We all know and love those Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and use them as cleaning staples for projects around the house. There are actually plenty of knock-off erasers as well, but do you actually know what our favorite white cleaning sponges are made of?
Or just how many projects your can tackle using them? We’re here to help you learn more about everyone’s go-to cleaning tool and find out more about how to use them.
What Is Magic Eraser Made Of?
Magic Erasers are made from melamine foam, which is made from a compound called formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer. In addition to being an excellent stain removal tool for tougher cleaning projects, melamine foam has a variety of other uses like sound insulation and temperature insulation.
Melamine foam is made of a mixture of hard and soft structures like hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen, which combine to combat stains without harming the surface underneath. Melamine foam has been manufactured since the late 20th century and it was patented in the early 21st century to be used as an effective cleaning tool.
How Magic Erasers Work?
Magic Erasers only need water to effectively clean most stains, no toxic chemicals or extra soaps are necessary. On the outside, they look, act, and feel like most other sponges, but that’s where the similarities end. Melamine foam is a porous material, which acts something like very fine sandpaper to gently remove stains. Though it feels soft on the outside, each eraser is actually uniquely abrasive and uses small air pockets in the material to lift stains when damp.
However, one downside is that Magic Eraser sponges do wear down quickly because they are so porous, so, if you have a lot of projects to tackle, you may want to purchase a few boxes. This is because the delicate sponge-like cell structure loosens the dirt and grabs the grime simultaneously, breaking down the material.
Is Magic Erasers Safe?
In short, yes. While the compound ingredient mentioned above does contain the word formaldehyde, it’s part of a chemical name. Formaldehyde itself is not an actual ingredient in the sponges. Magic Sponges are non-toxic and safe for household use. They are abrasive, however, so you don’t want to rub them against your skin or let your kids get ahold of them.
As for the actual material and its impact on the environment, some studies have identified the particles that get washed down the sink as a potential addition to the microplastic scourge in waterways, but this is still largely unclear. Magic Erasers are not biodegradable, but they are a safer alternative to potentially toxic cleaning supplies.
9 Ways to Clean Around the House with Magic Erasers
Before you start using your Magic Eraser to clean up every surface around the house, remember to test the sponge in a hidden area to make sure it will not damage the finish!
Due to the abrasive nature of the eraser, avoid using it on surfaces that scratch easily like hand-painted china, polished stone like granite or marble, stainless steel appliances, non-stick surfaces on cooking utensils, electronics, or finished wood.
Clean & Brighten Your White Shoes
Use a damp Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove any scuffs from white rubber soles on any type of shoe. After cleaning, wipe the soles with a damp microfiber cloth to remove loose dirt and bits of the melamine sponge.
Cleaning Your Stovetop Drip Pans
Stovetop drip pans are notoriously difficult to clean if food spills are allowed to accumulate and burned onto the metal. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works well to get rid of the food that won’t come off with any other method.
Removing Coffee Stains from Your Favorite Mugs
No one likes to see last week’s coffee stains in their mug. Dampen a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser with water. Gently scrub the interior, rim, and stained exterior of the drinkware. Rinse the mug and wash as usual. Do not use a melamine sponge on glass mugs or any drinkware with metallic or hand-painted decoration. It can cause scratching or remove the decorations.
Cleaning Burnt-on Food from Your Oven
Whether you use your oven’s self-cleaning program or clean the oven with a commercial or DIY cleaner, there is going to be some burned food that is stuck-on inside the oven. Dampen a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to gently scrub it off the surface.
Cleaning Out Your Greasy Microwave
Just as in your oven, stuck-on food in the microwave can be tricky to remove. Dampen a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, lightly scrub the mess and it will loosen right away. Finish by wiping down the area with a dampened microfiber cloth to remove any residue.
Cleaning Grime from Your Pool’s Waterline
Even with all of the water, body soil, dust, and grime accumulate along the walls at the waterline. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a handy tool when used along with one of these cleaning solutions.
In a small plastic bucket, mix some baking soda and a few drops of water to create a paste, or mix one-quarter cup of dishwashing liquid and one gallon of water.
Dip your Mr. Clean Magic Eraser in the cleaning solution to remove tough stains and build-up. Splash a bit of pool water or freshwater over the freshly cleaned area and repeat the scrubbing and cleaning steps as you move around the perimeter of the pool.
Removing Scuffs & Crayon Marks from Your Walls
Hold the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser under a faucet to saturate it with water and then squeeze out the water. Scrub the wall scuff or crayon mark with gentle, steady pressure. Don’t be overzealous or you’ll lose some paint. Finish by wiping down the area with a damp cloth.
Aside from crayon marks, learn how to effortlessly remove dirt and grime from your walls with a magic eraser.
Removing Wax Warmer Buildup
Even after wiping out warm melted wax with a paper towel from a wax warmer, there can still be some left. Spray an all-purpose cleaner on a sponge and wipe out the interior well or dish and use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to lightly scrub the interior to remove the stuck-on wax. Finish by wiping the wax well down with a slightly damp lint-free microfiber cloth to remove any cleaning residue.
Cleaning & Brightening Your White Leather Furniture
Use a damp Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to gently buff away marks and brighten the color of white leather furniture. Be extremely careful not to scrub—it can remove the surface finish of the leather. Starting at the top of the piece, apply steady, even pressure as you wipe away dirt and soil. Rinse the eraser often and squeeze out excess water. Finish by wiping down the furniture with a damp microfiber cloth.
For more cleaning tips and tricks and cleaning guides check out our blog on https://cleanzen.com! You can also browse our services and contact us to find out how we can help you keep your home happy and healthy all year long.
The post The Science Behind Magic Erasers: How Magic Erasers Work? appeared first on Cleanzen.
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