in brief: To adequately clean a tanning mitt, gather essential cleaning materials, follow a detailed step-by-step process emphasizing gentle handwashing and proper drying, or leverage alternative methods if standard washing isn’t feasible. Remember consistent cleaning not only ensures smooth tanning application, but also prevents potential skin issues caused by a dirty mitt.
How to Clean a Tanning Mitt: Your Guide for Perfect Tanning
If you want to have a fake tan, but don’t want to have the orange palms that sometimes go with it, you are probably going to want to use a tanning mitt or tanning glove.
Many tanning products now come with a tanning mitt to help you achieve a streak-free application and keep your bare hands in good condition.
Have you used a tanning mitt and wondered why your tan looks streaky and your lotion is not applying smoothly? The odds are good that your tan applicator mitt just needs a good clean.
The good news is that once you commit to cleaning your tanning mitt, the next time your self-tanning session should go much smoother and leave you with a flawless self tan.
Here is a quick guide to help you get the best results while you are on your way to a perfect tan!
These instructions cover:
- The Importance of Cleaning Your Fake Tanning Mitt
- The Impact of a Dirty Tanning Mitt on Your Skin
- How to Clean Your Tanning Mitt: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Alternative Methods to Cleaning Your Tanning Mitt
Understanding The Importance of Cleaning Your Tanning Mitt
A tanning mitt is an essential tool for a perfectly distributed, streak-free tan. However, its ability to do its job effectively can be compromised if it’s not kept clean.
The buildup of tanning product on a mitt can result in an uneven application, leading to unattractive and streaky effects, not to mention the potential increase in bacteria which might cause unwanted skin problems.
Besides hygiene, prolonging the life of your tanning mitt can also save you money in the long run. Regular cleaning can help maintain its structure, ensuring the mitt remains in the best possible condition for multiple uses.
Like any other tools used on your body, care and cleanliness should never be overlooked, especially when it’s something that comes in direct contact with your skin.
Now that you know why you want to keep your tanning mitt clean, read on; your skin and your wallet will thank you!
The Impact of a Dirty Tanning Mitt on Your Skin
It’s not just about maintaining a flawless, even tan – your skin health is at stake too. Cleaning your tanning mitt should be as crucial as cleaning your makeup brushes or sponges.
Just imagine what happens when you continue using a dirty tanning mitt. You are essentially rubbing bacteria, dead skin cells, and residual tanning product back into your skin.
This not only leads to an uneven, blotchy tan but can also clog pores and cause breakouts and skin irritation.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Clean Your Tanning Mitt
Keeping your tanning mitt clean and well-maintained is not rocket science. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed
- Warm water
- A small amount of mild soap or laundry detergent
- A dry towel
Steps for Cleaning Your Tanning Mitt
Step 1 – Soak Your Mitt
Immediately after using the mitt, soak it in warm water. This loosens up the hardened tanning streaks and makes your mitt easier to clean. Do not delay this process as dried out tan can be stubborn to remove. Prepare warm soapy water. Fill a basin with warm water and add a squirt of mild soap or detergent.
Step 2 – Apply A Gentle Cleansing Agent
Use a gentle, non-abrasive detergent or a baby shampoo to clean. Apply it on the mitt and work up a lather. Avoid using bleach or any harsh cleaning agents as they can degrade the fabric of your mitt. Submerge your tanning mitt in the warm soapy water. Let it soak for a few minutes to make sure any deeply embedded tanning product is loosened.
Step 3 – Gently scrub the mitt
Using your hands, carefully wash the mitt in the soapy water, paying special attention to areas where tanning product residue may be visible.
Step 4 – Rinse And Repeat
Rinse off the mitt under warm water and continue to squeeze and shake the mitt until the water runs clear, which means all soap and residue have been removed. Repeat the process if necessary until all the tanned residue has been removed.
Step 5 – Remove the Excess Water from the Mitt
Gently squeeze out the excess water from the mitt, but be careful not to twist or wring it as this could damage the foam. Use a dry towel to blot the mitt and absorb any remaining water. Again, avoid wringing or twisting the mitt.
