An African exfoliating net stretches to about 42 inches long and 16 inches wide, according to the measurements on our product page. Nets are hand cut, so length varies a little. That length is what lets you hold both ends and scrub across your whole back.
If you are shopping for an African exfoliating net - also called an African net sponge or sapo - the size is the whole point. Here is the African net size for each of our nets, and why the length matters.
How long is an African exfoliating net?
Our Original net stretches to about 42 inches long and 16 inches wide. Those numbers are measured stretched, the way you hold it in the shower, not relaxed in a pile on the counter. Every net is hand cut, so each one varies a little, but every one is long enough to pull across your whole back.
| Net | Stretched length | Stretched width | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| African Exfoliating Net | About 42 in | About 16 in | $17.99 |
| African Exfoliating Net - Sensitive | About 45 to 50 in | About 16 to 20 in | $14 |
Our nets are knotted nylon mesh, hand cut and hand-dyed. Deeper colors can release a little dye at first, so run a new net under warm water, or through one wash, before its first shower.
Why does the length matter?
Length is what lets you wash your own back. With one end in each hand, you pull the net back and forth across your shoulders, between your shoulder blades and down to your lower back, with no long-handled brush and no twisting. A shorter tool simply runs out before it gets there.
A loofah is too small to reach your own back, and a washcloth bunches up the moment it gets wet. A long net stays flat and taut as you pull it, so it covers wide areas evenly and works your body wash into a full lather. For the full comparison, read African net vs loofah.
Is the Sensitive net the same size?
No, it is longer. The Sensitive net stretches to about 45 to 50 inches long and 16 to 20 inches wide, so there is even more slack to hold onto as you reach across your back. The weave is softer and more flexible too, gentle enough to use every day, and it costs $14.
The African Exfoliating Net - Sensitive is a good first net if you are new to exfoliating or your skin reacts easily. Still deciding between the two? Our side-by-side guide to the Original vs Sensitive African net breaks down feel, price and who each one suits.
Is there a travel-size net?
Not right now. We do not have a smaller travel-size net in stock, so for trips the answer is a second net. A full net rolls up small in a toiletry bag, and because the open mesh dries fast, it will not turn a packed bag musty the way a damp sponge does.
The African Exfoliating Net Travel Bundle ($33) gives you two nets in paired colors: one stays in your shower at home, and the other lives in your gym bag or suitcase, so you are never without one.
How do you store a long net?
Hang it full length. Rinse it under running water after every use, wring it out, and drape it over a hook, towel bar or shower rod where air moves, so it dries in minutes. Never leave it bunched on the shower floor. Once a month, wash it in hot soapy water or in the washing machine in a mesh bag.
For more on caring for your sapo, read our guide to what an African net sponge is, or find your next shade in the African Exfoliating Nets collection.
Frequently asked questions
Does the net shrink?
Our product page notes that nets stretch and relax over time with use. Rinse, wring and hang it to dry after every use to keep its shape.
Can I cut it shorter?
We do not recommend it. The full length is what lets you hold both ends and reach across your own back. If you want something softer to hold, try the Sensitive net instead.
Is it one size?
Yes. Each net comes in one size, but every net is hand cut, so the length varies a little from net to net.
How long does an African exfoliating net last?
Up to two years. Replace it sooner if it develops holes, stops springing back, or holds an odor after washing.
