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Washcloths are typically made of [[terrycloth]] and measure around 12×12 inches in size.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sabella |first=Maria |title=Common Towel Sizes to Know |url=https://www.thespruce.com/common-towel-sizes-5222691 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=[[The Spruce]] |language=en}}</ref> A sub-variant of the washcloth is the [[washing mitt]]. <ref>{{cite book |author1=Leighann Remmert |author2=Sheila A. Sorrentino |date=2022 |title=Workbook and Competency Evaluation Review for Mosby’s Essentials for Nursing Assistants – E-Book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JOlcEAAAQBAJ |publisher=[[Elsevier Health Sciences]]|chapter=Giving a Complete Bedbath |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JOlcEAAAQBAJ&dq=washing+mitt+wash+cloth&pg=PA253|page=253 |isbn=9780323811125 }}</ref> {{efn|The washing mitt can also be used for washing cars. <ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!– not stated –> |date=1950|title=Mitt Makes Car Shine |magazine=[[Popular Science]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KS0DAAAAMBAJ&dq=washing+mitt&pg=RA1-PA136 |publisher=[[Bonnier Corporation]] |volume= 156|number=3|issn=0161-7370 |page=136}}</ref> }}

Washcloths are typically made of [[terrycloth]] and measure around 12×12 inches in size.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sabella |first=Maria |title=Common Towel Sizes to Know |url=https://www.thespruce.com/common-towel-sizes-5222691 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=[[The Spruce]] |language=en}}</ref> A sub-variant of the washcloth is the [[washing mitt]]. <ref>{{cite book |author1=Leighann Remmert |author2=Sheila A. Sorrentino |date=2022 |title=Workbook and Competency Evaluation Review for Mosby’s Essentials for Nursing Assistants – E-Book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JOlcEAAAQBAJ |publisher=[[Elsevier Health Sciences]]|chapter=Giving a Complete Bedbath |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JOlcEAAAQBAJ&dq=washing+mitt+wash+cloth&pg=PA253|page=253 |isbn=9780323811125 }}</ref> {{efn|The washing mitt can also be used for washing cars. <ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!– not stated –> |date=1950|title=Mitt Makes Car Shine |magazine=[[Popular Science]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KS0DAAAAMBAJ&dq=washing+mitt&pg=RA1-PA136 |publisher=[[Bonnier Corporation]] |volume= 156|number=3|issn=0161-7370 |page=136}}</ref> }}

Washcloths are also used in the context of hospital settings on the pretext basins pose the risk of [[Multiple drug resistance|multidrug resistant organism]]s contamination; to avoid infection.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Martin |first1=Emily Toth |last2=Haider |first2=Samran |last3=Palleschi |first3=Maria |last4=Eagle |first4=Sommer |last5=Crisostomo |first5=Delfin V. |last6=Haddox |first6=Pamela |last7=Harmon |first7=Laura |last8=Mazur |first8=Robin |last9=Moshos |first9=Judy |last10=Marchaim |first10=Dror |last11=Kaye |first11=Keith S. |title=Bathing hospitalized dependent patients with prepackaged disposable washcloths instead of traditional bath basins: A case-crossover study |journal=American Journal of Infection Control |date=September 2017 |volume=45 |issue=9 |pages=990–994 |doi=10.1016/j.ajic.2017.03.023 |pmid=28502637 |pmc=5581711 }}</ref> {{efn|Prefabricated moist washcloths in packages were/are a possible source of a [[hospital infection]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Martin |first1=M. |last2=Christiansen |first2=B. |last3=Caspari |first3=G. |last4=Hogardt |first4=M. |last5=von Thomsen |first5=A.J. |last6=Ott |first6=E. |last7=Mattner |first7=F. |title=Hospital-wide outbreak of Burkholderia contaminans caused by prefabricated moist washcloths |journal=Journal of Hospital Infection |date=March 2011 |volume=77 |issue=3 |pages=267–270 |doi=10.1016/j.jhin.2010.10.004 |pmid=21216034 }}</ref>}} Superior pathogen elimination occurs using washcloths containing [[chlorhexidine]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Afonso |first1=Elsa |last2=Blot |first2=Koen |last3=Blot |first3=Stijn |title=Prevention of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections through chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated washcloth bathing in intensive care units: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised crossover trials|editor=[[Ines Steffens]]|journal=[[Eurosurveillance]]|date=17 November 2016 |volume=21 |issue=46 |pages=30400 |doi=10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2016.21.46.30400 |pmid=27918269 |pmc=5144946 |quote=This meta-analysis of four trials, involving 25 ICUs and 22,850 patients, provides evidence that daily patient bathing with CHG washcloths can reduce the incidence of [[Hospital-acquired infection|HA]][[Bloodstream infection|BSI]]. This effect appears mainly to be due to a reduction in [[Central line (medicine)|CL]]ABSI, possibly based on eradication of Gram-positive skin commensals. After removal of a high-risk-of-bias study, the intervention impact in the Gram-positive and non-central line-associated HABSI subgroups became non-significant.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality]] |url=https://innovations.ahrq.gov/profiles/daily-bathing-antiseptic-agent-significantly-reduces-risk-hospital-acquired-infections |title=Daily Bathing With Antiseptic Agent Significantly Reduces Risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections in Intensive Care Unit Patients |date=23 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113133136/https://innovations.ahrq.gov/profiles/daily-bathing-antiseptic-agent-significantly-reduces-risk-hospital-acquired-infections |archive-date=13 January 2017 }}</ref>

