How to Clean a Sea Sponge

Sea sponges are the most preferred sponges to get a faux finish. These aren’t manufactured but are harvested from the sea. It is majorly used for marbleizing, texturing, sponge painting, pottery, and many more but, do you know how to clean a sea sponge? We’ll help you out. 

How to Clean a Sea Sponge

Sea sponges contain natural enzymes that slow down but do not prevent bacteria. So, it’s essential to pay attention to the little details when cleaning a sea sponge.

Step #1: Get the Required Materials

• A container for water 
• Soap
• Disinfectant
• A drying rack

Step #2: Rinse Thoroughly

• Place the sponges in the container and pour water and add the soap and disinfectant. 
• Let it soak the water and squeeze. 
• This will drain out the dirt inside it. 
• Repeat this process until the water runs clear.

Step #3: Soak Overnight

After rinsing it, let it soak overnight for the final time.  

Step #4: Rinse Again the Following Day

Now take the soaked sponge and rinse it again. 

This process will eliminate all the stubborn germs. Squeeze it as much as possible to get all the water drained from it.

Step #5: Let It Dry Naturally

After squeezing it, place it outside and let it dry naturally, ideally for at least two days.

Step #6: Wash It

After about two days, take the dry sponge again and give it a light wash. 

Use a detergent or soap if you can to let any remaining germs out. Then, rinse well in regular water.

Step #7: Let Dry

Let it dry naturally after the final rinsing. If you feel there is any seaside aroma, use a baking soda and rinse again.

Step #8: Use It

Now you can use it the way you want. You can use it for cleaning, decorating, and other customized displays.

Here is a short video tutorial on how to find and clean a sea sponge.

How to Use a Sea Sponge

Sea sponges are pretty complex and coarse when they are new. Please clean it with proper measures before you use it.

• Saturate your new sea sponge with soap/disinfectant and water. If possible, use an anti-microbial.
• Thoroughly soak the sea sponge and rinse until it is clean.
• Once it is clean, add your favorite soap.
• Use it gently, in a circular motion.

Safety Tips

Most sea sponges are pretty harmless. 

However, some species have crinitoxins which results in irritation and dermatitis.

Tips to Maintain a Sea Sponge

Method #1: Routine Clean Up

Once a month, soak your sea sponge in a vessel with warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda. 

Following it every month cleans the sponge and helps to maintain its structure.

Method #2: Rinse After Every Use

Rinse the sponge after each time you use it and leave it to dry completely.

Method #3: Use Disinfectant

To prevent bacteria, use a disinfectant on your sponge by soaking the sponge in a cup of water with several drops of tea tree essentials and one tablespoon of cider vinegar.

Method #4: Trim And Shape It

The edges may fray with time; you can trim those edges and extend their lifespan.

Things You Must Avoid

• Avoid twisting the sea sponge; only squeeze it to dry. Twisting it may result in
• Please do not use a diluted bleach solution or any harsh cleaning agents; the kit may ruin them.
• Please do not store these sea sponges in humid areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find and Preserve Sea Sponges?

Wrap the sea sponges in paper towels from the beach and put them in a bag (plastic) to keep them wet. Once home, soak it in water overnight, rinse the sponge in the morning, and let it dry.

Keep soaking and rinsing it and drying it until you see no more dirt coming out of it. Please give it a light wash, and it is ready to use.

Are Sea Sponges Good For the Skin?

Yes, sea sponges are good for the skin as they contain essential minerals suitable for the skin, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and zinc. The sea sponges are ideal for all skin types.

It gently causes the skin to exfoliate, which results in making the skin fresh and younger-looking.

How Long Can You Use a Sea Sponge?

When cared for and used correctly, a single sea sponge can last 2–6 years. 

These are comparatively more innovative investments than buying synthetic washcloths. Using sea sponges saves money and also reduces waste.  

Conclusion

It is better to use a natural sponge instead of a synthetic sponge because it is good for the skin. It is one of the innovations that uses natural resources and reduces waste, such as seagrass rugs.

Aside from it being slightly stylish, like lava beads, these sponges can be cleaned quickly and maintaining them is not that hard. 

All you have to do is to soak and rinse and use anti-microbial if possible. Please do consider the safety and maintenance tips it.