How to Replace a Loofah

Loofah sponges can grow bacteria.

A loofah is an all-natural sponge that has a hard surface. A loofah may be used to scrub your floors, or you may use it when you bathe to scrub your skin. One problem with loofahs is their ability to breed bacteria. It is not a good idea for family members to ever share a loofah. According to The Journal of Clinical Microbiology, the bacteria on the loofah can be transmitted to human skin. For that reason, it is important to know when and how to replace your loofah.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Water
• Bleach
• Bucket
• Old loofah
• New loofah

Instructions

1. Set your loofah out to dry after each use. This will keep the bacteria to a minimum, and allow you to go much longer before you have to replace the loofah.

2. Once a week, you can scrub your loofah with antibacterial soap. This will help get rid of some of the bacteria on the loofah so that it will last longer. You can also pour one cup of bleach in a gallon of water and soak your loofah in it. Not all of the bacteria will be killed, but a good amount of it will.

3. Keep your eye on your loofah so that you know when it needs to be replaced. If you notice any colors in your loofah that weren't there when you bought it, or if the loofah has a slimy film on it, it is time to replace the loofah. You will also want to replace the loofah if it has become soft. The whole point of the loofah is to be hard so it can exfoliate your skin.

4. Locate a department or health store in your area that sells loofahs. Find out their accepted payment methods by calling them before you head down to their store.

5. Visit the store a few days before you are going to throw out your old loofah, and purchase a new one. Then you will be able to replace the old loofah with a new one the same day you dispose of the old one.

Tips & Warnings

• You can choose to grow your own loofahs. This will save you the replacement cost, and always provide you with fresh, clean loofahs.

• Loofahs can make acne worse. If you have acne, throw your loofah away and do not replace it.

References

• Luffa Info: Luffa Care
• Journal of Clinical Microbiology: Loofah Sponges as Reservoirs and Vehicles in the Transmission of Potentially Pathogenic Bacterial Species to Human Skin
• Natural Bath and Body Shop: Caring for Your Sponge or Loofah