Whether it’s a synthetic mesh bath pouf, a loofah, or something else, regularly changing out your used bath sponge for a new one can keep bacteria and mold at bay.
Why Replace Your Loofah?
Just like your bath towel, your loofah gets really dirty after a while. “It can absorb water with slimy muck on it,” says Cathy Anderson, Ph.D., a New York-based microbiologist and founder of NYC-based bacteria reference center NYC Biohazard Test Lab.
And when you get the sponge wet, germs and bacteria can get in, too, which are easily transferred to other surfaces, especially hard surfaces, such as countertops and walls.
The same is true for your body. “Dehydrated and damp skin is a breeding ground for pathogens,” says Dr. Anderson. “Loofahs especially can carry a lot of bacteria. They may harbor salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.”
How Often Should You Replace Your Loofah?
Cleaning your loofah isn’t exactly rocket science.
But how often should you actually replace them?
There is a little difference between synthetic and natural loofah. For natural loofah, it is recommended to replace it every three or four weeks.
The synthetic (plastic) loofah will last you longer, up to two months. However, if you discover any mold growing on your loofah, just throw it away.
You’re not totally stuck with one loofah and one loofah only, as choosing the right size and material can help you keep it in good shape. If it’s getting gross, keep in mind you can still squeeze a small amount of cleanser into the sponge before laundering it to keep things in tip-top shape.
A good cleaning method is the best way to keep your bath sponges and loofahs fresh and clean.
How Many Times Should You Use A Loofah?
There is not exactly a given number of uses if we talk about loofah. Some men like to use loofah every day while showering, some men use it once a week.
The synthetic loofah needs to be replaced after 2 months, so you do the math.
More important than the number of uses, is to keep your loofah clean.
It is essential to clean your loofah weekly. No matter if synthetic or natural, you have to clean it at least once a week. You can put it in your dishwasher, or soak it in a diluted bleach solution. You can also wash it in the sink and brush it clean. As a bonus, it’s also a good idea to rub soap and water over it every so often to remove the scent of the used one.
Can Loofah Be Used Everyday
It depends. The good thing about loofahs is that, unlike other sponges, they’re fine for regular scrubbing in the shower. But that doesn’t mean that you should use them for every shower.
Loofahs exfoliate the skin.
Exfoliation removes dead skin and dirt that can clog the pores and cause acne, irritation, itch, inflammation, dryness, and more. However, it is recommended to exfoliate your skin only twice a week. There is no need to exfoliate often.
Loofah gently exfoliates the skin to free it from skin infections and diseases. It gives a calm and relaxing experience when using it with mild hot water. These are inexpensive ways to transform dry and dull skin into a glowing complexion.
If you use the loofah only for gentle scrubbing, you can use it daily. But don’t forget to dry it daily too.
Where To Hang Loofah In Shower
Rinse your loofah well after each use. Rinse it with hot water and wring it out tightly. Then hang it in a cool, well-ventilated place to dry. Probably not in the shower, but try to use the bathroom door knob.
Conclusion
While most of the popular loofah sponges on the market are safe for your bathtub and your skin, certain kinds of products, particularly cleaning products, can contain harmful substances like lye, which can leave a residue on your sponge. You should not use such products to clean your loofah.
It may also be helpful to wash your sponge with soap and water, and once a week deep clean the loofah in a disinfecting solution of hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals will make your sponge safe to use.