Expert Advice on Maintaining a Clean Sea Sponge and Eliminating Bacteria
If you’re new to using a natural sea sponge, it’s essential to know that they need regular care. Although sea sponges have natural antimicrobial properties, they can harbor bacteria just like synthetic body scrubbers, as explained by Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Francisco.
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“Your bare hands are the best washcloth. Loofahs, sponges, and washcloths can harbor bacteria and disrupt the skin’s natural barrier,” says Dr. Campbell. While sponges have antibacterial and antiviral compounds, their ability to prevent bacterial overgrowth from extended use is not well-researched.
Although sea sponges provide gentle exfoliation, the dead skin they remove can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, according to Jason Tetro, a microbiologist and author of The Germ Files. Tetro explains that bacteria only require water, nutrients from the skin, and a suitable temperature to thrive, all of which are present during a shower.
Cleaning Your Sea Sponge
Proper maintenance is crucial if you choose to use a sea sponge. Unlike plastic loofahs that can be machine-washed, sea sponges require hand washing. Additionally, since many sea sponges lack an attached string for hanging, it’s essential to store them in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent bacterial growth.
Skincare brand Linné suggests soaking the sea sponge in a mixture of one cup of water and one tablespoon of baking soda every two weeks and allowing it to air dry. For a deeper clean, Tetro recommends boiling the sponge in water weekly. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil, remove it from heat, and submerge the sponge for one to three minutes.
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If you’re ready to try natural sea sponges and are committed to their maintenance, consider these two options below.
Shop Natural Sea Sponges
Linné Body Sponge — $20.00
The Linné Body Sponge is sustainably harvested from self-regenerating sponges in the Atlantic Ocean. Divers extract only the outermost layer to promote ongoing healthy growth.
Bathing Culture Large Mineral Sea Sponge — $20.00
This biodegradable, ethically harvested sea sponge from Bathing Culture offers a gentle and soft lathering experience.
