# I hate washcloths! What else can I use to clean my face? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 7, 2001, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866 "2001-10-07T01:50:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/1 "2001-10-07T01:50:58Z")
I use a jellyfish to wash me, as I’ve mentioned in another thread. To wash my face, I rub on apricot scrub with my hands, and rinse it off with cold water. Now I’m being told that the apricot scrub only does half its job if I use it without some kind of abrasive tool, to really rub it into the pores. But I despise washcloths. If you really want them to be effective, you have to use a spanking-clean one each time. I cringe at the thought of rubbing something on my face that’s crawling with whatever it’s picked up from hanging in the shower. Ugh! You rinse the dirt and oil off yourself and out of your hair, and where do you think it ends up? In that soggy, nubbly repository of soap residue and shower mold that’s slowly turning gray! I can’t put a wet washcloth in the hamper; it’ll get everything else moldy. Then I always forget to add the used washcloth(s) when I’m doing a load of laundry. So I get a row of scum-catchers hanging on the towel rack, and none in the closet. Gross. What **else** can I use to good effect? ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/2 "2001-10-07T02:00:10Z")
ahhhhh, a question for the ‘product’ junkie… those disposable washcloths are great. olay makes em. dove makes em. etc. except that they are 5-9 bucks for 30 cloths. (and you can get 20 washcloths at walmart for 2 bucks). my solution is that I use a face brush: kinda like a toothbrush, except bigger and much much softer. I dont know if you use aprcot scubber everyday. you might not want to. its kinda harsh for everyday. ---
**Author:** ![Crunchy\_Frog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ebca7d/32.png) [@Crunchy\_Frog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crunchy_Frog)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/3 "2001-10-07T02:04:05Z")
I’d love to help you, but I think I first need to know what you mean by using a jellyfish. I use one of those thingies-that-I-don’t-know-what-they’re-properly-called. It’s similar to a loofah, only it’s made of material instead of a sponge. It’s this stupid puffball thing on a rope. God I suck at describing this thing. This post isn’t very helpful is it? ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/4 "2001-10-07T02:24:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Crunchy Frog \* > \*\*I’d love to help you, but I think I first need to know what you mean by using a jellyfish. > > I use one of those thingies-that-I-don’t-know-what-they’re-properly-called. It’s similar to a loofah, only it’s made of material instead of a sponge. It’s this stupid puffball thing on a rope. God I suck at describing this thing. > > This post isn’t very helpful is it? \*\* Right: the puffball-thing-on-a-rope is what I use on me. It just occurred to me that I might be able to get a smaller version for my face. **Babbon** : Too harsh for everyday? Huh, didn’t realize that. But I have oily skin, and it always feels soooooo good after I use apricot. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/5 "2001-10-07T02:39:01Z")
Buf-puf with Neutragena facial soap works for my oily skin. Quasi ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/6 "2001-10-07T02:45:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Quasimodem \* > **Buf-puf with Neutragena facial soap works for my oily skin.** Neutragena sounds good, but what’s Buf-puf? Pardon my ignorance, but I’m at that age where one no longer cruises the personal-care aisles, but rather keeps buying the same stuff one’s been using since teens/early 20s. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/7 "2001-10-07T02:48:12Z")
P.S. Mr. Rilch and I got out “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”, because we couldn’t wait (die-hard Schulz fans), and now I’m picturing Lucy running around in circles: “Buf-puf! Poison dog lips! Buf-puf!” ---
**Author:** ![Persephone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@Persephone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Persephone)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/8 "2001-10-07T02:58:30Z")
**Crunchy:** those things are usually called puffs. Buf-Puf, IIRC, is a brand name. But there’s this football player who does a commercial for Zest soap. He refers to the puffs as “lather builders.” I assume it’s because “puff” isn’t exactly manly. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/9 "2001-10-07T03:14:24Z")
Ok this isn’t exactly answering the question, but I solve the icky washcloth problem by using a laundry basket instead of a hamper. It sits in the bottom of the bathroom closet. When I’m done with a washcloth, I hang it to dry over the edge of the basket. So, I don’t forget it when I haul the whole basket out to do laundry. I also have separate face and shower washcloths, so no icky gray ones from the bath touch my face! (Actually I use one of those scritchy, exfoliating washcloths for the bath. No danger of accidentally using that on my face. Ow!) ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/10 "2001-10-07T03:23:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ellen \* > \*\*Ok this isn’t exactly answering the question, but I solve the icky washcloth problem by using a laundry basket instead of a hamper. It sits in the bottom of the bathroom closet. When I’m done with a washcloth, I hang it to dry over the edge of the basket. So, I don’t forget it when I haul the whole basket out to do laundry. I also have separate face and shower washcloths, so no icky gray ones from the bath touch my face! (Actually I use one of those scritchy, exfoliating washcloths for the bath. No danger of accidentally using that on my face. Ow!) \*\* That sounds good! If I can’t find a mini-jellyfish for my face. Oh, and FTR, I do know how to spell **baboon**. Sorry! ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/11 "2001-10-07T03:40:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rilchiam \* > **I use a jellyfish to wash me, as I’ve mentioned in another thread. To wash my face, I rub on apricot scrub with my hands, and rinse it off with cold water. Now I’m being told that the apricot scrub only does half its job if I use it without some kind of abrasive tool, to really rub it into the pores.** Many people who have tried to sell me cleansers have told me that apricot scrub has jagged edges, and while it does a good job of exfoliating, it also makes tiny cuts and tears in the new skin while removing the old skin. Of course, this may not be true, and they just want to get me to buy their exfoliator which according to them has perfectly round edges and therefore will not rip and tear the delicate surface of my skin. Anyway - to answer the OP, spa gloves. I love spa gloves. The person who came up with them should get a medal or something. ---
