Loofah has been used in many homes over the centuries. While we all agree to its importance, there may be underlying reasons you should stop using Loofah in the shower.
What is Loofah?
Loofah which is otherwise referred to as Luffa by the masses is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family. The family of Loofah (luffa) is widely grouped under the fruit species of Luffa aegyptiaca and Luffa acutangula.
Worldwide, the Loofah (Luffa) is a farmed vegetable that is harvested at a young age for food. When the fruit is fully ripened, it is very fibrous. Countries with the highest record of farming the Loofah vegetable are China, India, Vietnam, and others.
Reasons why you should stop using Loofah in the shower
Are you fond of using a loofah while showering? In that case, you should definitely read this article! The shower retrofit “loofah” is contemplated as “all-natural” but is actually a perfect house for the bacteria. I guess all you need is a new shower routine because you are still using the loofah to get clean, no?
According to a 1994 study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, it is revealed that this accessory which most of the time is purely made from cucumbers, is a huge cause of pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is a bacterium that leads to many diseases in animals.
According to an associate professor at Cornell University, loofahs are sanitary, and when we cleanse ourselves with it, our dead skin cells and remnants of dirt get trapped in its holes. As declared by Esther Angert, if loofahs are left in the washroom, the humid atmosphere will help the bacteria to stay out longer as it feeds on the dead skin cells and the bacteria will soon begin to gather.
When after washing the loofah one does not let the loofah dry properly and keeps it as it is, which is usually in a wet condition, it grows and spreads bacterias. Not only that but when we use it the next time, we are actually scrubbing ourselves with a bacteria-filled loofah.
Loofah is particularly harmful when we have wounds or cuts on our bodies and when we use it, without careful consideration of the possible consequences, the bacteria is forced into our wounds and cuts which cause numerous infections.
The loofah can cause staph infection which is a really scary infection. Even though our skin is a barrier to save us from numerous bacterias but it still has a lot of pores and open wounds that are unsafe from the bacteria.
Steps to reduce Loofah risks
How to Clean a Loofah or Natural Sponge is very simple. There are natural loofahs and loofahs made of plastic and synthetic material, which come from the fibrous skeleton of the loofah fruit. Over time, nasty bacteria and fungi fill the tiny nooks and crannies of a loofah.
That’s why keeping your loofah secure is key so that it stays safe to use. If you are fond of your loofah then it is better to take the necessary steps to reduce any sort of risks it might inflict on us.
Loofah Should be dried
It is extremely important to dry out the loofah before using it again so as a precaution take it outside of the washroom. It is preferred to dry it where there is enough ventilation to dry it or open a window or slightly keep the door open so that there is no humidity for the bacteria to cultivate. For more precautions, you can clean it properly after use and leave it to dry.
Rinse it well
After each usage, rinse the loofah well and squeeze and strain out the excess moisture. This simple step throw of potential bacteria and other handful substances that could be hidden in the Loofah.
Replace worn-out loofah
After a certain period of time when the loofah starts to change its colors or scent, it is better to replace it with a new one than trying to keep using the first one only!
Microwave to kill the germs
After use hang it, and when it dries and is moistened microwave it for approximately 20 seconds which is the preferred time. Ensure it is moistened
all the way and prevent it from catching fire or melting. Make sure to refrain from microwaving if you own a plastic loofah.
Use essential natural oils
There are antimicrobial properties in essential oils that hopefully prevent bacterial growth. They do not produce toxic substances or harsh chemicals that are not good for the skin and the environment.
Soak your loofah in a solution made from the warm water and a few drops of pure essential oils on a frequent basis. From most health food stores, you can buy essential oils.
Bleach it
Although it is boring to bleach, it is more important to kill the bacteria. Make sure to soak the loofahs in 5 percent of bleach every once in a while to kill bacterias.
Even so, it is preferred to cease using loofahs. It is better to use common body wash or disposable sponge pads. They are comparatively smoother and gentler when it comes to skincare instead of using harsh and rough accessories that might end up removing the natural skincare oil that keeps us from having rough, dry, or itchy skin.
We hope this article was useful for you and that now you will avoid using a loofah in the shower! There are a lot of replacements available in the market such as exfoliating brushes, and washcloths. Prioritize your health and waste no time in getting those replacements for your shower routine!
