Japanese Konjac Sponge
How to Care for the Konjac Sponge:
Keep It Dry (standard care): For first time use, soak the dry Konjac sponge in WARM water approximately 15 minutes until it fully expanded. Then, drain the water before cleansing your face either with or without soap (or your favorite cleanser). Remove excess water by gently pressing the sponge between palms of your hands. Do not twist or squeeze the sponge too hard. After use, clean your sponge with clean running water to ensure no soap particles / residuals left in the sponge. Remove excess water by gently pressing the sponge between palms of your hands. Hang the sponge in a well-ventilated area to dry it. Do not leave the sponge in damp/humid place.
Refrigerate it: After use, store the clean sponge inside refrigerator either in a sealed container or ziploc bag. Run with clean water before soaking it in warm water before use.
Soak in the Hot Water: Soak the sponge in a hot (not boiling) water for about three to five minutes to disinfect the sponge. Do not use boiling water as it may deform the sponge due to its natural vegetable fiber characteristic. Carefully drain the water and let it cools off before handling or removing the excess water, then hang it to dry. This method can be done once in a while as needed.
Heat in the Microwave (LAST RESORT ONLY): To sanitize the sponge, place a clean WET sponge in a bowl and pour water into it, then microwave it for 1 minute while monitoring it. Never microwave dry or slightly damp sponge. Carefully remove the sponge or simply leave it for few minutes until it cools off. Do not squeeze the sponge right away as it will be very hot and can cause burns. Once cool, rinse with running water then follow item #1 above (Keep It Dry). **Note: Only do this method as the last resort to sanitize the sponge because it may damage the sponge if not done properly.**