When I first started I used a hot towel , but I never got around to heating it in a microwave, just in the hot water in the sink as I was getting everything ready ,, I still soak the towel but I don't use it anymore for pre shave , I wipe my blade on it folded on the side of the sink , then I wipe my face as I finish after running cold water on it,, my pre shave routine is pretty simple now except on weekends and special occasions. But any decent hand towel will do and how hot you like is the determining factor on how. Tc