The Hidden Bacteria in Your Washcloth

What You Can't See Can Hurt Your Skin

Let’s talk about something you use every day, probably without thinking twice: your washcloth.

You finish your skincare routine, pat your face dry, and hang the towel back on the rack.

Tomorrow, you’ll do the same thing. And the next day. But have you ever asked yourself: How clean is your towel, really?

It turns out, that fresh-looking cloth might not be as clean as you think.

Can dirty washcloths cause acne?

Yes. Dermatologists agree that reusing facial towels and washcloths can lead to acne breakouts and skin irritation. These fabrics often harbor bacteria, oil, and dead skin (even after washing) which can clog pores and contribute to inflammation.

Bacteria Love Damp Washcloths

When a washcloth gets wet, it becomes a warm, humid environment - perfect for bacteria to multiply. Even if you rinse it well, dead skin cells, oil, and product residue stick around, giving germs everything they need to thrive.

Tossing it in the laundry doesn’t always help. According to a study by the University of Arizona, up to 90% of bathroom towels were found to contain coliform bacteria, and 14% tested positive for E. coli. Why? Because most people don’t wash towels after every use, and many use low-temperature settings that don’t kill bacteria effectively.

And those lingering bacteria? They’re headed straight for your face.

The Acne-Bacteria Connection

If you're someone who struggles with acne, breakouts, or irritation, your towel could be working against you. Dermatologists agree that dirty washcloths can:

• Clog pores with leftover dirt and oil

• Trigger breakouts by reintroducing acne-causing bacteria

• Spread irritation across sensitive or inflamed skin

• Interfere with otherwise effective skincare routines

Even the most expensive cleanser or serum can't compete with a contaminated towel.

"If you wouldn’t use the same tissue to blow your nose multiple times, don’t use the same towel on your face day after day. It’s a recipe for inflammation," says Dr. Andrea Suarez, a board-certified dermatologist.

Why Single-Use Towels Make Sense

That’s where The Clean Co. comes in. Our disposable towels are made from biodegradable Lyocell: an ultra-soft, naturally derived material that’s safe for even the most sensitive skin. Each towel is used once, then tossed away responsibly.

That means:

✔ No bacteria buildup

✔ No laundry guesswork

✔ No reusing yesterday’s grime

It’s a small change with a big impact on skin clarity and hygiene.

What You Can Do Today

• Swap your reusable towel for a single-use option at least a few times a week

• Let reusable towels fully dry between uses to slow bacteria growth

• Wash them in hot water regularly—ideally after every 1–2 uses

• Don’t share face towels with others

Or better yet, skip the guessing game and go with a clean slate every time.

Upgrade Your Towel. Upgrade Your Skin.

We believe skincare should begin with what touches your skin first. You wouldn’t apply makeup with a dirty brush—so why end your routine with a bacteria-laden towel?

Make the switch to single-use. Your skin will thank you.

The Clean Company — Clean Skin. Clear Conscience.