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Chores, cleaning and home care

Melamine sponge

A cleaning pad of melamine foam, sold as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and similar, that works like a very fine abrasive when wet.

What It Means

A melamine sponge is a cleaning pad cut from melamine foam, a light foam made from a melamine-formaldehyde resin. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) explains that although the pad feels soft, its tiny structure behaves like an extremely fine abrasive, so with just water it rubs away scuffs, marks and buildup on hard surfaces. One brand of it is the Magic Eraser, whose maker, Mr. Clean, lists finishes to keep it off, such as polished wood and stainless steel appliances.

Try It: Can a Melamine Sponge Go Here?

Open each card to see what Mr. Clean and the ACI say. The avoid list is Mr. Clean's.

Crayon on a painted wall

A use the ACI names. Test a small hidden spot with light pressure first.

Soap scum on a tub

The ACI lists soap scum, hard water stains and mildew on tile and tubs as jobs it handles.

Stainless steel fridge door

Skip it. Mr. Clean doesn't recommend it on stainless steel appliances.

Nonstick pan

Skip it. Nonstick coating is on Mr. Clean's not-recommended list.

Polished wood table

Skip it. Bare or polished wood is on the list.

Car paint

Skip it. Mr. Clean lists vehicle bodies too.

A counter that needs disinfecting

Clean with it if you like, then disinfect. The ACI says melamine foam doesn't disinfect.

How It Sounds at Home

  • "Grab the magic eraser for those scuffs."
  • "It got the crayon off, but test it first."
  • "Don't use that thing on the fridge."

The Breakdown

How to use one (Mr. Clean's directions)

  1. Run the pad under the tap. Water is all it needs.
  2. Squeeze it three or four times to get rid of the extra water.
  3. Test a small, out-of-sight area with light pressure.
  4. If the finish looks unchanged, wipe firmly across the mark.
  5. For tight corners, cut the pad into smaller pieces.
  6. If the surface needs disinfecting, follow up with a disinfectant used as its label says.

Surfaces Mr. Clean doesn't recommend

  • High gloss, polished, dark, brushed or satin finishes
  • Faux finishes
  • Bare or polished wood
  • Copper
  • Stainless steel appliances
  • Nonstick coatings
  • Vehicle bodies

Try it today. Take a damp pad to one scuff on a white painted door frame, after testing a hidden spot on the same frame.

Good to Know

The American Cleaning Institute is clear that melamine foam cleans but doesn't disinfect. Killing germs takes an EPA-registered disinfectant, used by its label directions, including how long the surface must stay wet. Mr. Clean's list of surfaces to avoid is the one to follow for its product; for another brand, read that package's directions.

FAQ

Is a melamine sponge the same as a Magic Eraser?

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a brand of melamine foam pad. The ACI describes melamine foam as the material in "magic eraser" style pads in general.

What should you not use a Magic Eraser on?

Mr. Clean lists high gloss, polished, dark, brushed, satin and faux finishes, bare or polished wood, copper, stainless steel appliances, nonstick coatings and vehicle bodies.

Does a melamine sponge kill germs?

No. The ACI says it removes visible dirt and marks, and that disinfecting needs an EPA-registered disinfectant used as directed.

Do It in Buhata

Shopping and Tasks with a repeat

Add melamine pads to the Shopping list in your Household Space and a monthly task with a repeat for wall scuffs and baseboards.

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Related Terms and Categories

  • Soap scum

    The dull, gray-white film that forms on tubs, tile and shower doors when soap reacts with the calcium in hard water.

  • Hard water stains

    White, chalky marks left on glass, faucets, tile and toilets when hard water dries and leaves its calcium and magnesium behind.

  • Degreasing

    Removing built-up cooking grease from cabinets, stovetops and range hoods, usually with dish soap and warm water or a cleaner labeled as a degreaser.

  • Baseboard cleaning

    Dusting and wiping the trim where walls meet the floor. The American Cleaning Institute puts a wipe-down in fall cleaning and a vacuum before the holidays.

  • Cleaning caddy

    A portable tote that holds your everyday cleaning supplies, so you can carry them from room to room and store them safely in one place.

Chores, cleaning and home care

Sources

American Cleaning Institute, "Ask ACI: Melamine Foam"; Mr. Clean, "Magic Erasers Clean" and "Messes Magic Erasers Clean"; U.S. patent filing, "Cleaning implement based on melamine formaldehyde foam comprising abrasive particles"

Last updated .