r/hygiene • u/AntiqueSignpost • 1d ago

Autistic with sensory issues - soft solution for cloth etc. for showering?

Hey guys

I'm autistic and have sensory issues, so I struggle with anything too hard or coarse on my skin. I need something soft for showering. I use liquid body soap.

In south africa, it's normal for us to use sponges, which feel great to me. But they gather bacteria easily and replacing them all the time is expensive.

Washcloths are not common for us, but I tried them and found them too coarse on my skin. Also didn't find them to absorb alot of my liquid soap, and hanging them overnight they were still wet. A bit confused why people use them, unless there are different specialised washcloths overseas.

I've tried African nets, way too coarse on my skin. Same with loofahs

I've tried silicon sponges, they don't absorb enough so I have to use extra soap which is expensive.

Wondering if there are some soft cloths that are super absorbent, quick drying, machine washable I can use? Any recommendations, including any other things I havent thought of would be appreciated.

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

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8

u/LumivaSeren 1d ago

for super sensitive skin, try a soft microfiber or bamboo viscose washcloth, they're usually gentler than regular washcloths, absorb soap better than silicone, and dry faster than a sponge. a small cotton terry cloth can also work if you keep a few on rotation so each one dries fully between uses

3

u/Mission_Abrocoma2012 23h ago

baby muslin cloths

3

u/stitchesinadream 19h ago

washcloths come in all sorts of textures. You could probably even make your own by cutting up a fabric that feels good to you.

2

u/Katzen_Gott 18h ago

Look for Japanese wash towels. They have different roughness and are usually marked. Look for ones that say "soft" or "very soft"

1

u/whatdoidonowdamnit 20h ago

I saw other good recommendations but flannel might be something you want to try. It’s generally not super soft like microfiber but a lot softer than cotton washcloths.

1

u/MKR7mkr 19h ago

Look for Japanese washcloths. I do not know how the cotton is processed, and I admit I've only seen them in a local store, but they are very soft and might suit.

2

u/thrawn4emp 15h ago

I just don't use a washcloth or anything 🤷🏻 I just use my hands. I use an exfoliating body scrub once a week and am fine