How to Clean a Sea Sponge

Sea sponges have a quite different appearance when they are alive and under water.

Beachcombers are well aware of the sea treasures that can wash up onto shore -- shells, sea glass, driftwood and sea sponges. Contrary to their name, sea sponges are actually multi-cellular animals. They have a membrane that acts like an outer layer of skin and protects the animal's inner soft skeleton -- the spongy part that you find on the beach. People collect and use the sponges for applying cosmetics, for bathing and for decorative purposes. Regardless of how you intend to use sea sponges that you find, make sure to clean them thoroughly before using or displaying them.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

1. Put on rubber gloves.

2. Run the sea sponge under clear, running water. Rinse it until the water runs clear and the sponge looks clean. This process will remove seawater and any excess debris that may have been lodged in its skeleton.

3. Squeeze out the excess water.

4. Fill a container with rubbing alcohol.

5. Put the sponge into the alcohol and put a lid on the container.

6. Let the sponge sit for two days. This will remove the smell from the sponge.

7. Remove the sponge and put it in direct sunlight until it is completely dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't squeeze the sponge with your bare hands, as it does have some sharp bones that could cut you.

• If you happen across a sea sponge that still has the skin on it, let it sit for several days or weeks until the skin rots off. Put them in direct sunlight to make this happen faster. Once this happens, proceed with washing the sea sponge.

• If you are traveling abroad, make sure that you do not try to bring home a sea sponge from a country or area that bans marine exports.

References

• Caribbean Imports: Cleaning and Preserving Sand Dollars, Starfish, Seashells and Other Sea Life Specimens
• Oceanic Research Group: Sponges -- They Are Nothing Like Sponge Bob!
• Made How: Sponge