Brits are being urged to throw out loofahs after an experiment revealed that the sponge holds 10 million bacteria after just two weeks of use.
The luxurious cleaning tool is made from gourds, which are part of the cucumber and pumpkin family.
Its fibrous interior makes it the perfect item to get squeaky clean – but also the ideal place for bacteria to breed.
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And now, in an experiment, it’s been found that around 10 million bacteria collect over a two-week period, reports What’s The Jam.
In a clip, which has racked up 222,000 views and over 2,000 likes, it’s revealed that it might actually be “dirtier than your toilet”.
Martin Smith, founder of Showers to You, said: “A loofah might feel like a luxury in your shower, but the truth is, it can quickly turn into a breeding ground for bacteria if it isn’t looked after properly.
“If you love exfoliating, you’ve really got two choices.
“You can keep using a loofah, but you need to rinse it well after every use, let it dry completely, make sure to keep it out of the shower, disinfect it from time to time, and replace it regularly.
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“That’s the only way to keep bacteria under control.
“Or, you can switch to something safer, like silicone scrubbers, exfoliating gloves, washcloths, or quick-dry body brushes.
“They give you the same exfoliating benefits without as big a hygiene risk as loofahs give.
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“The main thing is just being aware of what could be hiding in your sponge.
“It’s not just about avoiding a minor infection; it’s about keeping your skin really clean and healthy.
“Your shower should leave you feeling fresh and cared for, not exposing you to bacteria in the tools you trust to clean yourself.”
In the video, a microbiologist takes a set of bacteria samples from the used loofah after one week.
The results were described as “disgusting” and an “infestation” as bright orange spores have spawned.
He then tried a SudScrub, which is made from silver-infused silicone.
After the same week of use, only a tiny colony of bacteria had developed.
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions.
Pea said: “So they don’t wash it out after?”
Another person wrote: “Do.. people not wash it after using it?”
One user added: “That is a lot of bacteria. This video needs to be seen more.”
Research shows that the natural shower sponge may be hiding more than just dead skin – from E. coli to Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas.
Unlike toilets, which are non-porous and cleaned regularly, loofahs stay wet and sit in warm, humid conditions, and collect skin debris; the perfect breeding ground for microbes.
But it doesn’t mean loofahs are off the table completely, with expert Martin Smith revealing how to use them correctly.
LIMIT USE
Martin suggests using them one or twice a week rather than daily.
He said: “This gives your skin a chance to recover and reduces the opportunities for bacteria to thrive”
RINSE THOROUGHLY
He said: “This removes trapped dead skin and soap residue.
“Hang your loofah somewhere it can air-dry completely.
Leaving it damp in the shower encourages bacterial and fungal growth, so proper drying is essential.”
DISINFECT
Martin said: “This can be done by soaking it in a solution of vinegar or diluted bleach, which helps to kill off any bacteria that may have settled in the sponge over time.”
AVOID USING ON SENSITIVE SKIN
Cuts, scrapes, or inflamed areas provide an easy entry point for bacteria, increasing the risk of infections and skin irritation.
He said: “Showers themselves can harbour millions of bacteria, from harmless species to potentially harmful microbes like Mycobacteria or Legionella.
“That makes proper cleaning and drying habits even more important, especially for items like loofahs that trap moisture and dead skin.”
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