Wikipedia says the sponge might have been kept in vinegar or salt water, so it would be kinda-sorta sterile.
I’m guessing romans used plant matter at home, though; seems the sponge was just for high traffic public restrooms.
And, having visited some American cities, I’ll take a public bathroom with a sponge over that awkward glance on the way to the bathroom while I pretend to be a customer.
Wikipedia says the sponge might have been kept in vinegar or salt water, so it would be kinda-sorta sterile.
I’m guessing romans used plant matter at home, though; seems the sponge was just for high traffic public restrooms.
And, having visited some American cities, I’ll take a public bathroom with a sponge over that awkward glance on the way to the bathroom while I pretend to be a customer.
Right, and as a fellow low tech brewer of alcohol I can see how they have that much vinegar. Alcohol below 5% can get taken by vinegar, that eats it.