Time to ditch the loofah and use one of these derm-approved body wash techniques instead.

There’s nothing quite as sweet as hopping into a warm bath or shower after a long day.

Loofahs are known to be bad for your skin and can cause some rather scary-sounding infections.

We also share some cleaning and disposal tips for anyone who still loves their loofah.

What Is a Loofah?

A true all-natural loofah is a bath product made from a dried tropical gourd.

Other bath loofahs are made of synthetic materials like plastic.

Typically, a loofah sponge is used to help better cleanse andexfoliate the skin.

However, keep an eye on the loofah and look forsigns of mold growth.

An organic loofah is made of a complex intertwining natural material.

Loofahs also aren’t very sustainable, and if cared for correctly, they can be costly.

Cleaning

Thoroughly rinse your loofah after each use and dry with a clean towel.

Hang it in a clean, cool, dry space to air-dry completely.

Wash your loofah once a week to remove soap and skin debris.

you’re free to wash it in aclean dishwasheror soak it in a water and bleach solution.

Boiling

Another way to clean a loofah is to boil it.

“you’re able to use a loofah and boil it after every use,” suggests Frieling.

“But even then, bacteria might jump on it while it dries from boiling.

This option probably isn’t sustainable.”

Try your hands first or opt for a tool that’s easier to keep clean.

“Our hands are the most accessible tools,” Frieling notes.

“Just double-check to avoid leaving it in a moist and unventilated shower.”

Consider hand-washing your washcloth after using it and hanging it to dry in a well-ventilated spot.

Silicone Body Scrubber

A silicone body scrubber is another useful loofah alternative.

Additionally, the flexible bristles are sensitive-skin friendly and help you clean harder-to-reach areas for better exfoliation.

The best ones to seek out are natural scrub soaps andbody washesthatdo notcontain microbeads.

“Microbeads cause harm to the environment,” explains Frieling.

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