Sponge (material)

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Sponges

  • Artificial fiber sponge: Polyurethane sponge combined with scouring pad.

  • Animal fiber sponge: A Greek natural sponge.

A sponge is a tool or cleaning aid consisting of porous material. Sponges are usually used for cleaning impervious surfaces. They are especially good at absorbing water and water-based solutions.

Sponges are commonly made from cellulose wood fibers or foamed plastic polymers. Some natural sponges are still sold, but most are now used either as body or facial sponges (bath sponges) or as tools for sponge painting.

The three other categories of available synthetic sponges are: low-density polyether (known as the rainbow packs of non-absorbent sponges), PVA (very dense, highly absorbent material with no visible pores), and polyester.

Polyester sponges are subdivided into a variety of types, some of which are reticulated (artificially broken-in) for ease of use. One type, double-blown polyester, has high water-retention ability approaching or equaling that of PVA sponges, but with visible pores and more diverse uses.

Harboring bacteria

Bacteria from a kitchen sponge

Because it is made primarily made of wood fiber, a cellulose sponge can be a medium for the growth of harmful bacteria or fungi, especially when it is allowed to remain wet between uses. Research at the University of Florida has found that if a wet sponge is heated in a microwave oven for two minutes most bacteria will be killed.[citation needed]

Gallery

  • Natural sponges for sale in Crete

  • Plant fiber sponge: A luffa sponge whose coarse texture helps with skin polishing

  • Luffa aegyptiaca sponge section magnified 100 times

  • Close-up

  • Souvenir made of artificial sponge

  • Aspect

See also

References

    External links

    Media related to Cleaning sponges at Wikimedia Commons

    Cleaning tools
    Types of tools
    Cleaning
    Cutting and abrasive
    Forestry and gardening
    Hand
    Machine and metalworking
    Measuring and alignment
    Power

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