Abstract: Cup handles made from clay have their seams removed by the handle being pushed along a passage of appropriate cross-section in a sponge. The sponge is washed after use by the introduction of water into the passage and by squeezing the sponge. The invention provides for the outer surface of the sponge to be treated all over to render it at least substantially impermeable to water. In use, when the sponge is squeezed, water is expelled only from the passage, and thus the uncontrolled flow of water encountered with sponges having permeable outer surfaces is avoided. Rigid plates may cover those parallel faces of the sponge into which the ends of the passage open, the plates having slots aligned with the ends of the passage. The sponges may be incorporated in a handle de-seaming machine operating cyclically.