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Kevin Phan
HEALTH
that's disgusting
plastic loofahs
Just because it cleans you doesn't mean it's clean. As with any type of kitchen sponge or bathroom scrubber, shower loofahs can get grungy.
Matthew Buechner, associate professor of molecular biosciences, says bacteria won't necessarily grow on the plastic mesh ball, but after a few rounds of lathering up, you leave behind dead skin cells on which bacteria can grow. The warm, damp environment of a shower provides a perfect bacteria breeding ground, and all the layers tucked into your loofah increase the amount of skin it can hold,
thus increasing the number of skin cells for bacteria to feed on.
Mike Russell, director of the University's department of environmental health and safety, says putting your looaf in the washing machine on the hot cycle about once a week should take care of any lurking bacteria. Buechner suggests soaking your looaf in bleach before washing it.
So, each time you wash a load of towels or your sheets, go ahead and toss in your loofah. Just to be on the safe side.
—Realle Roth
16
December 11,2008