How to Dye a Loofah

Loofah sponges can exfoliate skin.

Loofah scrubbers grow from a type of gourd plant that requires a long, warm season to mature. As a gourd matures, the interior dries and the skin becomes easy to peel off, revealing the porous structure inside the plant. You can dye a loofah using dyes manufactured for cellulose fibers, which include those found in cotton, linen, bamboo or hemp. These dyes are available at craft stores and big-box stores; some grocery stores also stock dyes for home use.

Things You'll Need

• Face mask
• Fabric dye
• Latex or rubber gloves
• Bowl or pan
• Piece of plastic or tarp
• Tongs

Instructions

1. Rinse your loofah thoroughly. If you grew it yourself, soak it in water to remove the natural staining of the fibers. Drain the water and give the sponge a final rinse, then allow it to dry completely in the sun.

2. Place a waterproof piece of plastic or a small tarp on the surface where you will be dyeing.

3. Put on the latex gloves and, in a pot or bowl, mix the dye according to the package's directions. If you are using a plastic bowl, the dye may transfer to the bowl.

4. Place the loofah in the dye solution and leave it until it has absorbed the amount of color that you want. Turn the loofah over a few times in the dye solution to create even color coverage.

5. Take the loofah out of the dye solution with the tongs and let it dry on the plastic sheet or tarp. Once it dries, rinse it well before using it to remove excess color.

Tips & Warnings

• Use care when adding dye powder to water, as the powder can irritate the skin.

References

• Luffa Info: How to Harvest Home Grown Luffa
• Rit Dye: Dyeing Wood and Wicker
• Rit Dye: Safety Information
• All About Hand Dyeing: About the Dyes