**Author:** ![asphodel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7ea924/32.png) [@asphodel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asphodel)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/12 "2001-10-07T11:15:19Z")
I found this really cool washcloth type of thing at (IIRC)Wal-Mart. I looks like your basic washcloth (ie. same size), but it’s made out of this exfoliating material that kind of looks like the bath puff material, but scratchier. It works great and I don’t need to worry about mildew. It’s basically mesh, so it dries quickly and it rinses out well and stays clean. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/13 "2001-10-07T22:43:10Z")
well, once you come to a certain age 😉 any exfollient, regardless of brand,is not good for everyday. The apricot one seems especially harsh, due to the for mentioned rough edges. buff puff is kinda like a kitchen scrubber, but much much softer(yet still ‘scratchy’). Phisoderm also makes one. but again, you have the problem with a dirty one laying about. (god, they MUST be germ magnets, me thinks). they also make disposible ones. the cloth **sparta** is talking about is very nice too. if you cant find one at walmart, Origins sells them, too. They are made out of the same material as the spa gloves. but, I must ask, Jelly fish? The junkie over here (yes, if it says "new and improved…I have tried it. a marketer’s dream I am) has no idea to what you are refering to. ---
**Author:** ![tapioca\_tundra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a88e57/32.png) [@tapioca\_tundra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tapioca_tundra)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/14 "2001-10-07T22:56:32Z")
What is a jellyfish? My sister gave me some kind of hippy earth soap. I used it a few times. What is a cloth Sparta? Why can’t people just use water and soap anymore!!! ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/15 "2001-10-07T23:04:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Anticay \* > **What is a jellyfish?** Plastic mesh gathered into a puff shape. Doesn’t accumulate shower gunk like a wash cloth, lathers up wonderfully, and very soft on the skin. Toss it in the washer but keep it out of the dryer. > [@](#): > > \*\*Why can’t people just use water and soap anymore!!! \*\* Because soap dries out the skin, and water isn’t pure any more. Unless you have your own artesian well sunk into the Pierian spring. ---
**Author:** ![tapioca\_tundra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a88e57/32.png) [@tapioca\_tundra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tapioca_tundra)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2001, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/16 "2001-10-07T23:18:58Z")
Okay…now I realize that I’m lost here. Since I’m a guy and don’t know fancy face-washing terminology or techniques, AND am made slightly embarrassed for not knowing, AND am the supreme leader of the Internet Taliban, it is therefore the rule from here on out that all who add to or read this topic MUST use SOAP and WATER to wash their face. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2001, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/17 "2001-10-08T01:22:20Z")
throws rotten tomato at **anticay**! ---
**Author:** ![lesa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/34f0e0/32.png) [@lesa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lesa)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2001, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/18 "2001-10-08T05:25:40Z")
Rilchiam - if your getting to “that” age you probably need something gentler for your skin. Also, abrasive scrubs are for getting rid of dead skin, not oil. I realize they also get off the oil, but you could get a good oil removing cleanser that’s not so abrasive. I use Cetaphil now, and add baking soda. This is getting fairly popular now, since Paula Begoun (the “Cosmetics Cop”) recommends it in her books. You get a little bit of Cetaphil in your hand, add baking soda, and wash with that. Also, you can just use baking soda as an exfoliant. Wet face, rub a small amount of baking soda on your skin. Rub gently (with your hands, not a washcloth), then rinse. You’ll be amazed how CLEAN your skin feels after using this. Also baking soda is LOTS cheaper than the other stuff! ---
**Author:** ![lesa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/34f0e0/32.png) [@lesa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lesa)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2001, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/19 "2001-10-08T05:29:04Z")
Oh, and I wasn’t being snitty when I refered to “that” age. I passed “that” age a little while ago. Now if I get a pimple, and get too rough trying to get rid of it, I end up with a scar. Yes, the joy of having acne and wrinkles at the same time. _Sigh_ ---
**Author:** ![tapioca\_tundra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a88e57/32.png) [@tapioca\_tundra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tapioca_tundra)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2001, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866/20 "2001-10-08T16:13:22Z")
I used to be a south american dictator. the taliban is far better. Babs, no soap for you!!! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-washcloths-what-else-can-i-use-to-clean-my-face/85866.md?page=2)