How To Clean A Mesh Loofah - A Look At Various Methods

A synthetic loofah can be microwaved for two minutes, in order to kill germs. Be sure to monitor the process, so you can act quickly if there’s a problem. And be careful removing a hot loofah when you’re done – let it cool first.

Can You Put A Mesh Loofah In The Dishwasher?

A convenient way to clean your loofah isn’t actually the washing machine like you might expect. Surprise – it’s the dishwasher! Put the loofah on the top rack for a better way to clean. As always, let it air dry when you’re done.

How To Take Care Of Your Loofah

Taking a few precautions with your loofah will help reduce just how much bacteria it can breed. While you’ll still need to clean it weekly, here are a few hints to cut back on the gross stuff that grows between washes.

• Use them gently. Don’t scrub too vigorously, or you might open up the skin. This creates a prime situation for any germs on the loofah to break through and give you a nasty infection.
• Don’t use a loofah right after shaving. Even a small nick from a razor can let bacteria in.
• Replace your loofah regularly. A synthetic loofah can last about two months. A natural loofah should be changed after three or four weeks.
• Discard your loofah early if you notice a musty smell or signs of mildew.
• After use, rinse it well. Then squeeze or shake off any extra water.
• In between uses, be sure to hang it so that it can air dry thoroughly.

Should I Ditch The Loofah?

The thought of all this nasty stuff growing on your loofah might make you wonder if it wouldn’t be easier to skip it altogether. If so, you’re not alone. Plenty of dermatologists actually recommend that you use a washcloth instead.

There aren’t all the little holes and nooks in a washcloth, making it less likely to trap gunk. They’re flat and easy to dry. Plus, it’s easy enough to pop them in the hamper after each use and get a clean one. And you don’t have to give up your shower gel. See “How To Use Shower Gel (With And Without A Loofah)” for tips.

If a washcloth just isn’t luxurious enough, consider these alternatives:

Salux Nylon Beauty Skin Cloth

These nylon clothes are similar to a washcloth. But the special texture makes them a better exfoliant. They also work up a lather better than a typical washcloth and dry quickly between uses. The material is similar to a nylon loofah if you took it out of the “ball” shape and turned it into an easy-to-dry square.

Click here to see this Beauty Cloth on Amazon.

Silicone Shower Brush

Made of silicone, this is naturally resistant to bacteria growth. Plus, it’s easy to keep dry between washes. It works on even very sensitive skin. And it cleans, exfoliates, promotes circulation, and even feels a bit like a massage.

Click here to see this silicone shower brush on Amazon.

In Closing

Loofahs can be great for the shower, but they can also create perfect conditions to grow a lot of bacteria. To keep your loofah sanitary, be sure to rinse it after every use and let it dry well.

And be sure to clean it every week – you can soak it in a solution of bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar. You can also put it in the microwave, top rack of the dishwasher, or in the washing machine. Dirty loofahs can spread all kinds of gross bacteria, and yeast or fungal infections, among other things. So be sure to keep your loofah dry and clean! Or, for a more sanitary shower choice, maybe just stick with a classic washcloth.

If you enjoyed this article, consider reading:

13 Best Shower Gels For Dry Skin

Does Body Scrub Exfoliate Skin?