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Pumice stone | Source: Shutterstock
How to Clean Your Pumice Stone for Safe and Hygienic Usage
By
Akhona Zungu
Dec 25, 202302:16 P.M.
A pumice stone is an effective skincare tool to exfoliate your skin. While it helps you stay extra clean, you want to ensure it also stays purified and ready for use by disinfecting it.
Pumice stones are a type of volcanic rock that forms when lava cools after an eruption. They are lightweight and abrasive and often have a sponge-like appearance. They are used in a few industries, most notably health and beauty, and you can find synthetic and natural options available for purchase.
Many use pumice stones to exfoliate their skin and soften their calluses. However, while this skincare tool is effective, the dirt you remove with it can remain trapped if you don't clean it.
Pumice stone | Source: Getty Images
Here's how you can disinfect yours:
1. After using it, rinse your pumice stone with warm water to remove any loose dirt.
2. Fill a bowl or sink with warm water, add a few drops of mild soap, then soak your pumice stone for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can mix water and white vinegar if your pumice stone has tough stains and a strong odor.
Soak your pumice stone in a white vinegar or soap mixture | Source: YouTube/How to do Anything
3. Afterward, take a soft-bristle or old toothbrush and give the pumice stone a gentle scrub. Ensure you pay attention to the areas with tough gunk.
4. Rinse the pumice stone, ensuring you remove all soap or vinegar residue.
Gently scrub your pumice stone | Source: YouTube/Journey to Home Sweet Home
5. To go the extra mile, fill a bowl or sink with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, soak your pumice stone for a few minutes, then rinse.
6. Pat the pumice stone with a clean towel or paper towel and allow it to air dry.
7. Repeat after each use.
Allow your pumice stone to air dry | Source: YouTube/How to do Anything
Tips to Remember When Cleaning Your Pumice Stone
The method described above lists hydrogen peroxide and water for the disinfecting solution. Other sources will list bleach and water instead; however, it has been said that using bleach might weaken your pumice stone or cause discoloration. So, choose wisely.
You also want to ensure that you disinfect your pumice stone after each use and that it stays completely dry. It may harbor bacteria that thrive in such environments if it retains any moisture. Hence, storing it somewhere it won't be exposed to steam or water is best.
A pumice stone on a towel | Source: Getty Images
With this method and these tips, your pumice stone should be ready for your exfoliation sessions each time. To take your cleanliness further, check out this guide on how to wash your bonnet.
