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You could probably boil it in hot water for a few minutes or nuke it in the microwave in a big bowl of water-- both would do exactly what your dishwasher does...A modified version of the microwave method also works for sponges. My mom-- a microbiologist-- recommends nuking a really wet sponge (read: sopping wet) on a saucer.

That's why they sell washcloths. Costco sells a dozen Martex for around $6.00. Use once, wash, repeat.

Are you really so dirty you need to loofah yourself every day?

Frankly, anything that is biodegradable will be a breeding ground for bacteria as soon as water is added. Because it is ... gasp ... biodegradable. But I think the microwaving suggestion will work great! :)

I stopped using the loofah a long time ago once I found an anti-bacterial scrubby sheet thing at a bath store. It's not natural, but is not one of those scrunchy puff numbers that I hate. The great thing is that I can throw it in the wash if I need to. I use it all the time.

When you use your loofah think about the last place the previous user washed with it and the first place you'll wash with it. Throw it away! You're not living in a third world ghetto where you need to wash with a gourd. Do you and your family share a stick to brush you teeth? Never mind feminine hygiene Buy some washcloths already, you're grossing me out.

Nylon shower poof, local big box store, 69cents. Use once per week for exfoliation purposes, wash after use, replace each month.

Replacing shower poofs every month or loofahs every couple of weeks seems really wasteful, doesn't it?

Am I the only one who just doesn't care? I mean, has anyone ever gotten sick from a loofah? What if you're the only one using your loofah? Does that make it better?

my grandmother used to use one and i have seen moles growing on it and if i were you i would take it out of ur shower/ bath or anywet area so let it air dry and only resue it when its bone dry.

it's should not take more than 3 days in southern CA but if you are in SF or NYC i would't even use one!

even my eye cream (in a tube) starting to smell moldy during my recent 2 week stay in NYC.

My esthetician says that the best thing for your body-skin is to use washcloths. They give a good daily exfoliation and thorough cleansing, and they are cheap and easy to wash frequently. Target often sells bundles of them extremely cheap. (check the "dorm" stuff; thats where I found mine).

Besides, loofahs are so awkward. And poufs hold about as much bacteria anyway. I've tried many things but always go back to the washcloth!!

That's exactly the same loofah I have in the picture.

Another reason not to use loofahs-

I do have a loofah more as a decor than a tool of beauty and one time my sister and brother-in-law came for a extended one week visit...I noticed they used it; how you asked?

i saw tons of pubic hair on the loofah and no need to say it got thrown out.

hahaha, benja-dena, you had me cracking up.

PrettyGirl: Who's talking about sharing a loofah, other than sharing it with the bacteria living on it?

I use a loofah much less than once a week, hang it up to dry, and it's always been completely bone dry before I use it again. (I do live in nyc.)

Oh, and I have two toothbrushes, so that I'm never using one that hasn't fully dried out.

benja: Good point. I also make sure I never have anything out in the bathroom that I don't want guests to use - even dinnertime guests, and especially if they've brought their kids over. Towels, for example. It never ceases to amaze me how many homes I visit that don't have a special towel for guests. Who wants to use the half-wet bath towel the host just used for his shower?

Loofahs and poofs are very unsanitary. I grew up using washcloths that were changed out daily and still use washcloths in my own bathroom. Have you ever used a washcloth for more than 2 days? It starts to smell big time! I can't imagine how one can use a loofah everyday without washing it....gross!!!

Has anyone ever had all the black pods come out of a new loofah in the bath? Yuck! Bath mitts please.

benja-dena, is yr brother-in-law Clarence Thomas?

it could be my sister's hair which is even sicker!!!!