

There’s no doubt that reusable cotton rounds are a great addition to any plastic-free skincare routine. But you may be wondering, “How do you wash reusable cotton rounds?” Check out the guide below on how to wash reusable cotton rounds the right way so you can keep them in tip-top condition for as long as possible.

Machine Washing Your Reusable Cotton Rounds

One of the easiest ways to wash your reusable cotton rounds is to use a washing machine. Machine-washing your cotton rounds not only saves time, but also saves you the physical effort of washing them by hand.

Here’s how to wash reusable cotton rounds in the washing machine without causing excessive wear and tear:

• First, place your cotton rounds in a mesh bag. Our reusable bamboo cotton rounds come with a cotton mesh bag to keep them from getting lost in the washing machine. If you don’t have a cotton mesh bag, a laundry bag for delicates will also do the trick.
• Wash with like colors or in a separate load. This will help prevent subtle discoloration over time. 
• Use a small amount of mild, biodegradable detergent. Don’t go overboard. Using too much detergent can make your reusable cotton rounds feel scratchy.
• Avoid bleach and fabric softener. The abrasive chemicals in bleach and fabric softener will ruin your bamboo cotton rounds. If you want to whiten your bamboo cotton rounds naturally, try adding a bit of lemon juice to your load.
• Pre-soak in vinegar. For stubborn makeup stains, soak your reusable cotton rounds in vinegar and water overnight and gently scrub with an old toothbrush.
• Wash in cold water on a delicate cycle. Washing your cotton rounds in a cold wash cycle with a slower spin speed will reduce the risk of fiber damage.
• Skip the dryer. Instead, place your cotton rounds on a towel or hang them up to dry. In a hurry? Dry them in a clothes dryer on a low heat setting and use dryer balls to reduce your drying time. 

How to Wash Reusable Cotton Rounds by Hand

Even on a delicate cycle, your washing machine will be harder on your cotton rounds than handwashing will. Washing your cotton rounds by hand will make them last longer and help save electricity and water in the process.

We recommend handwashing our bamboo cotton rounds with soap and cold water after each use. This will help prevent stains from setting in and reduce the amount of wear and tear on your cotton rounds by avoiding the washing machine.

To dry your cotton rounds, place them on a towel to dry. You can also put them in a mesh pouch and hang them up to dry.

Can You Use Reusable Cotton Rounds to Remove Nail Polish?

One question that we frequently get asked here at The Earthling Co. is, “Can reusable cotton rounds be used to remove nail polish?” We’re happy to report that the answer is yes! Removing your nail polish with reusable cotton rounds is a great way to reduce your waste while you practice a little self-care.

However, be aware that nail polish will stain your reusable cotton rounds. For this reason, we recommend setting aside a couple of cotton rounds specifically for nail polish removal.

If you find nail polish stains bothersome, there may be ways to get them out. For instance, you could dip the end of an old towel in nail polish remover and dab at the polish color on your cotton rounds before you throw them in the wash. Keep in mind, though, that traditional nail polish remover (and nail polish itself, for that matter) is teeming with toxic chemicals that aren’t necessarily good for you or the environment. Luckily, there are newer, more sustainable toxic-free brands coming on the market, so we recommend doing a little research for a sustainable mani or pedi!

Alternatively, you could get two sets of bamboo cotton rounds and use one for nail polish and the other for your eco-friendly skincare routine. That way, you could wash them separately to avoid nail polish from bleeding onto your “clean” set of cotton rounds.

Other Potential Uses for Reusable Cotton Pads

Nail polish removal isn’t the only way to use our reusable cotton rounds. Here are a few more ways to use reusable cotton rounds in your daily routine:

• Remove makeup
• Apply toner
• Apply face lotion
• Wipe away sweat and dirt

The Bottom Line

Infinitely reusable and plastic-free, our bamboo cotton rounds are a must-have for any eco-friendly skincare routine. With a little TLC, you can extend the lifespan of your reusable cotton rounds and get more use out of them. That’s good for Mother Earth and your bank account!