I use the round Meg's yellow applicators and throw them in the wash with my towels after every use. They always clean back to new (no staining) and aren't affected by, nor affect, the terry that they take a bath with. Never had to buy a new one.
My Meg's applicators take about 5 washes, then start to show wear. When the foam shows even a little bit of wear, like cutting, tearing, or shredding, I toss the applicator; they're only a buck.
