To clean a tanning mitt, rinse it under warm water straight after use, work in a small amount of gentle soap or baby shampoo, massage the fabric softly to loosen the tanner, then rinse until the water runs clear. Squeeze out the excess water, reshape the mitt, and leave it to air dry. The whole process takes under two minutes and makes a huge difference to how your next application turns out.

If you let product build up inside the mitt over multiple uses, the fabric becomes uneven and starts dragging tanner across your skin instead of blending it — the main cause of streaky results. Cleaning it every time keeps it performing like new.

Key Takeaways

Always clean your tanning mitt after every single use — product buildup leads to streaky applications
Warm water and a small amount of gentle soap or baby shampoo is all you need
Never use hot water, harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softener — they damage the velvet fibres
Hand washing is always the safest method; machine washing is possible but comes with risks
Air dry only — dryers shrink and distort the shape of the mitt
Replace your mitt every three to six months depending on how often you use it
Rinse immediately after use while the tanner is still fresh — it is far easier to remove

How to Clean a Tanning Mitt: Step by Step

Hand washing is the gold standard for tanning mitt care. It is gentle, quick, and keeps the velvet fabric in the best possible condition for even application.

Rinse immediately after use. The sooner you rinse your mitt after applying fake tan, the easier the product is to remove. Hold it under warm running water and let it flow through the fabric.
Apply a small amount of soap. A pea-sized drop of baby shampoo or a gentle hand soap is ideal. Avoid anything antibacterial, heavily fragranced, or designed for heavy-duty cleaning.
Massage gently. Work the soap into the fabric using soft circular motions. You are trying to lift the tanner out of the fibres, not scrub them aggressively. Treat it like you would a delicate piece of clothing.
Rinse thoroughly. Keep rinsing until the water runs completely clear. Any soap residue left in the mitt can affect how tanner distributes on your next use.
Squeeze out excess water. Do not wring it roughly — press and squeeze gently to remove as much water as possible without distorting the fabric.
Reshape and air dry. Lay the mitt flat or hang it somewhere with airflow. Make sure it is fully dry before storing.

What Is the Best Soap to Use on a Tanning Mitt?

You do not need anything expensive or specialist — you just need something mild. Good options include:

Baby shampoo — the go-to recommendation for a reason. It is designed for delicate surfaces and leaves no harsh residue.
Gentle hand soap — a basic, fragrance-free hand soap works well and is easy to keep next to the sink.
Micellar water — useful for spot-cleaning lighter staining without fully washing the mitt each time.
Washing up liquid (mild formula) — works fine for cutting through tanner, but use sparingly and rinse extremely well, as residue can leave a film on the fabric.

What to Avoid

Certain products can permanently damage your mitt:

Bleach or whitening agents — will break down the velvet fibres quickly
Fabric softener — leaves a coating on the fabric that interferes with tanner application
Heavy-duty detergents — too harsh for the delicate velvet surface
Hot water — causes shrinkage and distortion of the fabric, especially in cheaper mitts

Can You Put a Tanning Mitt in the Washing Machine?

Technically yes, but it comes with real risks and hand washing is always the safer choice. If you do want to machine wash it:

Use a cold or 30-degree cycle only
Select the delicate or hand wash setting
Place the mitt inside a mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric and stop it snagging
Use a small amount of gentle detergent — nothing heavy duty
Never put it in with items that could pick up the tanner staining

The biggest issue with machine washing is not the wash cycle itself but what comes after. Never put your tanning mitt in the tumble dryer — the heat will cause it to shrink, warp, or tear. Always air dry, even after machine washing.

How Often Should You Wash Your Tanning Mitt?

After every single use, ideally. This is the same rule that applies to makeup brushes — and for the same reason. Product builds up in the fibres between uses, and once it hardens it is much harder to remove.

If you tan regularly, washing the mitt immediately after each session means the job takes less than two minutes and you never have to deal with stubborn, baked-in staining. The more you skip cleaning, the harder the next clean becomes.

If you are a lighter or occasional tanner, at a minimum clean your mitt before every application to make sure you are starting with a fresh surface.

