When Is It Time to Throw Out Your Loofah? The Answer May Surprise You!

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Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you are probable guilty of holding onto your loofah or shower sponge way longer than you should. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your loofah, chances are you need to toss it at once! Source: Volanthevist/Getty Images
While loofahs are a great way to exfoliate dry, flaky skin, especially during winter months, if you don’t store them properly and replace after a certain amount of time, they can be a breeding zone for harmful bacteria and mold.
Due to the porous nature of loofahs, there are many spots for dead skin cells to get stuck, which can become a breeding ground and home for harmful bacteria.
The most common mistake people make when it comes to using these cleansing cloths is where they are stored. While most people hang their loofas in the shower to dry, this is a major No-No! Instead, store them in a cool, dry place allowing them to properly dry out.
A rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning your loofah is once a week. To clean your loofah, soak in a diluted bleach solution for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
If cleaning properly and utilizing proper storage methods, the shelf life of a natural loofah or sponge is about 3-4 weeks while the plastic synthetic loofas should be tossed after two months.