How to Clean a Loofah And Other Natural Sponges

Whether a loofah, coconut scrubber, or sponge cloth is your tool of choice, discover how to clean your natural sponges and kick out plastic for good!

Estimated Read Time: 8 minutes

Isn’t it ironic how the things we use to keep ourselves and our homes clean, often harbor the most grime, dirt, and germs? Sponges are essential for everything from a good scrub in the shower to tackling tough kitchen stains – but while we’re getting cleaner, they’re getting dirtier.

Research even suggests kitchen sponges have more germs than our toilets!

If you’re an eco-conscious shopper –which since you’re here, you probably are! –you might be thinking about ditching your plastic sponge and switching to natural sponges instead. If you are concerned about the upkeep, here’s something you’ll be glad to learn: when properly cared for, natural sponges – whether it’s a loofah, coconut scrubber, or sponge cloth – are effective at scrubbing, exfoliating, and staying fresh.

By switching to a natural sponge, you won’t be releasing microplastics or adding to a pile of plastic trash (aka making the planet even dirtier!), so don’t let cleanliness concerns hold you back. This guide will show you how easy it is to keep your loofah and natural sponges in top shape, so you can enjoy a cleaner and greener routine!

What Switch To a Loofah Or Natural Sponge? 

Before we talk about how to clean a loofah or other natural sponges, it’s important to understand why making the switch is so worthwhile.

Plastic sponges – like the typical yellow and green ones you use in the kitchen or the poofy plastic loofahs you use in the shower – aren’t very kind to the planet or your health. They release microplastics with every use, can’t be recycled at the end of use, and may even contain chemicals like triclosan which can be harmful to human health.

On the other hand, natural sponges like loofahs, coconut scrubbers, and konjac facial sponges are biodegradable, non-toxic, and made from sustainable materials, offering a much cleaner, greener alternative.

For more reasons to ditch the plastic and switch to a natural sponge, check out this post!

What are Natural Sponges? 

Natural sponges are sponges made from plant-based or organic materials that break down naturally over time. Not only do they reduce your environmental footprint, but they’re often gentler on your skin and can be more effective at cleaning. Why? Because instead of using plastic for every purpose, they use natural materials suited to your specific needs.

Here are some of the best natural sponges to try today:

Loofah Sponge

Derived from the fibrous plant inside the loofah gourd, this sponge is great for scrubbing your body and exfoliating your skin, as well as scrubbing surfaces. (Side note: Not to be confused with those plastic “loofah” scrubs you might find at the store!).

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Coconut Kitchen Scrubber

Made from waste coconut coir and natural rubber latex, these coconut scrubbers are tough yet scratch-free – perfect for scrubbing away tough grease from delicate pits and pans!

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Konjac Facial Sponge

This gentle, exfoliating sponge is made from the root of the konjac plant, and is great for daily use, especially for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin.

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Swedish Dish Cloth

These super-absorbent cloths are plastic-free and dishwasher-safe, making them perfect for everything from washing dishes to cleaning countertops. They can absorb 20X their body weight in water, so not only will they replace plastic sponges, but rolls and rolls (and rolls) of paper towels too!

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Cellulose Kitchen Sponges

Toss out your smelly neon sponges, and replace them with this alternative, made from sustainable wood pulp. They can be used to wipe surfaces, wash dishes, and scrub bathtubs, without releasing any microplastics.

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Wondering where you can buy natural sponges? Start right here.

How To Clean Your Loofah & Natural Sponges

Now that you’ve made the switch to natural sponges, let’s talk about keeping them clean and in tip-top shape.

How to Clean a Loofah

1. Rinse after each use

Rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap, skin cells, or debris. 

2. Keep it dry between uses

Moisture is the enemy of any sponge, including loofahs. Be sure to hang it in a dry, airy spot. If possible, hang it outside your shower or in a well-ventilated room so it dries quickly. This helps prevent mould and bacteria from taking root.

3. Deep clean weekly

• Vinegar soak: Fill a small basin with equal parts water and white vinegar. Soak your loofah in this solution for about 10 minutes. After soaking, rinse it thoroughly with warm water.
• Microwave: Dampen your loofah and place it in the microwave for 30 seconds. The heat will sanitize the loofah by killing germs and bacteria.
• Boiling water: Boil a pot of water and immerse your loofah in it for 5-10 minutes. The boiling water will disinfect it, making it safe for the next use.

