Easy tutorial to make loofahs using Goan backyard plants

NATURAL & ORGANIC

Ever thought of taking up a hands-on DIY project that you can use in your day-to-day life? Well, here's how you can turn those abundant dry gourds into everyday scrubbers in just a few simple steps.

IN YOUR BACKYARD

Natural loofah sponges are made from the fruits of luffa vines that hail from the family of Cucurbitaceae (gourds, melons, cucumbers, pumpkins and squash), which are easily found in many Goan backyards.

STEP 1: HARVEST TIME

When the fruits of the luffa plant ripen fully, they become very fibrous and dry out (turning brown). These can, then, be harvested and used to make the popular loofah scrubbing sponge.

STEP 2: DE-SEED

Upon maturing, the flesh of these gourds dries out, and the seeds are usually left loose, making a rattling sound inside the pod. The next step is to break open the stem and remove all these seeds.

STEP 3: PEEL THE SKIN

Next, gently remove the skin, which generally peels off quite easily. If it comes out in pieces, try soaking the pod in water to make it easier to peel off.

STEP 4: CUT & SEW

Once clean and dry, you can start cutting the loofah at the spine. This will allow you to open up the entire loofah. You can then cut and fold it into the desired shape (square or round) and sew it securely.

STEP 5: READY TO USE

Your loofah is now ready! You will never need to visit a store again to buy a body or utensil scrubber, because you've just learnt to make one yourself, that too with a simple plant from your own backyard!

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