Reusable Cleansing Pads: How to Use, Wash and Store Them

Reusable cleansing pads are a simple way to make your skincare routine a little more sustainable. Use them with a suitable cosmetic product, moving gently across the skin with light pressure.

Once you’ve finished, keep used pads separate from your clean ones and follow the care label for washing, detergent, temperature and drying. Only return a pad to your clean storage once it is completely dry.

Set up a three-stage rotation

1. Clean and dry: stored in a protected place and ready for use.
2. Used and waiting to wash: kept separately in a breathable, washable container where appropriate.
3. Washed and drying: laid out or hung as directed until every layer is dry.

Label containers if several people use the same bathroom. Do not mix personal pads.

Choose a reusable pad

When choosing reusable cleansing pads, think about what you’ll use them for and how they’ll fit into your routine. Consider the material, size, thickness, washing instructions, drying time and how many pads come in a pack.

A larger pack can give you more pads to rotate between washes, but it also means more items to clean and dry. The best option is one that suits your routine and is easy for you to keep clean.

The Brushworks Reusable Microfibre Cleansing Pads, Reusable Makeup Remover Pads and Cleanse & Refresh Face Pads are examples of different reusable options. Always check the individual product information, as different pads can have different uses and care requirements.

How to use reusable cleansing pads

1. Wash hands before starting. 
2. Choose a clean, completely dry pad.
3. Apply your cleaning product to your skin or pad, following the product instructions.
4. Gently sweep the pad over the areas you're cleansing.
5. Use a clean section as makeup or product transfers onto the pad.
6. Switch to a fresh pad if the first becomes too covered in product instructions. 
7. Take care around the eyes and avoid any areas excluded by the product instructions.
8. Place the used pad separately ready for washing. 
9. Continue with the rest of your skincare routine as usual. 

There’s no need to rub harder to remove stubborn makeup or product. A gentle touch, suitable cleanser and fresh pad will help keep your routine comfortable.

Removing eye makeup

The eye area needs a little extra care, so always check that both your reusable pad and chosen makeup remover are suitable for use around the eyes. Be gentle, avoid the inner eye area and stop if anything feels uncomfortable.

For waterproof or long-wear makeup, a suitable eye makeup remover may work better than trying to remove it with extra rubbing. Avoid using a rough, damaged or heavily used section of the pad.

How many pads per cleanse?

There’s no set number of reusable pads you need for each cleanse. It will depend on the size of the pad, how much makeup you’re wearing, the type of cleanser you’re using and how quickly the pad becomes covered in product.

If the clean surface is no longer doing the job, simply switch to another pad. There’s no need to make one pad last through your entire routine.

How to wash reusable pads

Read the label first. Then:

1. Remove visible residue according to the directions.
2. Hand wash or machine wash according to the care instructions.
3. Use the recommended temperature and detergent.
4. Avoid bleach, fabric softener or other products unless they're specifically permitted.
5. Rinse thoroughly where hand washing.
6. Gently reshape the pad if needed.
7. Dry with the approved method.
8. Check the pad before storing it with your clean ones.

Use a wash bag if one is supplied or recommended, and remember to clean the bag too.

Drying

Give reusable pads plenty of airflow while they dry by laying them flat or hanging them as directed. Thicker pads can hold moisture inside even when the outside feels dry, so check the centre and seams before putting them away.

Avoid stacking damp pads or storing them in a closed container. If you’re using a tumble dryer or any form of heat, always check that it’s approved by the care label first.

Storage

Keep clean reusable pads somewhere dry and protected, such as a clean drawer or storage container. Keep used pads separate in a washable container and avoid leaving them in standing water or sealed while damp.

When travelling, pack clean and dry pads separately and take a washable pouch for used ones. Once you’re home, unpack used pads promptly and avoid leaving anything damp sealed away for long periods.

When to replace reusable pads

Reusable pads can last through plenty of skincare routines, but they won’t last forever. It’s time to replace one if you notice:

• the surface remains rough or damaged;
• seams open;
• the shape no longer supports use;
• staining or residue remains after the approved wash;
• odour persists after correct cleaning and drying;
• the care label’s replacement guidance applies.

Reusable simply means the pad can be washed and used again — not that it lasts indefinitely. Replacing worn pads helps keep your skincare routine feeling fresh and comfortable.

Are reusable pads right for you?

Reusable cleansing pads can be a great choice if you’re happy to keep up with washing and drying them between uses. If that feels like too much for your routine, another cleansing method may simply suit you better.

The important thing is choosing an option that fits naturally into your skincare routine. Being reusable doesn’t automatically tell you everything about a product’s environmental impact, so consider how you’ll actually use and care for it.

Build a seven-pad weekly rotation

If you have a seven-piece pack and usually use one pad per routine, you could keep one clean pad ready for each day and choose a regular wash day.

This is simply an easy way to organise your pads rather than a set rule. You may need more than one pad if you wear heavier makeup, while a less frequent routine may need fewer.

Keep clean pads in a fresh, dry container and move used ones into a separate washable bag. Make sure you have enough time for everything to wash and dry fully before you need them again.

Stains, odour and residue

A little staining doesn’t necessarily mean a pad needs replacing. However, if product residue or an unpleasant odour remains after following the correct washing and drying instructions, it may be time to retire the pad.

Stick to the care instructions rather than trying stronger methods such as bleach, boiling water or high heat. If the pad can’t be properly refreshed using its approved care method, replacing it is the simplest option.

Using pads with different products

If you regularly use strongly coloured makeup or different skincare products, you may find it helpful to keep separate pads for each. This can help prevent colour transfer and keep your routine organised.

Laundry checklist

Before washing your reusable pads, check the care label for each one and keep them separate from clothing or laundry that could damage the fabric, such as items with exposed zips or fastenings. Use a wash bag if recommended.

Once the wash is finished, remove the pads promptly, reshape them if needed and give them plenty of airflow while they dry.

Before using them again, check that:

• There is no cleanser or makeup residue left.
• There's no lingering odour.
• The seams and edges are intact.
• The surface still feels comfortable and suitable to use.
• The centre is completely dry.
• Your clean storage container is fresh and clean.

If a pad doesn’t pass these checks, follow its approved washing method again or replace it if it’s no longer suitable for use.

Common mistakes

• Mixing clean, used and drying pads
• Using one loaded surface for the whole face
• Scrubbing instead of switching pad or cleanser
• Adding bleach, softener or heat without permission
• Storing a damp pad in a sealed bag
• Sharing personal-use pads
• Continuing to use rough or damaged fabric
• Assuming reusable automatically means a lower environmental impact