Natural Sea Sponges

One of the oldest living organisms on our planet, sea sponges have existed for approximately 750 million years, and are found all over the world. More than 5000 different species of sponges have been identified - mainly in calm clear waters where sediments will not clog the pores they rely on for sustenance. Most natural sea sponges live by permanently attaching themselves to solid objects on the ocean floor and filtering the particulates from the waters around them.

People have been diving for and using sponges for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians used them for many of the same purposes as we do today. In fact, sponge diving was so important to the classical Greeks that it was even an event in the original Greek Olympic Games. 

Natural Sea Sponges are some of the simplest multicellular organisms alive. They are classified as animals rather than plants because they do not photosynthesize, but in every other way, they are more similar to plants. They do not have brains, digestive, circulatory or nervous systems and, once rooted, do not move.

One of the many benefits of using natural sea sponges for bathing and washing is that they contain enzymes that make them naturally antibacterial, and inhibit the growth of bacteria, mildew and mold. They are naturally hypo-allergenic and toxin free. 

Sea sponges filter plankton, bacteria and other organic material from the water passing through the thousands of pores in their bodies.

The intricate system of canals that makes up the structure of a sea sponge allows them to be washed out quickly, easily, and completely. This means that they do not hold onto organic matter that can cause foul odors. Farewell stinky sponge smell!

When done properly, harvesting sea sponges is actually beneficial to the sponge population as a whole. Harvesting sea sponges by cutting them off with a knife rather than “hooking” them by ripping the whole sponge off the bottom, actually strengthens their ability to regenerate, and extends the lifetime of the organism.

Cut sponges regrow, often healthier and bigger than the original, within a few years, and any pieces broken off will settle back to the ocean floor, connect to a new object and create a new sponge. Over time this harvesting method can dramatically increase the population density and overall health of the sponges being harvested.

Sea sponges, with their exceptionally soft texture, have been used for bath and body use for at least the last 2000 years. Natural sponges create a rich luxurious lather, are highly absorbent and suitable for the most sensitive skin. And because sea sponges are so durable, they are ideal for daily shower, bath and spa use. 

See our entire collection of natural sea sponges here.

Before Use: Soak sponge in clean water; squeeze out all excess and carefully examine entire sponge to insure any particles escaping our multi-level quality control are found and removed.

Wool Sea Sponge Proper Use for Cleaning: USE WET ONLY. Drop a small amount of soap onto a wet sponge or in a bucket and vigorously massage sponge into a foamy lather. Use on any surface requiring efficient deep cleaning…cars, boats, walls, floors, etc…Ideal for cleaning grease, paints, chemical spills, floor mats and vehicle carpets. Also use to apply liquid polish, waxes, and vinyl dressing. Do not expose to chlorine bleach and/or any soap that contains chlorine.

Proper Use for Painting with a Wool Sea Sponge: Dampen the sponge and wring out excess water. Dab sponge lightly in paint tray, blotting on paper or rags until the excess paint is removed and the desired pattern is obtained. When applying paint, use a light touch to roll the sponge over the wall or surface. Rinse your sponge thoroughly before changing colors and upon completion of the project.

After Each Use: Wash Wool Sea Sponge. Squeeze or shake out excess water. Dry anywhere except in dark moist places. Avoid high heat. Do not wring.

Here are some of our favorite ways to use sea sponges:

1. Bathing children and infants

2. In the shower or bath for gentle detoxification and exfoliation

3. For dry brushing before the shower

4. For washing your face

5. To apply makeup

6. For painting walls and furniture

7. To wash dishes

8. For washing floors, countertops, bathrooms, and all sorts of natural housekeeping. 

9. For washing your car without scratching the paint.

10. For painting canvases and pictures.

11. To apply shaving cream and work up a nice lather.