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Make the switch to loofah sponges and other eco-friendly alternatives to scrub away plastic from your bath and shower routine
Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes
Rubba-dub-dub no more plastic in the tub! If you want to make your bath and shower routine eco-friendly, it’s time to ditch plastic sponges and shower puffs and opt for a loofah sponge instead.
400 million sponges are discarded per year - that’s enough to fill the Empire State Building!
In this article, we’ll introduce you to four sustainable scrubbers that are fit for your zero-waste lifestyle. Whether want a more natural option for the health of the planet or for the health of your skin, these loofah sponges and loofah alternatives have got you covered.
It's time to scrub the old habits away and welcome an eco-friendlier routine!
Contents
- Plastic sponges vs loofah sponges
- When not to use a loofah sponge in the shower
- 4 loofah sponges and loofah alternatives
- How to use your loofah sponge
- How to store and clean your loofah sponge
Plastic sponges vs. Loofah sponges
You’ve ditched your plastic bottles for shampoo and conditioner bars, you’ve swapped your face wash for a natural alternative, and you’re keeping your showers short and sweet. There’s only one more sustainable swap to make…your plastic sponge or shower puff!
Loofah sponges are made from a dried loofah plant, which is a cousin of cucumbers. While you can’t scrub with a cucumber, loofah sponges make a great alternative to plastic shower accessories. They can be used in the shower to lather up soap, exfoliate the body, and stimulate blood circulation.
There are multiple reasons a loofah sponge is a better alternative to plastic sponges or shower puffs, including:
1. Microplastics
Plastic sponges can release microplastics into the water, which pollutes our oceans and harms aquatic life, whereas loofahs are made from a natural material, so are completely plastic-free.
2. Plastic waste
When a plastic sponge is thrown away, it’ll sit in landfills for decades before it even starts to decompose. As loofahs are 100% natural, you can bury them in the garden or throw them in a compost bin, and they’ll biodegrade within 30 days.
3. Durability
How many flimsy plastic sponges or shower puffs do you usually go through? Loofahs are designed to be durable and used for a longer period of time before they need to be replaced. This means less waste and less money spent in the long run.
When NOT to use a loofah sponge in the shower
Photo by Svitlana on Unsplash
While loofahs are a great natural scrubber for pots, pans, surfaces, and, of course, the skin, they’re not the best choice for everyone’s shower routine.
If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition such as eczema, you’ll want to avoid them. Loofahs can be too harsh and abrasive for some skin types and will cause redness and irritation. It’s best to avoid manual exfoliating altogether and stick to good old soap and hands.
Not to mention, the fibrous material is a breeding ground for bacteria when it’s not cleaned properly. Germs, dirt, and dead skin cells can sit in the damp sponge, which can cause infections if used on an open cut or wound.
To summarise, loofahs might not be the best choice for you if…
- You have sensitive skin
- You have a skin condition such as eczema
- You have an open wound
- You’ll forget to clean it frequently
4 sustainable loofah sponges and loofah alternatives
1. Best for deep exfoliation: Loofah Sponge, $3.99
This traditional loofah sponge is 100% natural and compostable. It’s rough when dry, perfect for brushing off dry skin and stimulating blood flow, and softens with soap and water for a deep cleanse and exfoliation.
2. Best for face: Loofah Facial Disc, $1.25
If you’re using your loofah all over your body, you should avoid using it on your face too. If you want the same deep natural exfoliation, these facial discs are a great choice. We recommend replacing them every 2 to 3 months to avoid bacteria building up.
3. Best for gentle exfoliation: Agave Soap Saver Bag, $4.99
If a traditional loofah sponge is too harsh for your skin, this soap-saver bag offers a gentler alternative. Made from the silky fibers of the Agave plant, you can pair this bag you’re your favorite soap for a sudsy and silky exfoliation.
4. Best for daily use: Konjac Sponge, $4.99
If you’re looking for something gentle enough for daily use, we recommend using a Konjac sponge instead of a loofah. This vegetable-based cleansing sponge is soft enough to be used on for face and is an effective solution for those who have acne or sensitive skin.
-Bonus-Best completely zero waste option: Your hands!, FREE
We thought it would be too cheeky to include this as number 5, so consider it a bonus reminder that it’s perfectly okay to not use a shower loofah or loofah alternative at all.
For many people, dry and flaky skin isn’t an issue, and sensitivity from over-exfoliation is more a cause for concern. If that sounds like you, stick to using an effective natural soap and lather it up using the free tool nature gave you - HANDS!
How to use your loofah sponge
If you do decide to use a loofah sponge, here’s how we recommend using them to reap the benefits:
- You can use a dry loofah sponge to remove dry skin or even calluses.
- In the shower, you can use your loofah sponge with soap to lather it up on the skin.
- Use the sponge with circular movements for exfoliation and to stimulate blood circulation.
- Limit its use to once or twice a week, and don’t use it when the skin feels irritated.
How to store and clean your loofah sponge
To make the most out of your loofah sponge, or loofah alternative, you want to make sure you’re taking the best possible care of them. Here are our suggestions:
- Always rinse your loofah thoroughly after use.
- Make sure it completely dries in between uses.
- Do not store it in the shower between uses. You can hang it up somewhere breezy, or in the sun.
- If it becomes weak and soft, grimy, or smelly, it’s time for a replacement.
- You might wish to boil or microwave the loofah after every couple of uses to help kill germs.
- Don’t share your loofah with anyone else.
Final thoughts: Which loofah sponge alternative is best for you?
If you’re looking to ditch plastic shower sponges for good, loofah sponges can be a natural and effective way to exfoliate your skin.
That said, they’re not recommended for sensitive skin types and shouldn’t be overused. If you want something gentler or for daily use, opt for an Agave fiber soap bag or a Konjac sponge instead.
With a traditional loofah sponge or a skin-friendly loofah alternative, you’ll be scrubbing your way to a more sustainable lifestyle.
- loofah alternatives (1)
- loofah sponge (1)