Reusable makeup remover pads are washable rounds or squares that you use again and again to lift makeup, SPF, and daily grime without tossing anythi
Reusable makeup remover pads are washable rounds or squares that you use again and again to lift makeup, SPF, and daily grime without tossing anything in the bin. In this guide, you will learn exactly how to make your own reusable makeup remover pads using two methods. You will get a neatly sewn, double-sided version for a polished finish and a fast no-sew version that you can cut from an old tee. You will also learn what fabric suits your skin, what size works best, and how to wash the pads so they last for years. If you want a bathroom upgrade that feels good on your skin and your budget, this how-to is your new go-to.
Why switch to reusable pads?
Single-use wipes and cotton rounds feel convenient, but they build a daily habit of throwing money and material away. When you learn how to make your own reusable makeup remover pads, a small stack replaces many months of disposables. It also gives you control over texture and softness, which means better comfort on delicate areas like the eye contour. Long-term, reusable pads support zero-waste beauty habits, simplify your nightly routine, and look tidy when stored in a small jar on the counter. Once you try them, the old pack of wipes starts to gather dust.
What you need (with time & cost estimates)
Plan for about 20 minutes for your first batch once your materials are ready. Thereafter, batch cutting gets even faster. You probably have most of the tools at home already.
Fabric choices and what they’re best for
You can make pads from many textiles. The right choice depends on feel, absorbency, and how you plan to use them with micellar water or oil cleansing. Here is a quick side-by-side to help you decide.
| Fabric | Feel | Best for | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton flannel | Very soft and plush after washing | Daily cleansing, toner | Easy to sew, affordable, widely available | Can lint at first wash if not prewashed |
| Bamboo (velour or terry) | Silky soft, gentle glide | Sensitive skin, eye area | Softness with good absorbency | May dry slower than cotton |
| Terry cloth (cotton) | Soft with light texture | SPF and long-wear makeup | Gentle lift for stubborn residue | Slight texture is not ideal for very reactive skin |
| Microfiber cloths | Ultra-fine, high-grab | Removing makeup with water only | Effective even with water, minimal product | Needs mindful washing and no fabric softener |
| Jersey knit (upcycled T-shirt) | Soft, flexible, resistant to fray | No-sew pads and quick cuts | Free or low cost, no fraying edges | Slight stretch can warp if cut too thin |
Caption: This table helps you match fabric feel and care to your skin’s needs, so you choose the right textile for your pads the first time.
LSI notes woven into this section: reusable cotton rounds, bamboo flannel, terry cloth, microfiber cloths, jersey knit, and sustainable skincare.
Tools
Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter
Circle or square template in the 3- to 4-inch range
Sewing machine or serger for the sewn version, or no machine for the no-sew version
Pins or clips
Chalk or washable marker
Iron for pressing
Mesh laundry bag for washing and storage
Sizing & template
A 3.5-inch circle fits perfectly in the hand. A 4-inch square gives you a larger surface for toner nights. If you wear heavier makeup, the larger size helps you wipe less and dab more. Trace a cup rim or jar lid as your template, or cut a thin cardboard circle and reuse it for every batch. Consistent sizing makes the stack look neat and helps the edges line up when you sew.
Pre-wash tip
Wash and dry flannel and terry before cutting to settle shrinkage and release loose lint. A quick press after drying gives you flat fabric that is easy to trace and cut. Prewashing also softens flannel, which makes your first use feel cushy rather than stiff.
Method 1 – Sewn double-sided pads (neat finish)
This is your everyday hero pad. It feels like a boutique purchase even though you made it at home.
Cut
Stack your chosen fabrics and trace your template many times. For a neat look, pair a smooth side with a textured side, for example, flannel on one face and terry on the other. Cut equal numbers of each so you can match them later. Aim for at least 10 pairs for a weekly rotation.
Stitch
Place two circles right sides together. Sew around the edge with a quarter-inch seam allowance and leave a small gap for turning. If you prefer a visible final edge, you can sew the wrong sides together and finish with a wide zigzag after trimming. Keep your seam smooth and steady so the circle keeps its shape.
Turn & topstitch
Clip a few tiny notches in the seam allowance to help the curve relax, then turn the pad right side out through the gap. Press it flat with an iron. Topstitch around the entire edge to close the gap and lock the shape. The topstitch keeps the pad from ballooning after washing and adds a clean border.
