Empty cartridge, could the sponge be damaged from the missing ink?

[Fabphoto]

See my thread on my first experience with refilling Canons.

I can tell you from my first time that you can wash old carts in plain ole-fashioned water with out any special formula.
Mine were three months old . But, i was using water under pressure.

The chips are made of copper and were not damaged from splashes of water.

I sealed the black plugs with a strip o f duct tape ( aluminum,Duck) 1/16 inches wide.

I hope this helps.