Of course, the bath sponge should not be missing from the daily morning routine. An eco-friendly option for this is the loofah. This sponge is a purely natural product. However, very few people know that the sponges can also be used in the household as a kitchen aid. All about the loofah and our recommendation for the best sustainable loofahs.
Natural vs. Synthetic loofah
It is not uncommon for the name Luffa to be used for the fluffy, colorful plastic bath poufs, which, unlike authentic Luffa products, are not sustainable. There are therefore two types of loofah sponges: natural loofah sponges and synthetic loofah sponges.
1. Natural Loofah:
Other terms for loofah sponges are “washing cucumber” and “sponge gourd”. The natural sponge consists of a pumpkin plant that is grown in tropical and hot regions such as the Arabian Islands, Africa, India and parts of Asia and Australia. After harvesting, the inside of the gourd is dried, resulting in a sponge with a soft inner side and a rough outer side. Natural loofah sponges are therefore 100% plastic-free and biodegradable.
2. Synthetic Loofah:
Synthetic loofahs are made of plastic and other artificial synthetic materials and thus have environmentally harmful aspects. On the one hand, when using the synthetic sponges, microplastics are flushed through the shower drain, which ends up in local waters. In addition, these sponges are disposable products with only a short useful life: After only a short time, the plastic products end up in the garbage.
Natural loofah in the bathroom and kitchen
The natural product is not only sustainable, but also practical and versatile. Whether it's for personal hygiene or as a cleaning sponge, the natural sponge can be used for any household activity.
Loofah sponge in the bathroom:
Luffa is used in the bathroom as a massage, peeling and bath sponge. The peeling function of loofah sponges cleanses the skin, massages the connective tissue and stimulates blood circulation. In dry form, the sponge is also suitable for removing calluses. Attention: The use of a loofah sponge is not suitable for chronic skin diseases or open wounds or scratches.
Luffa sponge in the kitchen:
Even if the loofah sponge is mainly known as a cosmetic and hygiene product, it can also be used for cleaning, rinsing and washing. The fringed and rough consistency of the loofah sponge creates a certain scrubbing power, which cleans every surface gently and without scratches. Many materials such as stainless steel or glass are gently cleaned. With its malleable adaptability, it gets into every corner and cleans objects thoroughly. However, the natural sponge is not suitable for sensitive or rough surfaces.
Disposal: Loofah sponges are recyclable. Due to the longevity of loofah, the sponge can be used for a long time without disintegrating after a few days. However, when it is time to replace the sponge, it belongs in the compost or in the organic waste.
How to use the loofah correctly
For cosmetic and hygienic applications, the application with the loofah sponge with circular movements is most effective. The loofah can be used in the shower as well as when dry. On dry skin, brushing the skin stimulates blood circulation. The rough side of the sponge is for less sensitive areas, while the fine side is for softer areas of the skin.
As a cleaning sponge, the loofah does not require any cleaning agents and, thanks to its high absorption capacity, works with just water and soap. Insider tip: As a cleaning agent, baking soda diluted in water works wonders on white surfaces.
Buy loofah - Our top 4 loofah sponges:
- Chinchilla
- Ultra green
- The Closest Loop
- GEPA chinchilla
1. Chinchillas
Chinchilla's Zero Waste Shop offers dishwashing sponges made from loofah. These loofah sponges are plastic-free as well as natural and vegan. The start-up from the Sauerland pays particular attention to fair and social aspects. In addition, the conscious use of resources is important for chinchillas, which is why domestic materials are processed locally and only imported as a finished product.
Source & Copyright Chinchilla
Brand origin: Germany
Where to Shop: Online shop chinchilla
2. Ultra Green
Ultra Green is a sustainable concept store with many zero waste products from green brands. The store therefore also offers various Luffa products. The loofah sponges are biodegradable and can be used for various things in everyday life. In addition, shipping is climate-neutral.
Source & Copyright Ultra Green
Brand origin: Germany
Where to Shop: Online shop Ultra Green
3. The Closest Loop
The Closest Loop loofah is grown in Europe, meaning Germany, Albania and Spain. That means: short transport routes, reduced packaging material and a transparent supply chain. The sponges called "Le Gurque" are equipped with robust hanging straps made of 100% linen. The clue: the company offers practical sets for the bathroom and kitchen.
Source & Copyright The Closest Loop
Brand origin: Germany
Shop: Online shop The Closest Loop
4. GEPA
The Gepa Luffa products are manufactured as part of the TARA funding project in India. The product is therefore 100% fair trade and supports the local communities on site. Shipping the loofah sponges is also climate-friendly.
Source & Copyright Gepa
Brand origin: Germany
Shop: Online shop Gepa
Long use by storing the loofah sponge properly
The care and storage of the loofah sponges plays an important role in longevity and hygiene. The natural fibers of the loofah sponge make it highly absorbent, but also prone to mold. Accordingly, the sponge should be washed thoroughly with clear water after each use and then dried in an airy place.
You can wash your loofah at 30 degrees in the washing machine, but without fabric softener. After rinsing the sponge, you can also put it in the microwave for 30 seconds to kill any germs that may be present. A loofah sponge can be used for up to 12 months.