Step 6
Lay the mitt flat to air dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight. The drying process might take up to 24 hours.
Ensure it is completely dry before storing it away to avoid developing a moldy smell or bacteria. Also, never place your mitt in the dryer as high heat can cause it to shrink and lose its structure.
Alternative Methods of Cleaning a Tanning Mitt
While the above method is the recommended way to clean your tanning mitt, there might be times when you don’t have access to warm water or soap, or perhaps you’re in a hurry.
Here are some alternative ways that can be useful in such situations:
Machine Washing
Some tanning mitts are machine washable. Check the care label on your mitt first. If you don’t see a care label, it is probably not a good idea to put it in the washing machine.
If it is machine washable, you can simply toss it in the wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
I would wash it by itself so you don’t get any tanning lotion residue on any white clothes. (If you have done this, you know what I mean – a mess!)
Regardless, you should still air dry your mitt after washing.
What about a Cleaning Solution?
There are specific cleaning solutions available on the market designed for cleaning tanning tools. This seems like an expensive way to go though when soap and water will do the trick.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer, containing alcohol, can also work on your tanning mitt. Apply a small amount onto the mitt and rub it.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse under warm water. However, this method should not be used frequently, as the alcohol in the sanitizer can eventually damage the mitt material.
No matter what method you choose, ensure that your mitt is thoroughly clean and dry before the next use. Just like the conventional cleaning method, these alternatives should also be done after each use. Repeated, proper care will not only extend the life of your tanning mitt but also ensure a perfect, seamless tan every time.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, it’s crystal clear that understanding how to clean a tanning mitt is crucial for anyone who enjoys a flawless tan and wants to maintain good skin health.
Please remember always to clean your tanning mitt after each use to ensure an even, streak-free tan and to prolong the life of your mitt. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your tanning mitt is clean and ready for the next use. With proper care, a quality mitt can last awhile, saving you time, money and hassle in the long run.
Keeping your tanning mitt clean is essential not only for achieving an even tan but also for maintaining the longevity of the mitt itself.
Tanning Products to Try (Tanning Mitts, Tanning Spray, Tanning Lotion, and Tanning Foam)
- Fake Bake Coconut Serum
- Bondi Sands
- Jergens Foam
- Tanologist Watermist
- Tanologist Face Drops
- Tanning Mitts
If you don’t feel like cleaning the mitts and just want to buy more, click the picture above for a tanning mitt that is priced around $6. This is great if you would rather spend a little more money than time.
Tanning Mitt Cleaning FAQs
Why is it important to clean a tanning mitt?
Cleaning a tanning mitt is important not just for maintaining the quality of the tanning application but for hygiene purposes as well. A dirty tanning mitt can lead to an uneven tan and possibly skin irritations.
Can I use any soap to clean the tanning mitt?
While any gentle soap can help to clean a tanning mitt, it’s recommended to use a soap designed for delicate fabrics (like Woolite). These soaps are typically gentle on the mitt’s material and can effectively remove tanning products without causing damage.
How often should I clean my tanning mitt?
Ideally, after every use! It’s best to clean your tanning mitt after each use so that any leftover tanning product is removed. In addition, having a clean mitt minimizes the risk of bacterial growth.
Can I machine wash my tanning mitt?
Washing a tanning mitt in a washing machine is not a good option as the vigorous washing action can damage the mitt’s fabric (unless it says it is okay on the care label – see above). Hand-washing is often the best way to maintain the quality and extend the life of your tanning mitt.
What if I can’t clean my tanning mitt immediately after use?
If you can’t attend to your mitt straight away, try to rinse it under warm water to remove as much tanning product as possible. Then, as soon as you can, follow your usual cleaning procedures.
Looking for more Self-Care Products? Check out this list of over 175 Self-Care Items for Women!
Did you like this? If so, please share on Pinterest!
While you are here, make sure you grab your copy of the "Self-Care Mini-Guide" to help you figure out how to add self-care to your daily life. Just click the link Loveselfcare Self-Care Mini-Guide to download your guide!