If you’ve ever used a pumice stone, you know how great it is for smoothing rough skin or scrubbing away tough buildup.

But since it’s porous, it also traps dirt, dead skin, and bacteria over time, especially if it stays in a damp shower or sink area. The last thing you want is to reuse a germy stone on clean skin.

The good news is it’s super easy to keep your pumice stone fresh and safe with just a few simple steps.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to disinfect a pumice stone, and dry it properly so it lasts longer and stays hygienic for every use.

#1. Clean It First

Before you can even think about disinfecting your pumice stone, you need to clean it.

This step is super important because it helps get rid of all the obvious dirt and skin particles, making the disinfecting process more effective.

To clean it, run the pumice stone under warm water. You can gently scrub it with an old toothbrush or nail brush to help remove the bigger chunks of dead skin and debris.

You might need to do this a couple of times if it’s really dirty.

Once you’ve brushed off the extra gunk, rinse it again to make sure it’s all clean. Afterward, you can move on to the actual disinfecting part.

Also Read: Will Pumice Stone Scratch Toilet?

Trust me, skipping this step makes disinfecting less effective, so don’t rush it.

#2. Choose Your Disinfecting Method

Now that the pumice stone is clean, it’s time to disinfect it. You have a few options, depending on what you prefer or what you have at hand.

Let’s break them down:

Option 1: Boiling Water

One of the easiest ways to disinfect your pumice stone is by using boiling water. It’s simple, fast, and you probably have everything you need already in your kitchen.

Here’s how to do it:

Boil a pot of water on the stove.
Once it’s boiling, carefully lower the pumice stone into the water.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to make sure it’s submerged.
After 10 minutes, pull the pumice stone out using tongs or a fork (just to be safe!). Let it cool completely before using it again or storing it.

The boiling water method works well because the heat kills bacteria and germs. Plus, it’s super low maintenance and requires zero extra ingredients.

Also Read: Pumice Stone Alternatives For Cleaning

Option 2: Bleach Solution

If you want something a little stronger, you can go the bleach route.

Bleach is known for its disinfecting power, but it’s also a bit more intense than boiling water, so you’ll need to be careful with how much you use.

Here’s what you need to do:

Fill a small container with warm water.
Add a tablespoon of bleach for every cup of water. Stir it up.
Dip the pumice stone into the bleach solution and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
After soaking, rinse the pumice stone thoroughly under warm water to remove any bleach residue.

Bleach will kill pretty much anything on your pumice stone, so this is a great option if you feel like it needs a deep clean. Just make sure you don’t leave it in the solution too long or the pumice stone could get damaged.

Option 3: Vinegar Soak (Milder Option)

If you’re looking for something a little gentler, vinegar works great as a disinfectant. It’s not as harsh as bleach, but it still gets the job done.

#3. Dry Completely

After disinfecting your pumice stone, drying it properly is a must. Leaving it damp can lead to mold or bacteria growth, which completely defeats the purpose of disinfecting it in the first place.

To dry your pumice stone, place it somewhere with good airflow. A windowsill or counter is ideal. Let it air dry for several hours, or overnight if you have the time.

Make sure it’s completely dry before storing it.

If you’re in a rush, you can also blot it gently with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.

Just remember, the more time it has to dry naturally, the better.

A Few Bonus Tips

Here’s a little bonus for you: Try disinfecting your pumice stone regularly.

It doesn’t have to be a huge deal every time, but giving it a good clean every few weeks will make sure it stays in good condition. Plus, it’s an easy habit to build, and it’ll keep things more hygienic.

Trust me, your feet will thank you.

Another pro tip is to keep your pumice stone in a dry place when you’re not using it. If it’s left in a damp environment (like a shower), it can start growing mold or picking up more bacteria.

Keeping it dry will help extend its life and keep it cleaner for longer.

Bottom Line

Disinfecting a pumice stone is quick and worth the effort.

Start by washing it with soap and warm water, then pick a disinfecting method that fits like boiling water for a deep clean, a bleach mix for maximum sanitizing power, or a vinegar soak for a milder, natural option.

Once it’s done, let it dry completely before using it again or putting it away.

Taking a few extra minutes to clean it properly saves you from spreading germs or grime later. Plus, it keeps your pumice stone working like new.

How To Disinfect A Pumice Stone (Guide)