How to Wash MakeUp Eraser Towels So They Stay Soft

By MakeUp Eraser | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: Tips & Care

A simple makeup eraser laundry care routine that keeps reusable makeup remover cloths soft, effective, and free of odors — without fabric softener or harsh heat.

Quick answer

Wash MakeUp Eraser cloths after every one to two uses in warm water (up to 140°F) on a gentle cycle with a small amount of mild, enzyme-free detergent. Skip fabric softener, dryer sheets, and bleach, then air dry or tumble on low. This keeps the fibers soft, preserves makeup-lifting performance, and prevents the trapped residue that causes odors.

Why residue, not dirt, is the real enemy

MakeUp Eraser cloths lift makeup with water and a short, tightly woven fiber, so the surface stays effective only while those fibers remain open. Oil-based foundation, waterproof mascara, and sunscreen leave a waxy film that traps skin cells and bacteria. That film is what makes a clean-looking cloth feel stiff, stop grabbing makeup, or develop a sour smell a day after washing. The fix is not more detergent — it is removing oils completely without coating the fibers in softener or heat-fusing residue in place.

Pre-treat the cloths before they hit the machine

Rinse each cloth under warm running water immediately after use, rubbing the fabric against itself to work makeup out of the weave. If a cloth has dried with foundation or mascara still on it, soak it in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap for 10 minutes, then rinse. This step matters more than any machine setting: it removes the bulk of pigment while it is still loose, so the wash cycle only has to finish the job.

Load and wash so fibers stay open

Wash cloths in their own small load or with other soft, lint-free items like microfiber towels. Zippers, hooks, and heavy cotton can snag the short fibers and leave pills that reduce makeup pickup. Use warm water up to 140°F, a gentle or delicate cycle, and no more than one to two tablespoons of mild, enzyme-free liquid detergent — excess soap leaves a film that feels like stiffness. If you use a mesh laundry bag, choose one with fine mesh so the cloths still agitate against each other.

Dry and store for next-day softness

Air drying is the safest option: lay cloths flat or hang them with space between them so air moves through the weave. If you use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the cloths while slightly damp. Never leave damp cloths in a hamper or closed bin — that is the fastest route to mildew odor. Once fully dry, store them loose in a drawer or basket rather than compressed in a tight stack.

Your wash-day steps

Rinse right after use: Hold the cloth under warm running water and rub it against itself until the water runs mostly clear. Common mistake: tossing a makeup-loaded cloth straight into the hamper, where pigment dries into the weave.
Pre-soak stubborn cloths: For dried-on foundation or waterproof mascara, soak in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap for 10 minutes, then rinse. Checkpoint: the water should look cloudy, not pigmented, when you finish.
Wash in a small, soft load: Use warm water up to 140°F on a gentle cycle with one to two tablespoons of mild, enzyme-free detergent. Common mistake: overloading the machine or adding towels with zippers and hooks that snag the fibers.
Skip softener, sheets, and bleach: These coat the fibers and leave a waxy film that blocks makeup pickup and traps odor. Checkpoint: if a cloth feels slick or smells perfumed after washing, you used too much product — rinse and rewash.
Air dry or tumble low: Lay flat or hang with space between cloths, or use the lowest dryer heat and remove while slightly damp. Common mistake: high heat, which can stiffen the short fibers over time.
Store dry and loose: Keep fully dry cloths in an open drawer or basket rather than a sealed bin or tight stack. Next step: rotate through a seven-day set so each cloth gets a full week to dry and rest between uses.

Products that fit this routine

Garden Fairies 7-Day Set: Includes seven reusable makeup eraser cloths for a full week of use, works with just water, and features a limited edition Garden Fairies design. A seven-cloth rotation means you can wash a full week's set in one small load instead of washing a single cloth repeatedly, which is gentler on the fibers.
FUZZ Eraser: 2n1 Dermaplaner: The FUZZ Eraser: 2n1 Dermaplaner has a 2-in-1 design for dermaplaning and gentle exfoliation, helping remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells. If you dermaplane before cleansing, more dead skin and fine hair end up on your cloth, so rinse it immediately and wash it after a single use rather than waiting.