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The truth is, Magic Erasers are just tiny rectangular pieces of melamine foam with a cleaning agent inside. A melamine sponge is more dense than your average cleaning sponge and its tiny pores make it a light abrasive, not unlike that of an extra fine sheet of sandpaper.
What is in magic eraser that makes it work?
On its own, melamine is just an organic base in the form of white crystals. But when combined with other compounds, it can transform into a plush foam—the Magic Eraser—with a sandpaper-like microscopic texture. Melamine’s high nitrogen content also makes it a useful flame retardant and fertilizer.
What’s so special about magic eraser?
The combination of hard and soft structures within the “sponge” is what makes the magic. Melamine foam is harder than what makes up most stains, but it’s softer than most of the surfaces those stains are on. This allows the Magic Eraser to remove stains without scratching the surface underneath or around the stain.
What can you not use magic eraser on?
When not to use Magic Eraser Shiny painted, enameled, sealed, or varnished surfaces. Magic Eraser can strip away the finish. Wood. Magic Erasers can scratch and strip the finish. Your car. Natural stone surfaces, including granite and marble. Non-stick pots and pans. Stainless steel. One-of-a-kind collectibles. Screens.
What is Magic Eraser sponge made of?
According to www.sinoyqx.com and Wikipedia, melamine foam (and by extension, Magic Erasers) are simply a foam-like material made of a formaldehyde–melamine–sodium bisulfite copolymer. That’s fancy science talk for a porous rough material.
Can you make your own magic eraser?
Add 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of Borax and 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of baking soda to a bowl. Add the water to the mixture and stir. Place a sponge in the bowl and allow it to soak up the solution. Squeeze out some of the excess and begin scrubbing.
Are you supposed to wet a magic eraser?
Magic erasers are extremely easy to use. All you need to do is slightly wet the sponge itself to activate the melamine foam for maximum effectiveness. Once you’re done using the eraser, wring it dry if it’s still wet. You may also want to leave it out somewhere to air dry.
Will Magic Eraser damage bathtub?
In general, if you have an acrylic tub, it’s best to use non-abrasive cleaners such as dish soap, Clorox wipes, or a mixture of vinegar and water. Do not try bleach or abrasive cleaners like steel wool on the tub. However, the Magic Eraser from Mr. Clean® is a safe option as long as you are gentle when scrubbing.
Can you use magic eraser on stove top?
The magic eraser works great as well as white vinegar and soapy water. From a gas stove and electric stove to a glass top stove, it is very simple. If the surface is very dirty, I like to wipe down with a damp cloth in hot water or hot soapy water first.
Can you use magic eraser on toilet bowl?
Toilet Bowls. Grab some gloves and use a Magic Eraser to go to town on toilet bowl stains. Some users even recommend cutting a piece off and letting it dissolve the bowl to remove that unsightly ring all on its own.
Can magic eraser stain your clothes?
A magic eraser is in fact an “eraser” or abrasive though fairly soft and mild. So it works best on firm surfaces where the removal of some of the surface material along with the deposits on the surface doesn’t pose a problem. A stain is generally absorbed into the interwoven strands of clothing.
Can Magic Eraser clean walls?
Use the Magic Eraser to remove scuffs, dust and grime from the surface of your walls. In just a few firm swipes, you should be able to see the Magic Eraser work its magic. When you’re done, your walls will be clean, prepped, and ready for your new paint.
Do you have to rinse after using magic eraser?
Rinse off the eraser after use. This will remove the dirt and debris and extend the life of your eraser. Test in an inconspicuous place if you’re unsure. Don’t use them on your skin.
Do Magic Erasers dissolve?
Magic Erasers tend to disintegrate as they’re being applied to those stubborn stains, so when you’re done you have a spot-free wall and a pile of melamine crumbs on the carpet. According to CNet, you can buy generic melamine foam squares in bulk for around 8 cents each.
Are Magic Erasers safe to use on dishes?
Magic Eraser’s pad itself is made of melamine polymer, about which safety info is lacking, but which doesn’t appear to be toxic. You shouldn’t use it on dishes or something you eat off of as bits of the polymer are left behind. You should avoid formulas with added fragrance or bleach.
Do Magic Erasers have bleach in them?
Magic Erasers only need water to effectively clean most stains—no chemicals or soaps 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.
What happens if you use magic eraser on skin?
Skin. No matter how tempting it may be to use a Magic Eraser to clean ground-in dirt from your child’s fingers, never use it on bare skin. The eraser’s abrasiveness can damage skin and cause irritation.
