How To Clean Your Natural Loofah Sponge 

Learn how to keep your natural loofah sponge clean and fresh! Effective tips & environmental benefits.

Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes

You’ve swapped your plastic sponge for a natural loofah sponge—go, you! Not only is this plant-based scrubber an exfoliating powerhouse, but it’s also 100% compostable.

But let’s be real: if not cleaned properly, your loofah can go from a self-care dream to a bacteria-loving nightmare.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean a natural loofah sponge the right way, plus spill the (eco-friendly) tea on why these little scrubbers are so much better for the planet. Let’s dive in!

What Is A Natural Loofah Sponge? 

A natural loofah sponge comes from the dried fibers of the luffa plant—yep, it’s a veggie! Once dried, the inner structure creates a textured, sponge-like material that’s great for scrubbing away dead skin cells, tackling dish duty, and even cleaning your bathtub. Unlike synthetic sponges, loofahs are biodegradable, plastic-free, and totally zero waste.

But, like anything natural, your loofah needs a little TLC to stay fresh. Here’s how to keep it clean, odor-free, and lasting longer.

Step-By-Step: How To Clean a Natural Loofah Sponge

To prevent bacteria buildup (because ew), follow these simple cleaning steps:

1. Rinse After Every Use

After scrubbing away dirt, dead skin, or last night’s pasta sauce, thoroughly rinse your loofah under warm running water. This helps wash away soap, debris, and grime before they settle in.

2. Shake Out Excess Water

Loofahs love to hold onto moisture, and that’s exactly what bacteria thrive on. Give it a good shake to remove as much water as possible.

3. Let It Dry (Really Dry!)

Air circulation is your best friend. Hang your loofah in a dry, ventilated space (like near a window or on a rack). Avoid leaving it in a damp shower corner.

4. Deep Clean Once a Week

Give your loofah a spa day with one of these deep-cleaning methods:

• Soak in Vinegar & Water: Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and let your loofah soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse well and dry.
• Microwave It: Dampen your loofah and microwave it on high for 30 seconds. (Warning: Only do this if your loofah is completely wet—otherwise, it might catch fire!)
• Boil for a Few Minutes: Drop your loofah in a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes to kill off bacteria.

5. Replace Every 3-4 Weeks

Sadly, natural loofahs don’t last forever. If yours starts looking a little funky (or smelling funky), compost it and grab a fresh one. To ensure you always have a fresh loofah to hand, select our subscribe option and get them delivered straight to your door (plus, you’ll save 20%!)

Why A Natural Loofah Sponge Is Better For The Planet

Plastic loofahs release microplastics every time you use them, adding to the 11 million metric tons of plastic that pollute our oceans each year. These tiny plastic particles infiltrate waterways, harming marine life and ecosystems. Unlike plastic-based scrubbers, a natural loofah sponge breaks down naturally at the end of its life—no microplastics, no waste.

Made from a renewable plant source, loofahs are a more sustainable choice for your shower and sink. While plastic production relies on non-renewable resources and generates harmful waste, many loofah farmers use eco-friendly agricultural techniques such as crop rotation, water conservation, and integrated pest management to protect the environment.

For more eco-friendly bathroom swaps, check out our collection of sustainable bath essentials!

Where To Buy A Natural Loofah Sponge? 

Ready to get your scrub on? You can find high-quality, sustainable natural loofah sponges right here at ZeroWasteStore.

TL;DR: Cleaning Your Natural Loofah Sponge at A Glance

• Rinse & dry after each use
• Deep clean weekly (vinegar soak, microwave, or boiling water)
• Keep it dry between uses
• Replace every 3-4 weeks
• Compost

Got more zero-waste cleaning questions? Drop us a comment—we love geeking out over sustainable swaps!