Scrub at your own risk.

It turns out that the features that make loofahs such excellent exfoliators also make them ticking time bombs.

A loofahscrubs dirt and dead skincells off of your body, which then get trapped in its delicate weave.

Loofahs in Shower

Credit: Annie Richards/Getty Images

Every time the loofah gets wet and does not dry properly, the trapped organisms grow and grow.

And that’s not just conjecture.

Using a loofah is basically providing bacteria with a free ride to your skin.Gulp.

Place it somewhere outside of the bathroom or even in the sunlight, which will quickly dry your loofah.

After five minutes, rinse the bleach from your loofah, then hang it somewhere to dry.

A plastic loofah, on the other hand, can be kept for up to two months.

Also, don’t use it on areas where you have recently shaved.

Be gentle when scrubbing and avoid any cuts or open sores on your skin.

Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.Is Your Loofah Full of Bacteria?April 2, 2024.