What should you do with the washcloth when cleaning an infected eye?

Using a different washcloth for each eye is the best choice when cleaning an infected eye. This practice minimizes the risk of cross-contamination, where the bacteria or pathogens from the infected eye could be transferred to the unaffected eye, potentially causing an infection. Each washcloth serves to contain any infectious material and keep it localized, ensuring that one eye's health does not compromise the other.

When cleaning procedures involve an infected area, maintaining a sterile or clean technique is crucial. The other options do not uphold this standard. For example, using the same area for each wipe can spread the infection rather than contain it. Reusing the washcloth for both eyes also raises the same concerns about cross-contamination. Soaking the washcloth in hot water does not necessarily address cleanliness since the infection could still be transferred if the cloth is not discarded. Therefore, using a separate washcloth for each eye effectively avoids these risks and promotes better hygiene practices.