How to Clean a Tanning Mitt

For a reusable tanning application mitt, wash it in soapy water, rinse it, and let it dry between applications. That is Bondi Sands’ care instruction for its Application Mitt. Start with your own mitt’s label if it gives different instructions. Bondi Sands application-mitt care.

A Simple Cleaning Routine

1. Remove the leftover product. Rinse the mitt rather than leaving a fresh load of tanner inside it until your next application.
2. Wash gently in soapy water. Work the water through the fabric without pulling at the seams. Bondi Sands allows soaking its reusable application mitt; it does not specify a universal soak duration or soap concentration.
3. Rinse thoroughly. Remove the soap and loose product. Repeat a gentle wash if there is still obvious product residue.
4. Let it dry before storage and reuse. Leave the opening accessible so the inside can dry too. Avoid putting it away in a closed bag while wet.

The first three actions follow the manufacturer’s wash-and-rinse method; the storage advice is a practical way to carry out its instruction to let the mitt dry.

Application Mitt or Tan-Removal Mitt?

They do different jobs. A soft application mitt spreads self-tanner. An exfoliating or tan-removal mitt helps remove old tan and skin buildup. Do not assume their materials or care instructions match.

For example, St. Tropez tells owners of its Tan Remover Mitt to rinse it with warm water after each use and let it dry naturally. That is a product-specific instruction for its exfoliating mitt, not proof that every application mitt can go in a washing machine. St. Tropez Tan Remover Mitt care.

Can It Go in the Washing Machine?

Only if your mitt’s care label permits it. The sources above support hand washing or rinsing and drying; they do not establish machine-wash or tumble-dry settings for every mitt. A machine cycle is unnecessary for the basic cleaning routine described here.

Do not escalate to bleach, solvent, boiling water, or hard scrubbing just to restore the original color. Judge the mitt by remaining product, the fabric’s condition, and whether it still applies tan evenly. Replace a mitt with torn seams, a damaged lining, or residue that you cannot remove using its approved care method.

Cleaning the mitt is separate from preparing your skin for a spray tan. If tanner reached your palms, use the guide to removing spray tan from hands rather than using a harsh mitt-cleaning treatment on skin.