Washcloths are also used in the context of hospital settings on the pretext basins pose the risk of [[Multiple drug resistance|multidrug resistant organism]]s contamination; to avoid infection.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Martin |first1=Emily Toth |last2=Haider |first2=Samran |last3=Palleschi |first3=Maria |last4=Eagle |first4=Sommer |last5=Crisostomo |first5=Delfin V. |last6=Haddox |first6=Pamela |last7=Harmon |first7=Laura |last8=Mazur |first8=Robin |last9=Moshos |first9=Judy |last10=Marchaim |first10=Dror |last11=Kaye |first11=Keith S. |title=Bathing hospitalized dependent patients with prepackaged disposable washcloths instead of traditional bath basins: A case-crossover study |journal=American Journal of Infection Control |date=September 2017 |volume=45 |issue=9 |pages=990–994 |doi=10.1016/j.ajic.2017.03.023 |pmid=28502637 |pmc=5581711 }}</ref> {{efn|Prefabricated moist washcloths in packages were/are a possible source of a [[hospital infection]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Martin |first1=M. |last2=Christiansen |first2=B. |last3=Caspari |first3=G. |last4=Hogardt |first4=M. |last5=von Thomsen |first5=A.J. |last6=Ott |first6=E. |last7=Mattner |first7=F. |title=Hospital-wide outbreak of Burkholderia contaminans caused by prefabricated moist washcloths |journal=Journal of Hospital Infection |date=March 2011 |volume=77 |issue=3 |pages=267–270 |doi=10.1016/j.jhin.2010.10.004 |pmid=21216034 }}</ref>}} Superior pathogen elimination occurs using washcloths containing [[chlorhexidine]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Afonso |first1=Elsa |last2=Blot |first2=Koen |last3=Blot |first3=Stijn |title=Prevention of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections through chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated washcloth bathing in intensive care units: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised crossover trials|editor=[[Ines Steffens]]|journal=[[Eurosurveillance]]|date=17 November 2016 |volume=21 |issue=46 |pages=30400 |doi=10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2016.21.46.30400 |pmid=27918269 |pmc=5144946 |quote=This meta-analysis of four trials, involving 25 ICUs and 22,850 patients, provides evidence that daily patient bathing with CHG washcloths can reduce the incidence of [[Hospital-acquired infection|HA]][[Bloodstream infection|BSI]]. This effect appears mainly to be due to a reduction in [[Central line (medicine)|CL]]ABSI, possibly based on eradication of Gram-positive skin commensals. After removal of a high-risk-of-bias study, the intervention impact in the Gram-positive and non-central line-associated HABSI subgroups became non-significant.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality]] |url=https://innovations.ahrq.gov/profiles/daily-bathing-antiseptic-agent-significantly-reduces-risk-hospital-acquired-infections |title=Daily Bathing With Antiseptic Agent Significantly Reduces Risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections in Intensive Care Unit Patients |date=23 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113133136/https://innovations.ahrq.gov/profiles/daily-bathing-antiseptic-agent-significantly-reduces-risk-hospital-acquired-infections |archive-date=13 January 2017 }}</ref>

