If you love self-tanning, you probably know the importance of using a tanning mitt. A tanning mitt is a glove-like accessory that helps you apply self-tanner evenly and smoothly, without staining your hands or leaving streaks on your skin. But do you know how to clean a tanning mitt properly?
A tanning mitt can get dirty and stained after each use, especially if you use a dark-tinted self-tanner. If you don’t clean your tanning mitt regularly, it can harbor much more bacteria, germs, and old product residue that can affect the quality of your tan and your skin health.
That’s why it’s essential to learn how to clean a tanning mitt and keep it in good condition. Here, we’ll show you how to clean a tanning mitt using different methods, tips, and tricks. By the end, you’ll be able to enjoy a flawless tan with a clean and fresh self-tanning mitt.
How to Clean a Tanning Mitt with Soap and Water
The simplest and most common way to clean a tan applicator mitt is to use soap and water. This method works well for most types of tanning mitts, whether they are made of microfiber, velvet, or sponge material. Here’s how to do it:
- After using your tanning mitt, rinse it under cold water as soon as possible. This will prevent the self-tanner from setting into the fibers and staining the mitt.
- Squeeze out the excess water and apply a small amount of mild soap or detergent to the mitt. You can use liquid soap, bar soap, or even shampoo or body wash.
- Rub the mitt together until it lathers up, then rinse it off with water. Repeat this step until the water runs clear and no more soap or self-tanner remains on the mitt.
- Squeeze out the excess water again and hang the mitt to dry in an open and airy place. Avoid drying it in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can damage the material and cause fading or shrinking.
- Once the mitt is completely dry, store it in a cool and dry place until the next use. You can also put it in a ziplock bag or an airtight container to keep it clean and dust-free.
How to Clean a Tanning Mitt with Laundry Detergent or Club Soda
If your tanning mitt is heavily stained or has been used for a long time without cleaning, you may need something stronger than soap and water to clean it. In that case, you can try using laundry detergent or club soda to remove the stubborn stains and odors from your tanning mitt. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a small amount of laundry detergent or club soda to the water. Swirl the water to create a soapy solution.
- Submerge the tanning mitt in the water and gently agitate it to work the soap or club soda into the fibers. Pay extra attention to any stained areas.
- Let the tanning mitt soak in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly under warm water until all traces of soap or club soda are gone.
- Squeeze out the excess water and hang the mitt to dry as described above.
How to Clean a Tanning Glove with Vinegar or Baking Soda
Another way to clean a tanning mitt is to use vinegar or baking soda. These natural ingredients are known for their cleaning and deodorizing properties, and they can help remove stains, odors, and bacteria from your tanning mitt. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add one cup of white vinegar or two tablespoons of baking soda to the water. Stir well to dissolve the vinegar or baking soda.
- Soak the tanning mitt in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it well under warm water until no vinegar or baking soda remains on the mitt.
- Squeeze out the excess water and hang the mitt to dry as described above.
How to Clean a Tanning Mitt in a Washing Machine
If you’re feeling lazy or don’t have time to hand wash your tanning mitt, you can also throw it in the washing machine for quick and easy cleaning. However, this method is not recommended for all types of tanning mitts, as some may get damaged by the machine’s agitation or heat. Check the label of your tanning mitt before washing it in the machine, and follow these steps:
- Place your tanning mitt in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect it from snagging or tearing in the machine.
- Add some mild laundry detergent to the machine and set it on a gentle cycle with cold water. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets, as these can harm the material and affect the performance of your tanning mitt.
- Once the cycle is done, take out the tanning mitt and hang it to dry as described above. Do not put it in the dryer, as this can cause shrinking or melting.
How to Clean it with a Specially Formulated Tanning Mitt Cleaner
If you want to make your life easier and save time and effort, you can also use a specially formulated tanning mitt cleaner to clean your tanning mitt. A tanning mitt cleaner is a product designed to remove self-tanner, dirt, and oil from your tanning mitt without damaging or fading it. It usually comes in a spray bottle or a pump dispenser, and it’s very easy to use. Here’s how to do it:
- After using your tanning mitt, spray or pump some tanning mitt cleaner onto the mitt. You don’t need to use too much, just enough to cover the surface of the mitt.
- Rub the mitt together to distribute the cleaner evenly and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse the mitt under warm water until the water runs clear and no cleaner or self-tanner remains on the mitt.
- Squeeze out the excess water and hang the mitt to dry as described above.
FAQ: Self Tanner Mitts
How often should I clean my tanning mitt?
You should clean your tanning mitt after every use, or at least once a week if you use it regularly. This will prevent the build-up of self-tanner, dirt, and bacteria on your tanning mitt, which can affect the quality of your tan and your skin health.
How long does a tanning mitt last?
A tanning mitt can last for several months or even years if you take good care of it and clean it properly. However, if you notice that your tanning mitt is worn out, torn, or discolored, you should replace it with a new mitt. A damaged or old mitt can cause streaks, patches, or unevenness on your tan.
What are the benefits of using a tanning mitt?
- It helps you apply self-tanner evenly and smoothly, without leaving streaks or blotches on your skin.
- It protects your bare hands from getting stained or orange by the self-tanner.
- It saves product by preventing wastage or spillage of self-tanner.
- It is reusable and eco-friendly, unlike disposable gloves or wipes.
- It is comfortable and easy to use, as it fits over your hand like a glove.
- Some may help to remove dead skin cells
Conclusion: Fake Tan Mitts
A tanning mitt is an essential accessory for self-tanning lovers, as it helps you achieve a flawless and natural-looking tan. However, you need to keep your tanning mitt clean and fresh to maintain its performance and quality. In this blog post, we showed you how to clean a tanning mitt using different methods, tips, and tricks. We hope you found this post helpful, informative, and share it with your friends on social media!
If you have any questions or comments about how to clean a tanning mitt, feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you!