How to Clean A Sea Sponge

If you are a sponge, you expect to get dirty. However you hope that your owner will keep you clean and dry between uses. Only then can you do a really great job. As a sponge you would know the difference between a quick wash after your light work and a thorough clean or bath after heavy duties.

1. You appreciate a 'wash' after light cleaning tasks such as washing up, cleaning work surfaces, washing the body etc.
2. You need a 'bath' after heavy duty performances such as cleaning serious grime acquired from the floor, sink or a vehicle and if you are a sponge, a regular weekly bath is just lovely, even if you haven't done that much work during the week.

The wash consists of rinsing the sponge well in water, squeezing it, turning it and squeezing it some more. Followed by a squeeze in some soapnut liquid, vinegar water, salt water, water containing anti-microbial essential oils, bicarbonate of soda or citric acid or whatever else you like to use. Work the cleaner into the sponge a bit. Rinse the sponge in warm water, squeeze it to remove any excess water and then air dry your clean sponge. When sponges need deep cleaning squeeze the sponge in hot water (comfortable to the hand), to expel the easy-to-remove grime. Then rub and squeeze some natural soft soap into the sponge, completely through the sponge. Leave the warm soapy sponge to sit for a few minutes. Then add some water and squeeze the dirt filled soap out of the sponge. You could squeeze some drops of anti-microbial essential oils at this stage too - lavender, tea tree, clove etc. Repeat if necessary. Rinse the sponge. To remove any traces of the natural and biodegradable plant oil-based soaps, soak the sponge in some vinegar water solution or citric acid solution. Rinse, wring and air dry. The sponge is then fit to clean glass! According to the (fictitious) Sponge Protection Society, sponges have much longer working lives when they are kept clean. When a sponge is cleaned after use and dried between use their lifespans are massively increased, they are a pleasure to use and they can do their best work. As the Sponge Protection Society declares Vivat Spongias - Long Live Sponges! You can buy sponges here and learn more about the different uses for the various species. You can see pictures of the different species side-by-side here.