How often to wash towels, pillowcases and makeup brushes
A simple washing schedule for bath towels, washcloths, pillowcases, sheets, makeup brushes and sponges, plus how to clean them for healthier skin.
Written by the Glowpedia team · not yet reviewed by our dermatologist
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Quick answer Wash bath towels at least once a week (2–3 times a week in humid weather), pillowcases at least weekly and every 2–3 days if you're acne-prone, gym towels after every use and makeup brushes every 7–10 days.
Towels, pillowcases and makeup brushes touch your skin every day. Over time they collect dead skin, oil, sweat, product residue and bacteria. Washing them on a regular schedule is a simple, low-cost habit for cleaner skin.
Quick schedule
| Item | How often to wash | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bath towel | At least once a week | 2–3 times a week in humid weather |
| Hand towel | At least once a week | More often if several people use it |
| Washcloth | After 1–2 uses | Use a fresh one at least a couple of times a week |
| Gym towel | After every use | Don't leave it damp in a bag |
| Pillowcase | At least once a week | Every 2–3 days if you're acne-prone |
| Sheets | Every 1–2 weeks | Weekly if you sweat a lot |
| Makeup brushes | Every 7–10 days | Don't share them |
| Makeup sponges | Ideally after each use | Replace when torn or stained |
Wash more often if you're sick, sweat a lot, live somewhere hot and humid, or have broken skin such as cuts, a rash or sores.
Towels
- Dry them properly. Hang towels spread out on a bar instead of bunched on a hook, so they dry fully between uses. Damp towels are where germs grow.
- Wash on the towel or sanitize setting, or in warm to hot water if your machine doesn't have one. Wash new towels before using them.
- Go easy on fabric softener and scent beads. Residue can help towels hold on to germs, and fragrance can bother sensitive skin. A fragrance-free detergent is a good choice if your skin is sensitive or eczema-prone.
- Keep a separate, clean towel for your face, especially if you're acne-prone.
- Don't share washcloths, and give children their own towels.
- Replace a towel if it still smells after washing. A lasting smell means bacteria or mold.
Pillowcases and sheets
Your pillowcase picks up oil, sweat, saliva, hair products and leftover skin care every night. Changing it at least once a week, along with your sheets, is a good baseline. Hot water helps kill dust mites, so use the warmest setting the care label allows.
If you're acne-prone, use hair oils or often sleep with wet hair, a fresh pillowcase every 2–3 days is an easy step. One trick: flip the pillowcase after a couple of nights, then change it. It won't clear acne on its own, but it removes one possible trigger. If you use benzoyl peroxide, choose white pillowcases and towels, since it bleaches fabric. Clean the pillows themselves about every 6 months, following the care label.
Makeup brushes and sponges
Wash brushes every 7–10 days:
- Rinse only the bristle tips under lukewarm running water.
- Swirl the tips in a bowl of lukewarm water mixed with about a tablespoon of gentle shampoo.
- Rinse, and repeat until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out water with a clean paper towel.
- Lay brushes flat to dry, with the tips hanging off the edge of a counter. Don't stand them upright: water can run into the handle and loosen the glue.
Brushes used with liquid or cream products build up faster, so you may want to wash them more often. Sponges stay damp, so wash them after each use if you can and let them dry fully. Don't share makeup or tools: bacteria and oil from someone else's skin can end up on yours.
Don't forget your shower tools
Loofahs, mitts and body brushes need cleaning too. See exfoliating brushes, mitts and gloves for how to clean and replace them, and how to shower without breakouts for more ways to protect breakout-prone skin.
What you need for this
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See a dermatologist if you get breakouts, rashes or itchy patches that keep coming back where towels, bedding or makeup tools touch your skin, or signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth, pus or fever.
Questions people ask
Can a dirty pillowcase cause acne?
It's one possible contributor, since pillowcases collect oil, sweat and hair products. Changing yours often won't clear acne on its own, but it's an easy, low-risk step.
Can I use the same towel for my face and body?
It's better to keep a separate clean towel for your face, especially if you're acne-prone or have a skin infection.
Do I need hot water for towels?
Use the towel or sanitize setting, or warm to hot water if the care label allows. Letting towels dry fully between uses matters too.
How do I know when to replace a towel?
If it still smells musty after washing, it's time to replace it.