Who doesn’t love a good shower sponge or loofah? They’re relaxing to use and help you feel extra clean after a good scrub. We love to include them in our self-care routines and full-body skincare routines for some relaxing me-time.
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but traditional shower sponges like loofahs are not what you want to be using on your skin. Many dermatologists consider them to be not so good for your skin, and, in fact, they can be rather damaging. Not only are they literal breeding grounds for germs (more on that later), but they can also trap dead skin and oil within the sponge. This means you could be putting these things back on your body each time you take a shower or bath.
It might feel exfoliating and soothing in the moment, but you can actually give yourself bacterial infections from the continued use of a traditional sponge. You are spreading old bacteria every time you use the sponge, and then you create new bacteria when you leave it to dry.
If you are going to use one, consider disinfecting it every week. But that does tend to get quite tedious after a while, especially when the sponge is supposed to be doing the cleaning!
The reality is, sponges are really only good for one and done cleanings, like when you use one to clean your kitchen or bathroom. After that, it’s pretty much already time to toss it, which is a waste of money and bad for the environment.
You should consider switching from a traditional shower sponge because it can actually make your skin dirtier, and in some cases, it can even give you infections. If you love the squeaky clean feeling that you can only get from a sponge, though, we have a solution. Read on to find out how often you should replace your shower sponge and if there are any better alternatives.
Can Bacteria Grow On Your Sponge?
We hate to break it to you, but your shower sponge is filthy. Most people keep their sponges for way too long, which results in bacteria growth (and possibly even mold). You might be thinking: doesn’t adding soap onto my sponge keep it clean? Nope. You actually create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow when you use a sponge.
First of all, it’s wet. Second of all, it gets humid and hot when you shower. And lastly, the sponge dries slowly and remains damp for a while. All of these things combined result in the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and in some cases, mold and mildew. This doesn’t just apply to sponges. Towels and washcloths are just as bad. You should be washing these every one to two uses.
Shower sponges should be replaced frequently. If it’s a plastic loofah, aim for getting a new one every four to six weeks. Natural sea sponges should be replaced even more frequently, typically every three to four weeks. As for kitchen sponges, those should be replaced every week.
There are ways to reduce the number of bacteria that grow on your sponges. One idea is to leave it in direct sunlight to dry. This allows it to dry more quickly, which means it will be damp for a shorter time, resulting in fewer bacteria’s growth.
Another thing you can do is soak your sponges in a water and bleach solution to kill the bacteria. You just need a little bleach in a bucket of water and leave the sponge to soak for a few minutes. Alternatively, some people suggest putting your sponge in the washing machine.
However, over time, the sponge could start to shred, which could affect your clothes and even clog the washing machine. Realistically the best option is to just get rid of your sponge entirely and find a better solution. That’s where Spongellé comes in to save the day.
Why Are Spongellé Sponges A Better Option?
Thankfully, there’s a much better option when it comes to shower sponges. We make sponges that won’t grow bacteria. In fact, all of our products are infused with an antibacterial agent that prevents bacteria from developing, even after multiple uses.
This immediately removes the biggest issue with using shower sponges in the first place. When using our sponges, you will never have to worry about bacteria, mildew, and mold. We still recommend allowing them to dry properly in order to preserve them and get as many uses out of them as possible.
And our sponges do more than just scrub—each buffer helps to scrub, cleanse, and hydrate all at the same time. That means you save money by having to buy fewer products, and you save time in the shower.
You no longer need to buy a separate scrub, body wash, and lotion, and a sponge on top of all that. Just lather it up, and you are good to go. For those who are in a rush, it’s perfect for hopping in and out of the shower. If you’re looking for a longer, self-care routine, you can take your time and scrub your entire body.
What Kind Of Sponges Does Spongellé Have?
Anything you might want! We have all sorts of different sponges that come in several varieties, and there’s a scent for everyone. We even have a shimmer collection and a kids collection, which come in fun shapes and colors that are sure to thrill your kiddos at bathtime.
If you’re looking for a gift for him, we have a collection for men as well with different scents and different levels of exfoliation. You can try the super, extreme, and supreme versions to find which he prefers. If you’re looking for a simple yet all-encompassing routine, this product is perfect.
And the variety doesn’t stop there: we have tons of different scents for you to choose from, ranging from floral to clean to earthy. Sometimes it can be hard to match up the scents of your body wash and lotion and scrub. With our buffers, you get all of those products in the same scent.
How Many Times Can You Use The Sponges?
Our sponges are antibacterial and last for several washes, making them the ideal shower product. Generally, you can use our sponges between 12 and 30 times before we recommend that you replace it. It’ll bring you peace of mind knowing your sponge isn’t dirty and growing bacteria. They are clean, simple, and effective, all while being extremely sanitary. Each one is labeled with how many uses it will give you.
Our sponges are perfect for travel because you won’t have to worry about any liquids. You can pack one and use it for your entire trip. This also means extra space in your toiletry bag because you won’t have to deal with packing body wash, scrub, and lotion (and who wouldn’t want that?). Instead, you can just pack your sponge and know you’ve got everything you need.
Conclusion
Your traditional shower sponge or loofah is not the cleanest item in your shower—in fact, it’s a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, and mold. The wet, humid, and dark environment makes it the perfect place for germs to grow because the sponge stays damp for a long period of time while it dries. Not exactly what you’re looking for in a tool that’s supposed to keep you clean!
Also, consider the fact that your dead skin, oil, and dirt get trapped in a traditional sponge when you use it, which means you are rubbing that back on your body each time you use it. That’s basically the opposite of what you’re using it for!
You can wash your sponge, but it will still grow bacteria after each use. If you do use a plastic shower sponge, you should replace it every four to six weeks. If you use a sea sponge, get a new one every three to four weeks.
But the better option altogether is using a sponge from our Spongellé body buffer collections. They last for 18-30 washes and are infused with an antibacterial agent to prevent bacteria from growing. If a deep, soothing clean is what you’re looking for without all the worries of a traditional sponge or loofah, Spongellé has your back.
Sources:
https://time.com/4918624/wash-towels-bacteria/
https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/cleansing/basics/how-often-replace-bath-sponge.htm#pt3
https://www.southernliving.com/news/loofah-bacteria-dermatologists
