loofa sponges

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Luffa cylindrica , sponge gourd, is grown mainly for the tough fibrous netting that remains after the pulpy flesh is removed from the mature fruit. The fibrous netting makes excellent sponges that are valued for use in the bath or as dish and pot scrubbers. Other important uses of the spongy material are for marine steam engine filters, doormats, table mats, mattress, or shoulder pad stuffing, and for absorbing sound How are loofa sponges made? To get a loofa sponge you must start with a loofa gourd. The gourds should be harvested after a hard frost and can be processed two different ways. The first method begins with drying. Dry until the seeds are loose and rattle inside. Then the outer covering is removed, ends are cut off, seeds are shaken out and the inner sponge is freed. Another method is to soak the gourds in water until the outer covering and pith soften. When the gourds are thoroughly softened, the covering and pith are removed by rubbing gourds together or with a brush. Sponges should be washed through several changes of clean water, soaked in a mild bleach solution and dried. Dry loofa gourds can be used as scouring pads, bathing sponges or cleaning tools. If mold and fungal becomes a problem, mold stains can be lightened by scrubbing with a strong bleach solution. Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com