4. Replace every 3-4 weeks

For best results, replace your loofah every 3-4 weeks, depending on how often you use it. If it starts to feel too soft, worn out, or slimy, it’s time to swap it for a fresh one.

5. Compost when done

One of the best things about loofahs is that they’re naturally biodegradable. When your loofah has reached the end of its life, toss it in your compost bin.

Click here for an in-depth guide to loofah care! 

How to Clean Your Coconut Kitchen Scrubber

1. Rise in soapy water every use

After using your coconut scrubber, rinse it in soapy warm water to remove food particles or grease– you might have to do some scrapping! Then rinse with warm water.

2. Disinfect and sanitize

Every few weeks, disinfect your coconut scrubber to keep it fresh. You can do this by soaking it in a bowl of diluted white vinegar or by dampening it and placing it in the microwave for 30 seconds to kill germs. 

3. Replace every 2-3 weeks

How often you replace your scrubber depends on how often you use it, and what for!). To make life easier for yourself, remember to subscribe to our scrubbers and get them delivered straight to your door (plus, you’ll save 20%!). 

4. Compost it

Since it’s made from natural coconut coir, it’s biodegradable and can go straight into your compost bin when it reaches the end of its life.

How to Clean A Sponge Cloth 

1. Clean and dry after use

Since they’re naturally antibacterial, there won't be any ‘wet cloth’ smell - but you still want to make sure they’re clean and dry after use! Rinse the sponge cloth thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or soap. Squeeze out any excess water, as leaving it wet for too long can cause mold or bacteria to form. 

2. Machine wash or dishwasher

Our sponge cloths are machine washable and dishwasher safe, making cleaning easy. Place your sponge cloth in the washing machine or on the top rack of your dishwasher. Wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and avoid using bleach, as it can damage the cloth and harm the environment.

3. Air dry

Once cleaned, air dry your sponge cloth by hanging it up in a well-ventilated area. Allow it to dry completely before using it again.

4. Long-lasting care

With proper care, your sponge cloth can last anywhere from 6-12 months or up to 200 wash cycles. If it starts to show signs of wear or becomes too dirty to clean effectively, it’s time to replace it. At the end of its life, toss it in the compost.

How to Clean a Konjac Facial Sponge

1. Rinse and squeeze after use

After using your konjac sponge, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap or cleanser. Gently press out excess water—do not wring it out, as this can damage the delicate fibers.

2. Hang to dry

Konjac sponges are naturally moisture-rich, so to avoid bacterial growth, always hang it up to dry after each use. The included string is perfect for this. Make sure to store it in a cool, dry place.

3. Weekly cleanse

Once a week, you can sanitize your konjac sponge by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and vinegar. This helps kill any germs and bacteria that might have built up. After soaking, rinse thoroughly and hang it to dry.

4. Replace every 1-2 months

Konjac sponges generally last 1-2 months before they start breaking down, depending on usage. When you notice the sponge becoming soft, mushy, or losing its shape, it’s time to replace it with a new one.

How to Clean A Biodegradable Kitchen Sponge

These sponges are made from sustainable materials like cellulose, so taking care of them ensures they last longer and stay effective:

1. Dishwasher-friendly

Toss your biodegradable kitchen sponge in the dishwasher once a week to clean it thoroughly.

2. Air dry

After cleaning, make sure to let your biodegradable kitchen sponge air dry. Place it in a well-ventilated area to dry out completely, as damp sponges can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria.

3. Long-lasting use

With proper care, your biodegradable sponge can last up to 6 months. When it starts to look worn or begins to break down, compost it instead of sending it to the landfill.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! We did the dirty work for you (well, some of it!) and showed you how to keep your natural sponges fresh. Whether you're exfoliating with a loofah, scrubbing with a coconut scourer, or cleaning up with a sponge cloth, proper care and maintenance are key to extending the life of your sponges and keeping them bacteria-free.

By choosing sustainable, biodegradable sponges and cleaning them regularly, you can reduce plastic waste, avoid harmful chemicals, and maintain a cleaner environment, both in your home and for the Earth.