A new African net can release some of its dye in the first few uses, especially deep colors. It is excess dye on the surface, not the net breaking down. Rinse a new net in warm water until the water runs clear, wring it out and let it dry before your first shower.
Why does a new African net bleed color?
Our African exfoliating net - also called an African net sponge or sapo - is 100% nylon and hand-dyed. Deeper colorways can hold a little extra dye on the surface of the fibers, and the first time warm water hits them, some of that loose color rinses out. The net itself isn't breaking down or losing strength.
Iowa State University Extension describes color bleeding as dye leaching out of fabric in water, says deeply dyed, dark fabrics are the most prone to it, and notes that additional washings may be needed to remove any excess dye. It also explains that warm or hot water makes fibers swell and release color. That's exactly why a warm rinse works: it pushes the loose dye out in your sink, before the net ever touches your shower.
New to nets altogether? Start with what an African net sponge is and how to use one.
How do you prep a new African net before using it?
Give it a warm rinse in the sink before its first shower. Run warm water through the net, squeezing it as you go, until the water runs clear. Wring it out and hang it to dry completely. It takes a few minutes and keeps the loose dye in the sink instead of on your tub or skin.
- Rinse in warm water until it runs clear. Hold the net under warm running water, or swish it in a basin, and squeeze it through your hands. Deep colors may take a couple of rounds.
- Wring it out. Twist out as much water as you can.
- Hang it to dry fully. Hang it somewhere air moves, away from light towels, until it's completely dry.
Prefer the machine? Running it through one wash before first use works too. A customer put it simply: "cure it with warm water or wash it first." If you bought the African Exfoliating Net Bundle (four nets for $67), prep each net separately, or at least rinse deep colors apart from light ones.
Will the dye stain my skin or tub?
Prep the net first and there is little loose dye left to transfer. Skip the prep, and a deep-colored net can leave a tint on your skin or tub in its first few uses. On skin, that tint is loose surface dye, and it washes off with plain soap and water.
For your tub, rinse any color away right after your shower while it's still wet, before it has a chance to dry onto the surface. And don't leave a wet new net lying on the tub, on grout or on a light-colored towel or bath mat. Hang it up instead.
Which colors are most likely to bleed?
Deep, saturated shades. Rich reds, deep blues and dark purples carry the most dye, so they're the most likely to release a little color in the first rinses. Lighter shades are less likely to. If you're buying a deep color, plan on the warm rinse before first use and you're set.
Whatever shade you choose from our African exfoliating nets, the same warm rinse before first use applies.
How do you keep your net looking new?
Rinse it after every use, wring it out and hang it where air moves so it dries fast. A net may lose a little color at first, then it settles. Keeping it off the shower floor and washing it regularly keeps the color, the stretch and the fresh smell for as long as the net lasts.
For a full washing routine, including how often to machine wash, read how to clean an African net sponge. Ready for a new one? The African Exfoliating Net is $17.99 and comes in a long list of colors.
Frequently asked questions
Is the dye safe on skin?
Any color that shows up on your skin is loose surface dye, and it washes off with soap and water. Prepping the net first removes most of it before it touches you. If your skin reacts to anything, stop using the net and rinse.
Will it fade?
A little at first, while the excess dye rinses out. After that, the color settles.
Can I put it in the washer?
Rinse it under running water after every use, wring it out, and hang it where air moves. Once a month, wash it in hot soapy water or run it through the washing machine in a mesh bag. Never leave it bunched on the shower floor.
How long does a net last?
Up to two years. Replace it sooner if it develops holes, stops springing back, or holds an odor after washing.