Edge options without a serger
If you like a raw edge look or you want the fastest finish, sew wrong sides together and run a wide zigzag stitch around the edge. The zigzag hugs the cut edge and keeps layers aligned. This option is quick for big batches and still looks smart in a small bathroom jar.
Method 2 – No-sew pads (fast & upcycled)
No machine, no problem. This version is perfect when you want to test sizes or use an old tee.
Choose a non-fraying knit (old T-shirt/jersey)
Pick a soft cotton jersey knit that feels comfortable on your face. Trace and cut circles or squares. Jersey resists fraying, so you can leave the edges raw. If you want a cleaner look, cut with pinking shears for a gentle zigzag edge that hides minor stretch. Stack them in a jar, and you have instant reusable cotton rounds made from a closet staple.
How to use them
Think of your pads as flexible tools in your skincare kit. For micellar water, saturate one side, press on the skin for a few seconds, then swipe outward in slow, gentle motions. For oil cleansing, add a pump of cleansing oil to a damp pad, glide to dissolve makeup, then follow with your water-based cleanser as part of a double cleansing routine. For toner, use a light hand and let the product pat into the skin rather than dragging. The softer your touch, the happier your skin will feel.
Washing & care (make them last)
A simple routine keeps your pads fresh.
After each use, give the pad a quick rinse with mild soap and cool water. Squeeze out any color from pigment-heavy makeup.
Drop the rinsed pad into a mesh laundry bag. This keeps the stack together so nothing hides in a sleeve.
Wash the bag with regular laundry on a gentle cycle. Skip fabric softener on wash days for the pads so they stay absorbent.
You can either dry the bag on low heat or air-dry it flat. Flannel gets fluffier after a few cycles, and bamboo stays soft with a little patience.
For stains, a short pre-soak in cool water with a bit of oxygen cleaner brightens the fabric without harsh wear.
Your pads become a dependable component of your nightly routine with this rhythm. A small jar on the counter for clean pads and a small jar or mesh bag for used ones keeps your space tidy.
Variations & upgrades
Once you have one set, try fun tweaks that make your bathroom look curated.
Textured side + smooth side
Pair terry cloth with flannel so you can choose the side that suits the task. Use textured for SPF and matte lipstick, and smooth for toner and eye area care. This simple combo gives each pad more range and feels like a premium product.
Quick-cut bulk method
If you plan gifts or a large household set, cut stacks with a rotary cutter and a clear ruler. Chain stitch the edges one after another without cutting the thread between pieces. Then press and topstitch the whole batch. It feels like speed sewing, and the pile grows fast.
Storage caddy or mini bin
Sew a small fabric bin to hold the clean stack and a matching bin or lidded jar for used pads. The small ritual of moving a pad from one container to the other keeps your vanity organized and signals that your routine is done for the night.
FAQ (People Also Ask style)
What fabric is best for reusable makeup remover pads?
Choose based on your skin and routine. Cotton flannel feels plush and soaks product nicely for micellar water. Bamboo velour is silky and gentle for sensitive skin. Terry cloth adds light texture for long-wear makeup days. Microfiber cloths work well with only water if you prefer a low-product approach. Jersey knit from an upcycled T-shirt makes a soft, no-sew option that resists fraying. If you want one pick to start with, flannel is a friendly all-rounder.
Do I need a serger?
No. A regular sewing machine with a straight stitch and a wide zigzag is enough for strong, tidy pads. A serger is a bonus tool for quick edge finishes, not a requirement. If you are short on time or tools, the no-sew jersey version gets you started right away.
How many pads do I need?
Aim for 10 to 16 pads so you have one or two each night and a buffer for laundry day. If you wear heavy makeup, make a few larger squares for those days and keep smaller circles for toner. You can maintain freshness over time without doing additional washing by using a set for skincare procedures and another for makeup removal.
Can I use them with micellar water and toner?
Yes. That is one of the best uses for your new pads. For micellar water, saturate and press so the solution can break down buildup before you swipe. Pour a tiny bit of toner and glide lightly. On days when your skin wants less friction, pat the toner in with short taps rather than long wipes.
How do I wash them so they stay soft and clean?
Rinse after use, collect in a mesh laundry bag, wash gently, and skip fabric softener. Dry on low or air dry. If you notice dullness, a quick pre-soak in cool water helps break up residue. Treat your pads like you treat your favorite tee, and they will keep their shape and softness.