Washcloths are used also in [[beauty care]]. <ref>{{cite book|author=Alexandra Soveral|date=November 2, 2017|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jmU8DgAAQBAJ&q=Perfect+Skin+++Alexandra+Soveral|title=Perfect Skin|page=(no page number) <small>HONEY EXFOLIATING METHOD</small>|chapter=Chapter 1 Your Skin|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jmU8DgAAQBAJ&dq=exfoliation+with+flannel&pg=PT136|publisher=[[Ebury Publishing]]|isbn=9781473552043}}</ref> In cosmetics the washcloth is a part of [[Exfoliation (cosmetology)|exfoliation]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wernham |first1=A.G. |last2=Cain |first2=O.L. |last3=Thomas |first3=A.M. |title=Effect of an exfoliating skincare regimen on the numbers of epithelial squames on the skin of operating theatre staff, studied by surface microscopy |journal=[[Journal of Hospital Infection]] |date=October 2018 |volume=100 |issue=2 |pages=190–194 |doi=10.1016/j.jhin.2018.03.014 |pmid=29577991 }}</ref>

Washcloths are used also in [[beauty care]]. <ref>{{cite book|author=Alexandra Soveral|date=November 2, 2017|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jmU8DgAAQBAJ&q=Perfect+Skin+++Alexandra+Soveral|title=Perfect Skin|page=(no page number) <small>HONEY EXFOLIATING METHOD</small>|chapter=Chapter 1 Your Skin|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jmU8DgAAQBAJ&dq=exfoliation+with+flannel&pg=PT136|publisher=[[Ebury Publishing]]|isbn=9781473552043}}</ref> In cosmetics the washcloth is a part of [[Exfoliation (cosmetology)|exfoliation]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wernham |first1=A.G. |last2=Cain |first2=O.L. |last3=Thomas |first3=A.M. |title=Effect of an exfoliating skincare regimen on the numbers of epithelial squames on the skin of operating theatre staff, studied by surface microscopy |journal=[[Journal of Hospital Infection]] |date=October 2018 |volume=100 |issue=2 |pages=190–194 |doi=10.1016/j.jhin.2018.03.014 |pmid=29577991 }}</ref>

Revision as of 17:57, 31 October 2025

Small cloth used for washing the body

A washcloth, wash-cloth, washrag (North American English) [1][2][3][a] [5][6] or facecloth, flannel (British English) [7][2][8][1] or cleansing cloth [9] is a rectangular or square piece of cloth used in personal hygeine; for washing the body.

Washcloths are useful for cleansing [9] or removing dead skin [10] (stratum corneum [11]).
Washcloths are typically made of terrycloth and measure around 12×12 inches in size.[12] A sub-variant of the washcloth is the washing mitt. [13] [b]

Washcloths are also used in the context of hospital settings on the pretext basins pose the risk of multidrug resistant organisms contamination; to avoid infection.[15] [c] Superior pathogen elimination occurs using washcloths containing chlorhexidine.[17][18]

Washcloths are used also in beauty care. [19] In cosmetics the washcloth is a part of exfoliation.[20]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ A Hungarian word translated as “washcloths” (2022) was in usage during 1816[4]
  2. ^ The washing mitt can also be used for washing cars. [14]
  3. ^ Prefabricated moist washcloths in packages were/are a possible source of a hospital infection[16]

