In this guest article from Home Cleaning Planet, we are going to take a look at the melamine sponge vs magic eraser comparison.
When it comes to cleaning up messes around your home, there’s no shortage of tools that will get the job done. Whether you’re looking for something simple like an old-school toothbrush or want something more powerful than dish soap, we’ve got everything you need to know about wiping away dirt, grime, and stains from surfaces in any room of the house. But one tool is especially popular among DIYers who love making things at home — the magic eraser.
If you haven’t heard yet, this household staple has been gaining popularity over the years with its ability to scrub away anything from grease on cooking pans to even tough stains on hardwood floors. So how does a common household item become so sought after by consumers? And if you already have a melamine sponge lying around, why not try creating your own version of a magic eraser instead? Let’s take a closer look into these two products and find out!
Is a Magic Eraser the Same as a Melamine Sponge?
The most obvious similarity between both items is their use: they function basically as cleaners. However, where the similarities end is when comparing them based on material composition. In fact, they aren’t made of similar materials at all. The primary ingredient found in magic erasers is glycerin (a sugar alcohol), while the main component in melamine sponges is actually melamine foam.
Additionally, some experts believe that magic erasers may contain other chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, which could be dangerous if ingested. On top of that, the FDA states that magic erasers should never be used on marble countertops because of the possibility of damaging stone. While magic erasing might come close to mimicking professional-grade cleaner results without being able to produce those same impressive effects, it still doesn’t compare to the natural benefits of a melamine sponge.
Melamine sponges also differ greatly from magic erasers in terms of size, shape, texture, and price. For starters, magic erasers tend to measure somewhere between 4 inches and 8 inches depending on the brand name, while melamine sponges generally range anywhere from 1 inch to 7 inches. They’re typically much smaller than magic erasers, allowing users to easily fit them inside drawers or cabinets for storage.
Not only are melamine sponges often cheaper than magic erasers but they can also be bought in bulk for a better discount. Lastly, unlike traditional sponges, melamine sponges don’t require washing before use since they feature an anti-bacterial coating that keeps germs off the surface you’re trying to wipe down.
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at these two products’ pros and cons, let’s explore whether homemade versions of magic erasers would give you similar results.
Generic mr clean magic eraser vs. melamine sponge
If you thought melamine sponges were cheap, wait until you see just how affordable generic mr clean magic eraser pads can be. With the right instructions, anyone can whip together their very own inexpensive magic eraser pad using nothing but a few basic supplies.
You’ll first need a regular mr clean magic eraser pad, water and another object to act as a mold (like a plastic bag). Next, simply fill the open area of the eraser with water until the product expands enough to cover the entire eraser surface. Then squeeze the excess water out through whatever opening remains and voila! A custom-made magic eraser pad ready to go! Now that sounds easy enough, right? Well, here’s where it gets tricky…
While many people choose to purchase pre-cut melamine sponges because of their convenient size, the truth is that cutting the melamine foam isn’t the easiest task in the world. Cutting along straight lines is difficult due to the unique consistency of melamine foam, not to mention the potential for mistakes to occur during preparation.
To avoid wasting time and energy, consider purchasing full sheets of either cut or uncut melamine foam, then folding them into squares or rectangles once received. This method allows for easier cutting and ensures consistent edges throughout. Once your sheet arrives, place it onto a flat, sturdy surface, preferably covered with wax paper or parchment paper. Use scissors to carefully cut the foam along straight lines, keeping your fingers away from the blades to prevent injury. Afterward, fold the pieces into four equal sections, lengthwise.
From there, peel back every fourth section starting from the corner closest to you and continuing toward the opposite side. Do this again with the next row of corners, and keep repeating until the whole piece has been folded twice. By doing this process twice, you’ll create eight individual rectangular blocks of melaminate sponge. These pieces can now be placed onto a smooth surface and compressed slightly to form a makeshift eraser.
Simply repeat the above steps with the remaining sheet and/or scraps of melamine foam until you reach desired dimensions.
As mentioned earlier, melamine sponges offer several advantages over magic erasers. One major benefit of the melamine sponge is its nonporous nature, meaning it won’t absorb any liquid whatsoever.
Unlike standard sponges, melamine sponges don’t soak up liquids and leave behind streaks. Although the resulting product might resemble a crumbly mixture of lint balls and wet wipes, it works almost identically to a real melamine sponge. Another perk of using a melamine sponge is that it won’t scratch wood flooring as magic erasers do. It’s also safe to say that any residue left behind by a melamine sponge wouldn’t stain clothing or bedding, whereas the same cannot necessarily be said about a magic eraser.
Lastly, melamine sponges are hypoallergenic and biodegradable, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
