Deep cleaning filter media

Been digging in the history and did not find a direct answer so here goes.

I have accumulated some filter media that needs to either be deep cleaned or thrown away. What is the best way to do this - I have used Jik on ceramic media before worked ok. Would this also work on open cell sponges or do you have a better solution (no pun intended)?

Typically I make a mixture with warm water and then just dump the media in that - might be my imagination but this seems to have a negative impact on the sponges like aquaclear's.

Also stumbled upon Zoom's experience with Sodium - not keen on a forced tank rest.

Thanks Ferdie