Reusable makeup remover pads are one of the easiest sustainable swaps you can make — but only if they stay clean. A poorly cared-for pad can harbour product buildup, become less effective, and smell musty. The good news: cleaning them properly takes less than a minute per day.
This guide covers the full cleaning routine for LastRound reusable makeup pads and any similar cotton, lyocell, or bamboo reusable rounds.
The Daily Rinse (Takes 30 Seconds)
After each use, rinse your makeup pad under warm running water immediately. Work the fabric gently between your fingers to release mascara, foundation, or micellar water residue.
You don't need soap for the daily rinse — just water is enough to prevent product from drying and setting into the fibres. If you used heavy makeup or oil-based products, add a small drop of gentle soap and rub lightly, then rinse thoroughly.
Squeeze out excess water and lay the pad flat to air dry, or pop it back into its case slightly damp (the next use will pick up from dry — this is fine for one-night storage).
The Weekly Machine Wash
Once a week — or whenever the pads feel like they need a deeper clean — machine wash them. Here's how to do it right:
- Place all pads in a mesh laundry bag. This prevents them from snagging on other items and losing shape. The LastRound set includes a dedicated mesh bag for this.
- Wash at 40–60°C (104–140°F). This temperature range removes bacteria effectively. For heavily soiled pads, 60°C is better. For regular maintenance, 40°C is fine.
- Use a gentle or regular detergent. Avoid detergents with optical brighteners, which can irritate skin. Fragrance-free is better for sensitive skin users.
- Skip the fabric softener. Fabric softener coats fibres, reducing their absorbency and texture over time. It's the number one cause of pads becoming less effective after a few months.
- Air dry. Lay flat or hang. Tumble drying on high heat can shrink the pads and degrade the fibres faster.
How to Remove Stubborn Stains
Mascara, eyeliner, and pigmented lipstick can leave faint marks even after washing. These are cosmetic — they don't affect hygiene or performance — but if you want to clear them:
- Micellar water soak: Let the dry pad sit in a small dish of micellar water for 10–15 minutes, then rinse and machine wash. Works well on mascara.
- Gentle dish soap: Apply a drop to the stain, work in gently, leave for 5 minutes, rinse, then machine wash.
- Sunlight bleaching: For white or light-coloured pads, lay flat in direct sunlight after washing. Natural UV bleaching is effective on many pigment stains without chemicals.
Avoid: bleach, hydrogen peroxide (can weaken fibres), or harsh scrubbing. These shorten the pad's lifespan without improving cleaning results.
How Often Should You Wash Them?
Daily rinse after every use. Machine wash once a week if you use makeup daily. If you use them less frequently, machine wash when they look or feel like they need it — trust your judgement.
Some people machine wash every use (putting them in alongside their regular laundry). This is perfectly fine and won't shorten the lifespan if you're using a gentle cycle and cool or warm temperatures.
How Long Do Reusable Makeup Pads Last?
With proper care, a good set of reusable makeup remover pads should last 200+ machine washes. For a set of 7 like LastRound, that means 200+ full wash cycles per pad — equating to roughly 1,750 individual uses before replacement.
Signs it's time to replace a pad: the fabric is visibly pilling or falling apart, it no longer absorbs product effectively, or it has persistent odour even after washing. Read more in our article on how many uses reusable makeup pads last.
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | What Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using fabric softener | Fibres become coated, pad loses absorbency | Switch to a softener-free detergent |
| Tumble drying on high heat | Shrinkage and fibre degradation | Air dry flat |
| Washing with hook-and-loop (velcro) | Fibres snag and pill | Use the included mesh bag |
| Skipping the daily rinse | Product dries into fibres, stains become permanent | Rinse immediately after use |
| Using bleach | Weakens fabric, shortens lifespan | Use sunlight or micellar water for stains |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash reusable makeup pads with regular laundry?
Yes — as long as you put them in a mesh laundry bag first. This protects the fibres from snagging on zips, buttons, or towels in the same wash. Wash at 40–60°C with regular detergent, no fabric softener.
How do I get mascara out of reusable makeup pads?
Soak in micellar water for 10–15 minutes, then rinse and machine wash. For persistent marks, a drop of gentle dish soap worked into the stain before washing is effective. The stain may leave a faint cosmetic mark without affecting performance or hygiene.
Can reusable makeup pads go mouldy?
Only if stored damp for extended periods. Rinse daily, air dry, and machine wash weekly. If pads develop an odour, a hot wash (60°C) with a small amount of white vinegar (¼ cup in the drum) usually resolves it.
Do I need special detergent for reusable makeup pads?
No — regular detergent works fine. Fragrance-free, dye-free formulas are ideal for sensitive skin users. The only thing to avoid is fabric softener, which reduces absorbency.
Ready to make the switch? Shop LastRound reusable makeup remover pads →
Also read: Are reusable makeup pads actually hygienic? and Reusable vs disposable makeup pads: an honest comparison.