Hi Ellen,
My father-in-law who once lived in the lower keys back in the 60s and collected shells also collected some sponges for us. We had a pottery business then and he thought that we could use some sponges. He checked out how the sponge divers (in Key West) cleaned their sponges and did the same. It worked very well and we had many sponges that had no unpleasant aroma. He told me that you soak the sponges in sea water and then beat them on a rock. Wash them again in sea water. You repeat this as needed letting them dry out in the sun between washings. The sponges that he cleaned are still good!
I hope that this helps. My computer is having a little trouble getting on conch l so I am sending it directly to you.
Matt

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