Do you know what’s lurking in your loofah? The scary truth is that if you have a natural loofah and it’s been awhile since you’ve replaced it, there are likely loads of bacteria and possibly even some mold hiding in there. Especially scary if you’re using it after you shave when there may be small cuts and pores are more open.
Experts agree that you should replace your shower loofah roughly every 3-4 weeks. If you want to try and extend that time, there are a few things you can do. First, don’t leave it in a wet, moist environment. Instead, dry it between uses in a less humid area like by an open window. You can also disinfect natural loofahs by soaking them in bleach once a week.
The plastic loofahs can be used for up to two months, but keep an eye out for signs of mold and toss it if you get a whiff of any musty or mildewy odor.
How to Use a Loofah
Wet your loofah in the shower, then apply a small amount of body wash to the top. We recommend sulfate free body wash, vegan body wash, or organic body wash to reduce any possible skin irritation and get maximum moisturizing. Next, scrub the loofah on your body in a circular motion, with careful attention to areas that may need extra exfoliation, like elbows, knees, or feet. Finally, rinse off your body and rinse the body wash out of the loofah while you’re at it.
How to Clean a Loofah
When you’re all finished with your loofah, make sure to rinse out all of your body wash, and then try to leave it in a dry, less humid area, like by an open window, to keep it clean and extend its lifespan.
To deep-clean a shower loofah, try using white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. You can fill a bowl with equal parts water and white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and soak it for 10-15 minutes to disinfect your loofah and kill bacteria. If you have a natural or organic shower loofah, you can likely soak it in bleach. Remember that loofahs do have a limited life, though, and you should try to replace your loofah every 3-4 weeks to ensure it doesn’t acquire bacteria or mold.
What are Loofahs Made of?
The shower loofahs you may find at your local grocery or convenience store are probably made of synthetic materials, like plastic or nylon. Natural loofah sponges, on the other hand, come from the fruits of the luffa plant. When it is dried out, you’re left with a skeleton of the fruit that can be used as an exfoliating sponge.
What is the Best Loofah Soap?
Natural body wash or body scrubs are great to use with loofahs as loofah soap. We recommend sulfate free body wash, vegan body wash, or organic body wash, as they will be the most gentle on your skin and will be free of harmful chemicals.
Ready to start using your shower loofah with sulfate free, vegan, or organic body washes or body scrubs? Check out some of our favorite body washes and body scrubs. Read“Can you use shampoo as body wash” and “Body wash vs. Shower gelto prep for using your loofah!
