I use cold water straight from the tap (only cause my hot water taps have safety covers over them and it's easier to use the cold). I've made a pile from terry towelling or old terry nappies one side and flannelette the other side, I've also got a few itti velour ones which are lovely and soft. Both types work really well. I tend to use 2 each time, one for cleaning the other for patting dry.