References

  1. ^ a b “washcloth”. Merriam-Webster.
  2. ^ a b “washcloth”. Oxford University: Learner’s Dictionaries. (North American English) (British English flannel, facecloth)
  3. ^ “washcloth”. dictionary.com. An Americanism dating from 1900–05
  4. ^ Poczai, Peter; Karvalics, László Z. (20 October 2022). “The little-known history of cleanliness and the forgotten pioneers of handwashing”. Frontiers in Public Health. 10 979464. Bibcode:2022FrPH…1079464P. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.979464. PMC 9632745. PMID 36339162. However, indirect evidence can help to clarify whether the principles identified by Zsoldos were translated into the daily medical practice in the Women’s Hospital (Asszony Ispotályi Intézet) what he established in Pápa in 1816 (79). The hospital’s inventory records from 1816, the year of its foundation, could provide a partial answer (82). The hospital inventory makes a clear distinction between the metal utensils provided for patients and the textile linen used after cleaning them (linen “towelettes” or “washcloths”)
  5. ^ “wash-cloth”. Oxford University. 1915; Gene Stratton-Porter
  6. ^ “washrag”. dictionary.com. An Americanism dating from 1885-90
  7. ^ “flannel”. dictionary.com.
  8. ^ “washcloth”. Collins. regional note: in BRIT, use flannel, facecloth
  9. ^ a b Zoe Diane Draelos. Kenneth Tomecki (ed.). “Cosmeceuticals: What’s Real, What’s Not”. Dermatologic Clinics. 37 (1). Elsevier: 108-9. ISBN 9780323654982.
  10. ^ Claire Sissons (January 2, 2020). “Removing dead skin from the face: 6 ways and what to avoid”. medicalnewstoday.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024. Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP)
  11. ^ Kligman, Albert (September 22, 2005). “3 A Brief History of How the Dead Stratum Corneum Became Alive”. In Kenneth R. Feingold; Peter M. Elias (eds.). Skin Barrier. p. 15. ISBN 9780849361296.
  12. ^ Sabella, Maria. “Common Towel Sizes to Know”. The Spruce. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  13. ^ Leighann Remmert; Sheila A. Sorrentino (2022). “Giving a Complete Bedbath”. Workbook and Competency Evaluation Review for Mosby’s Essentials for Nursing Assistants – E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 253. ISBN 9780323811125.
  14. ^ “Mitt Makes Car Shine”. Popular Science. Vol. 156, no. 3. Bonnier Corporation. 1950. p. 136. ISSN 0161-7370.
  15. ^ Martin, Emily Toth; Haider, Samran; Palleschi, Maria; Eagle, Sommer; Crisostomo, Delfin V.; Haddox, Pamela; Harmon, Laura; Mazur, Robin; Moshos, Judy; Marchaim, Dror; Kaye, Keith S. (September 2017). “Bathing hospitalized dependent patients with prepackaged disposable washcloths instead of traditional bath basins: A case-crossover study”. American Journal of Infection Control. 45 (9): 990–994. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2017.03.023. PMC 5581711. PMID 28502637.
  16. ^ Martin, M.; Christiansen, B.; Caspari, G.; Hogardt, M.; von Thomsen, A.J.; Ott, E.; Mattner, F. (March 2011). “Hospital-wide outbreak of Burkholderia contaminans caused by prefabricated moist washcloths”. Journal of Hospital Infection. 77 (3): 267–270. doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2010.10.004. PMID 21216034.
  17. ^ Afonso, Elsa; Blot, Koen; Blot, Stijn (17 November 2016). Ines Steffens (ed.). “Prevention of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections through chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated washcloth bathing in intensive care units: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised crossover trials”. Eurosurveillance. 21 (46): 30400. doi:10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2016.21.46.30400. PMC 5144946. PMID 27918269. This meta-analysis of four trials, involving 25 ICUs and 22,850 patients, provides evidence that daily patient bathing with CHG washcloths can reduce the incidence of HABSI. This effect appears mainly to be due to a reduction in CLABSI, possibly based on eradication of Gram-positive skin commensals. After removal of a high-risk-of-bias study, the intervention impact in the Gram-positive and non-central line-associated HABSI subgroups became non-significant.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: article number as page number (link)
  18. ^ “Daily Bathing With Antiseptic Agent Significantly Reduces Risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections in Intensive Care Unit Patients”. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 23 April 2014. Archived from the original on 13 January 2017.
  19. ^ Alexandra Soveral (November 2, 2017). “Chapter 1 Your Skin”. Perfect Skin. Ebury Publishing. p. (no page number) HONEY EXFOLIATING METHOD. ISBN 9781473552043.
  20. ^ Wernham, A.G.; Cain, O.L.; Thomas, A.M. (October 2018). “Effect of an exfoliating skincare regimen on the numbers of epithelial squames on the skin of operating theatre staff, studied by surface microscopy”. Journal of Hospital Infection. 100 (2): 190–194. doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2018.03.014. PMID 29577991.

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