Real sponges in PS?

When I was a kid, we used to use real sponges, not the fake kind that shred to pieces. Anyone know where I might find the genuine article in the Slope?

Thanks!

Like, sea sponges? Fancy you! They are usually sold as bath sponges, at drug stores.
3R on Fifth Ave would have the ones prettily packaged and "green" marketed for kitchen use.

Ooh, sound like something for me to check out! i can't stand the way the damned sponges fall apart in my hand and all over my dishes!

Sur La Table in Soho sells these sponges that come totally flat, and then you wet them and they grow into rectangles. They're a little expensive, but they're so sturdy that when they get gross you can just throw them in the laundry. I use less than 2/year and I don't have a dishwasher. I don't know if they're real sea sponges or just very good synthetics, though I'd guess the latter.

I buy these little cloths by Mr. Clean ....like washcloths for your face, but a bit bigger and thinner. I wash all of my dishes with them. I have about 10 and I just throw them in the laundry after a few days. I think sponges are little bacteria farms

actually, the ones I use are by Scotch-Brite/3m

the kitchen cloth at top

http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/scotchbrite/products/wiping_kitchen_sponge.html

Thanks for the replies. I'll check 3R on 5th. I've heard that sea sponges are good for about 6 mos., but with some good washing (baking soda, vinegar, or such-like) would probably last longer.

Yes Flexi, those are good, and the Sur La Table things also sound useful, but I'm really eager to get some sea sponge... something about washing with a creature.

The plasticky foam-type synthetic sponges last longer than the shreddy kind, but when you squeeze them, the soap flies out!

I bet Leopoldi on 5th ave still stocks them.

If you put your sponges in the microwave for 15 seconds, it kills all the evil. Also, you should soak everything in bleach at least once a month. If you don't, you're dirty. :-P

I put my sponges in the dishwasher, am I still dirty?

Do you use Jet Dry?

umm-does that make a difference as to whether I am dirty or not?

Not really. it's a trick question. I think everyone is dirty because I'm a germophobe.

From

http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/chic22.htm

To sanitize a sea sponge, don't use harsh soap. Boiling is not recommended because it shrinks and toughens your sponge and shortens its useful lifetime. The microwave is not recommended either. It changes the molecular structure. A solution of one tablespoon of baking soda, tea tree oil, or cider vinegar in one cup of warm water does the job. Or try a solution of half hydrogen peroxide and half water. Air dry preferably in sunlight and replace about every six months.