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| Education Center |
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Ask the Sponge Man
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Q: Why do natural sponges vary so much in price?
A: Because not all natural sponges are created equal. There are several varieties of
natural sponges as well as qualities within those varieties. It is not easy to tell these qualities and varieties apart with the naked eye, so it is important to buy natural sponges from a reliable source that you can trust.
Q: Is it true that by harvesting natural sponges we are reducing the resource and we may run out?
A: Definitely not. Scientific studies have proven time and again that natural sponges with their regenerative powers, actually thrive in areas where they are fished and that the density of population actually increases in fished sponge areas as apposed to areas where fishing is restricted.
Q: I hear the term bleached when referring to the method of cleaning of the sponge. Can I bleach my natural sponge with chlorine to clean it?
A: No. Whereas a natural sponge can stand up to many chemicals including some acids, natural sponges will be instantly destroyed if exposed to chlorine bleach.
Q: What is the difference between semi-bleached and fully-bleached sponges?
A: Semi-bleached sponges are cleaned in one acid bath and then a neutralizing soda that lightens the sponge from medium brown to light brown. Fully-bleached sponges receive a second, different, acid bath and neutralization that lightens the sponge even more while cleaning the sponge to a higher degree. Semi-bleaching is used for sponges that are sold into the paint, hardware, cleaning supplies trade, while fully-bleaching is used for sponges sold into the bath and cosmetic trades.
Q: Are loofa sponges harvested from the sea?
A: No, loofa sponges come from a gourd-like plant that is an annual crop. The plant looks much like a large grape vine, with the gourd itself looking like a giant squash. It is the skeletal structure of the gourd that is dried out to become the loofa sponge.
Q: Can bacteria grow in a loofa sponge?
A: Yes, just as it can grow on virtually any surface that is constantly wet. You should allow your loofa to dry between uses, if possible. We also recommend that once every week or two that you toss your loofa sponge into the wash with your white clothes. Loofa, unlike natural sea sponges, can be bleached and this bleaching will keep the sponge free of bacteria.
Q: Why should I use a loofa sponge?
A: Loofa is great at removing dead skin from the body, revealing a beautiful living skin layer. This is done via friction between the loofa and the skin, as apposed to any chemical acid burning method. There is no downside to the loofa exfoliation method, whereas overuse of acid peels can lead to burning of the good skin, thickening of the skin and even scarring.
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