4 Sustainable Ways to Use a Natural Loofah in Your Home
In Vietnam, the loofah is a versatile plant that serves two purposes: when young, it’s eaten as a vegetable, and when mature, it’s dried and turned into eco-friendly products. This simple gourd has been used for generations, long before plastic became common. Today, loofah remains one of the easiest and most practical ways to bring sustainability into daily life.
Here are 5 sustainable ways to use a natural loofah in your home—showing how this plant-based product can replace plastics and reduce waste while still being useful and affordable.
A quick introduction to loofah
For those unfamiliar with loofah, it comes from a climbing plant in the gourd family. The fruit grows long on trellises, and when it’s young, it has a soft green skin and tender flesh often used in stir-fries or soups in Vietnamese cuisine.
As it matures, the skin becomes hard and brown, while the inside develops a fibrous texture. At this stage, it’s no longer edible but becomes a natural material that can be transformed into eco-friendly household items. Because it’s fully biodegradable, loofah offers a simple, sustainable alternative to plastic.
For more details on loofah, including harvesting and its benefits, check out our post here.
A farmer in Vietnam harvesting dried loofah gourds from the vine
Peeled dried loofah gourd, revealing the inner fibrous structure
4 creative and sustainable ways to use natural loofah around your home
Loofah as a gentle body exfoliator
A loofah can be used in different ways, such as a back scrubber, an exfoliating pad, or a glove. When it gets wet, the fibers soften, making it gentle on the skin. It helps clean and lightly exfoliate without causing irritation.
Loofah back scrubber strap – natural exfoliating bath accessory
Exfoliating back with a natural loofah scrubber strap
Eco-friendly loofah exfoliating pad with hand strap
Natural dish scrubber in the kitchen
Loofah sponges work well for cleaning dishes, pots, pans, and other kitchen items. Unlike synthetic scrubbers, they don’t release microplastics and can be used for several weeks. With proper care, they stay fresh and don’t easily develop unpleasant odors.
Loofah dish scrubber for cleaning plates, pots, and pans
Soap saver pouch for zero-waste bathing
A loofah soap saver pouch is a simple but clever way to reduce waste in your bathroom. Instead of throwing away small leftover soap pieces, you can collect them inside the pouch. It’s reusable, quick-drying, and completely biodegradable—making it an easy step toward a zero-waste bathing routine.
Natural loofah soap saver pouch
Creative DIY & lifestyle uses
Loofah isn’t just for the bathroom or kitchen—it can also spark creativity in your daily life. Dried loofah fibers are often used in craft projects, from handmade home décor to eco-friendly gifts. In Vietnam, loofah is even crafted into slippers, combining comfort with sustainability. These creative uses demonstrate the versatility of this natural material.
Handcrafted slippers made from natural loofah in Vietnam
Frequently asked questions
Are loofahs eco-friendly?
How do I clean and sanitize a loofah?
Can I grow loofah at home?
Can I compost my old loofah?
© 2025 VivaVN. All rights reserved.
Leave a Reply