Methods of Washing Absorbable Mesh

Absorbable, or microfibrous mesh is a sturdy yet pliable substance with many uses. It can be found in hospitals for operations ranging from hernia surgeries to breast augmentation, and in the clothing world in garments ranging from running shoes to sports hats. Due to its ability to retain moisture, such as soap and suds, without losing strength or shape, absorbable mesh can even be found in the hygiene products industry in such products as back scrubbers and other exfoliation devices. How you clean your absorbable mesh depends greatly on what you are using it for.

Hygienic Products

• Absorbable mesh is used for an array of hygienic products including back scrubbers, spa brushes and even tampons. Because mesh is strong and durable, most products made with it can generally be cleaned with soap and water and a good scrubbing with a sponge or washcloth. Some of them, such as the microfibrous back scrubber from Life Solutions Plus, can be cleaned in a washing machine. Do not use hot water when machine washing mesh; set the water temperature to warm or cold.

Shoes

• Most mesh tennis shoes are machine washable, though you should check any cleaning instructions that come with the shoe, just in case. Remove the shoes' laces, wash them on a cold cycle and let them dry in the open air. Other types of mesh shoes, such as golf or soccer shoes, might have additional materials, such as leather or rubber cleats, that prevent washing in a machine. Use a washcloth or toothbrush on those, with warm soapy water and let them dry.

Hats

• Many hats, especially ball caps, are made with absorbable mesh to help aerate the scalp and soak up sweat. Most newer mesh caps have a plastic bill, meaning it is safe to throw them in to the washer with like colors, on a cold, gentle cycle. Older caps might have cardboard in the bill, and will be ruined if put in the wash. Scrub them instead with a wet washcloth and a little detergent. Do not ever put ball caps in the dryer. Always let them air dry.

Surgical Mesh

• Unless you are a health professional, you will probably have little cause to wash the absorbable mesh used in hernia surgeries and other operations. If you do work in an operating room, you likely already know that surgical mesh comes pre-sterilized out of the package. The mesh itself does need to be sterilized, but the equipment for handling it, including surgical gloves and tweezers, does. Surgical mesh that has been removed from a person's body should never be re-sterilized, but should be disposed of in a manner approved by local health regulations.