What is full of holes but still holds water? This famous riddle is back. If you don’t know the answer, we have it for you. We’ve all done everything we can to stay busy and have fun during the lockdown. Things like TV, movies, cooking, gardening, games, and exercise have helped a lot, which isn’t a big surprise.
On the other hand, we’ve all been enjoying and sharing a wide range of riddles on social media, which was a big surprise. In the past few months, there has been a lot of talk about staying fit, but it’s also essential to work out your brain.
What could be better than a few good riddles? Some people have come up with new examples, which are excellent, but you can’t go wrong with an old favorite.
Try This Puzzle Out!
So, here we go… Before you scroll down to see the answer, you should think about it more. It might be something you hold every day. Still haven’t got it? So, don’t worry. You can find the answer right below.
What’s Full of Holes but Still Holds Water?
You may have heard this riddle repeatedly: “What is full of holes but still holds water?” Even though many people might think this is a silly question, there is an answer! A sponge is what you should be looking for.
Even though a sponge has many holes, it can hold a lot of water, which makes it easy to clean any surface. This article will help you learn more about sponges and what you can do with them if you don’t know what they are or what you can do with them.
A Quick Look at Sponges
Sponges are ancient tools that have been used for a very long time. Sponges are mentioned in many Ancient Greek texts, and athletes used them in games. Before a big sports event, these people would use sponges to clean themselves.
In Ancient Rome, sponges were used to scrub and keep private parts clean. They thought sponges could help people feel better, so the Romans had a lot of respect for sponges.
Sponge use did not get less critical over time. They became essential household items that people used to clean themselves and other things around the house. In the early days of civilization, sponges were also used as tampons.
The first synthetic sponge was not made until 1941. The first commercial production didn’t start until 1952. Many women still do this, but using them is not a very healthy way.
How Does a Sponge With Lots of Holes Hold Water?
Most artificial cellulose fibers are used to make modern sponges. When the sponge is heated, sulfate crystals break down and make holes. Because of these holes, the sponge can soak up a considerable amount of water, and the cellulose fibers are also very good at soaking up water.
So, putting a sponge in water will soak up and keep a considerable amount of water. When you squeeze it dry, the cellulose fibers will be forced to let go of all the water they have soaked up. After that, the sponge will slowly change back to its original shape.
The porous surface of a sponge lets it hold a lot of water, but it is also an excellent place for harmful bacteria to live. These bacteria like to live in wet areas with a lot of air, like the holes in sponges. Because of this, you might want to wash your sponges well before you use them.
Fill the sponges with water and heat them in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Don’t do too much because sponges can catch fire if you do. If you want better results, try washing them with detergents.
How Different Sponges Are Made
Throughout history, sponges have been made from many different things. The first sponges were made from natural sea sponges, which are sea creatures with a fibrous and porous surface that makes them very good at absorbing liquids.
Ancient people in Rome and Greece would find these creatures on seashores and then dry them. When these creatures are dry, they can be used as natural sponges.
Natural sponges are expensive because you don’t always find them in the sea, and the natural supply of sea sponges will run out someday. So, fake sponges quickly became the most popular choice.
In 1942, the first sponge made in a lab was found. Cellulose, sodium sulphate, and hemp fiber were the main ingredients. There were many of these things around, and they were much easier to make than natural sea sponges.
But production for sale did not start right away. When the foremost scientist sold his licenses in 1952, companies were finally able to begin making synthetic sponges. Sponge made from cellulose is still made today, but there are also newer sponges made from plastic polymers. They are also pretty well-known.
Another new thing that is taking the world by storm is the vegetal sponge. Wood fibers, not synthetic fibers, are used to make these sponges. This makes them more potent than synthetic fibers.
Plant-based sponges can be used to bathe and clean the skin. They also break down naturally, making them much better for the environment than other sponges. Because they are hard to find, these sponges cost a lot more than synthetic sponges.
Some Similar Puzzles
1. What Starts With “T,” Ends With “T,” and Has “T” in It?
A teapot.
2. What Needs to Be Broken Before It Can Be Used?
An egg.
3. What Only Has One Letter but Starts With “E”?
An envelope.
4. What Does a Cloud Wear Under Its Raincoat?
Thunderwear.
5. What Has Words but Doesn’t Say Anything?
A book!
