Sea Sponge - Yellow

The Yellow sponge is named after its beautiful color, these sponges are firm, absorbent and durable, a great addition to your bathing routine. Harvested from the Gulf of Mexico waters, these beautiful natural sponges gently cleanse skin when used with one of our natural soaps.

There are a variety of natural sea sponges and we've chosen to offer 3 of the best (at least we think they are!). All 3 varieties are fantastic sponges and you can't go wrong with any of them, so have fun deciding which one you'd like to try first!
This listing is for the Yellow sponges, select from either the larger Yellow sponge form, or the Yellow sponge in a box which is slightly smaller in size and more rectangle in shape vs a more round shape. These natural sea sponges are sustainably harvested maintaining strict industry regulations and are naturally eco-friendly and biodegradable.

Sponge harvesting isn't an easy process, but the results are worth it (in my opinion). These beautiful natural sponges will last for years if taken care of and have additional benefits to the skin. Did you know that natural sea sponges are actually hypoallergenic? They also contain an enzyme that makes them naturally antibacterial, preventing the growth of bacteria, mold & mildew. Plus they contain nutrients such as magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and more, all beneficial minerals for the skin!

From our supplier out of Tarpon Springs, FL:
Out in the Gulf of Mexico "the diver finds his sponges and uses his expert knowledge to recognize in the darkness of the ocean which sponges are of use and which are not to be bothered. He cleanly slices from the base the ones he's interested in. The substrate left behind allows the sponge to regrow. He'll be able to harvest that spot again in a few years. The net he's taken down with him eventually fills and he sends it to the boat. He stays under while he waits for another net to be sent down. It's not unusual for a diver to be underwater for 3-5 hours at a time. Of course, that depends on the depth and temperature of the water and how well he has done.
The deckhands keep busy when sponges are sent up by starting the cleaning process. They hose down the sponges and pile them together and cover them in burlap sheets that are wet down with salt water. The heat of the sun and the salt water helps do some of the work for them. After a couple of days and once the matter is decayed off, the sponges are washed and rinsed of all remaining matter.
Eventually, the deck is filled with sponges and the crew has no more room to work. How do they make more room out in the middle of the Gulf on a boat with limited deck space? Well, they string the sponges into a garland, threading them through with an industrial size needle and twine. Then they are hung or piled up as high as possible and out of the way.
The days are long for the captain and crew, and nights aren't much better out in the middle of a body of water for 10-21 days at a time. Sponge harvesting isn't easy."

Check out our BLOG about these sponges and one family's adventures in Tarpon Springs, FL.

Some helpful information about natural sponges taken from the Blog:

5 NATURAL SPONGE DON’TS

1. Don’t leave a natural sponge in the deep-cleansing soak for too long as this can damage the strength of the sponge over time and shorten it’s lifespan.
2. Don’t wring your sponge as this can tear it.
3. Don’t use bleach on the sponge as this will cause it to deteriorate.
4. Don’t dry your sponges out in a microwave or clothing dryer as this will shrink and harden it.
5. Don’t store the sponge in an airtight container as this will lead to moisture-retention and weaken the sponge over time.

5 NATURAL SPONGE USES

1. Gentle skin exfoliation in the shower/bath for any age
2. Daily face-washing and/or makeup application
3. Kitchen cleaning – dishes, counters, produce, etc…
4. Scratch-free car washing and buffing
5. Even paint application on canvas, furniture, walls and more.

Each sponge is approximately 5-6" in size. The sponge from without the box being on the larger side of that measurement.
Do you want to try other sponges and cloths for use with our natural soaps? Check out our natural Hemp & Bamboo cloths, great for a gentle way to remove make-up or to simply wash up at the end of your day. Also try our natural cotton Soap Saver bags, great for storing and using your soap as either a full bar, or when you have just a small amount left. Collect all those small pieces of soap in one bag and use it as a body wash.