How to Dry Your Tanning Mitt Properly

Drying is where most people go wrong. A few simple rules:

Air dry only — always. No exceptions.
Lay it flat or hang it somewhere with airflow — a towel rail works perfectly
Reshape it before drying — smooth it back into its original shape while it is still damp so it dries correctly
Do not store it damp — bacteria and odour develop quickly in a damp mitt stored in a closed space
Avoid direct heat — do not place it near a radiator or leave it in direct sunlight to dry as this can dry out and stiffen the fabric

How to Get Stubborn Fake Tan Stains Out of a Mitt

If you have let product build up over several uses, a standard rinse might not be enough. Here is how to tackle older staining:

Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a generous squeeze of baby shampoo or gentle soap
Submerge the mitt and let it soak for five to ten minutes
Gently work the fabric between your fingers to loosen the built-up product
Rinse and repeat if needed

Be aware that very old or deeply set staining may not come out completely — this is normal and does not necessarily mean the mitt is no longer usable. What matters is whether the velvet surface is still soft and even, not whether the interior fabric looks pristine.

When Should You Replace Your Tanning Mitt?

Even with perfect care, mitts do not last forever. Here are the signs that it is time to replace yours:

Pilling or rough patches — the velvet surface is no longer smooth enough to blend evenly
Persistent odour — even after a thorough wash, a smell that lingers suggests the fibres have broken down
Starting to cause streaks — if your applications have become noticeably less even and cleaning does not seem to help, the fabric is likely worn
Visible thinning or tears — any structural damage means uneven coverage

As a general guide, regular tanners should replace their mitts around every three months. If you tan less frequently — every few weeks or monthly — a mitt can last up to six months with good care.

Tips to Make Your Tanning Mitt Last Longer

Rinse immediately after every use — the single most impactful habit you can build
Store it in a breathable bag or pouch when dry — not a sealed plastic bag, which traps moisture
Do not share your mitt — bacteria from different skin types can degrade the fabric faster
Use the right amount of product — overloading the mitt with tanner means more product pushing deep into the fabric where it is harder to clean out
Handle it gently — the velvet surface is what makes a mitt work well; rough handling shortens its life

If you are applying fake tan without a mitt, these care tips still apply to any applicator tool you are using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use washing up liquid to clean my tanning mitt?

Yes, a mild washing up liquid can work well for breaking down the oils in self-tanner. Use it sparingly and rinse very thoroughly — any residue left on the fabric can affect how evenly the tanner applies next time.

Why does my tanning mitt smell even after washing?

This usually means product has been left to build up in the mitt over multiple uses without thorough cleaning in between. Try soaking it in warm soapy water for ten minutes before washing. If the smell persists after a deep clean, the fabric has likely broken down and it is time for a replacement.

Can I use a tanning mitt that has not been cleaned?

You can, but the results will likely be uneven. Old product residue in the fabric creates an uneven surface, which drags tanner unevenly across the skin and causes streaking. It also increases the risk of applying a mix of old and new tanner, which can affect the final colour.

How long does it take a tanning mitt to dry?

Most mitts dry fully within two to four hours at room temperature with good airflow. In a humid bathroom, it can take longer. Make sure it is completely dry before storing or using again.

Can I use fabric softener on my tanning mitt?

No. Fabric softener coats the fibres and reduces the ability of the velvet surface to pick up and distribute tanner evenly. It will also make the mitt harder to clean properly in future washes.

How do I know if my tanning mitt is ruined?

If the velvet surface feels rough, pilled, or stiff after washing — or if it is causing streaky applications that cannot be fixed by adjusting your technique — the mitt is past its best and should be replaced.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your tanning mitt is genuinely one of the easiest ways to improve your fake tan results. It takes less than two minutes after each use, and it directly affects how smooth and streak-free your next application looks.

Warm water, a little gentle soap, and air drying is all it takes. Skip the machine, skip the dryer, and skip the harsh detergents. Treat it gently and it will last you months.

If your current mitt is past saving, it might be worth upgrading to a higher-quality option — the fabric really does make a difference to how evenly tanner blends.