What’s Inside the Magic Eraser? (8 Things to Know)
The Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean is a popular cleaning product. It is basically a sponge that can virtually remove any stain from a variety of surfaces. But do you actually know what’s inside those beloved white rectangles? What exactly is the Magic Eraser made of? We’re here to answer your questions.
Is Magic Eraser toxic?
Magic Eraser is non-toxic and safe for household use. However, it can cause friction burns when rubbed against your skin (because it is abrasive) and may block the gastrointestinal tract when swallowed.
According to P&G, no ingredients in Magic Eraser are subject to any health-related labeling laws in North America or in the European Union. The National Institutes of Health lists the Magic Eraser as non-toxic.
Although Magic Erasers are considered non-toxic, it is advised to keep this product out of the reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion or skin friction. It is not a toy after all but a cleaning product.
Does Magic Eraser have bleach?
Despite claims that it is 2x stronger than the leading all-purpose bleach spray, Magic Eraser doesn't contain bleach or any other chemicals. The simple white pad is made of a super porous, styrofoam-like material called melamine foam, which is as abrasive as sandpaper. Just add water and it's ready to go.
Does Magic Eraser have chemicals, soap, or cleaners?
Magic Eraser does not contain any chemicals, soap, or cleaners. It is made of melamine foam, a foam-like material consisting of a melamine-formaldehyde condensate, which is basically an abrasive foam.
Be assured that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is completely safe when used according to directions, and poses no health risks or safety concerns because it contains no dangerous chemicals.
Does Magic Eraser have formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is not and has never been an ingredient in Magic Eraser.
Magic Eraser is made from melamine foam, using a compound called formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer. While the compound ingredient does contain the word “formaldehyde”, it’s only part of a chemical name. Formaldehyde itself is not an actual ingredient in the sponge.
Think of the name like “sodium chloride”, which is table salt. Sodium by itself can be dangerous, but sodium chloride – salt – is safe. The ingredient of Magic Erasers has the word “formaldehyde” in its chemical name, but it is not formaldehyde and poses no health or safety risks.
Many people assumed the Magic Eraser contains formaldehyde because various internet blogs have posted articles about the sponge. Suddenly, the cleaning tool was rumored to be toxic. But thanks to the fact checking website Snopes, the rumor that Magic Erasers were toxic was debunked.
Does Magic Eraser have ammonia?
Magic Eraser does not contain any ammonia. It is made of melamine foam, a foam-like material consisting of a melamine-formaldehyde condensate, which is basically an abrasive foam.
Ammonia is a colorless highly irritating gas with a sharp suffocating odor. It is highly corrosive and dissolves easily in water to form ammonium hydroxide solution which can cause irritation and burns.
Does the Magic Eraser have glass in it?
Magic Eraser does not contain or have glass in it. It is made of melamine foam, a foam-like material consisting of a melamine-formaldehyde condensate, which is basically an abrasive foam.
Be assured that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is completely safe when used according to directions, and poses no health risks or safety concerns because it contains no glass in it.
Are Magic Erasers safe for the environment?
Magic Erasers are not toxic to the environment, but they are not exactly eco-friendly. The material of Magic Erasers, which is called melamine foam, is a human-made, non-recyclable, non-biodegradable substance.
As effective and convenient as Magic Erasers are, they are not exactly green. They’re good for a few uses, then they start to break down, rendering them useless. Since Magic Erasers are not biodegradable, they would end up getting washed down the sink (and likely going into the ocean).
Are Mr. Clean Magic Erasers carcinogenic?
Magic Eraser is not carcinogenic because it does not contain any harmful chemicals. In fact, the National Institutes of Health lists the Magic Eraser as non-toxic. As long as you use the Magic Eraser according to the directions, it poses no health risks or safety concerns.
Key takeaways
Now you know what the Magic Eraser is made of. As mind blowing as it seems, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is basically a generic melamine foam that does not contain any chemicals, soap, or cleaners inside. It's literally just an abrasive rectangular foam that works like fine sandpaper.
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