Here's How Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser Compares To Other Melamine Foam Products

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When Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser was introduced in 2003, it quickly became a household staple. There are many things you didn't know you could do with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser that make this versatile tool an absolute game-changer. While the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is the most recognizable name in the category, the secret to its success isn't "magic" — it is melamine foam. While this material was originally used for insulation and soundproofing, it was discovered that the microstructure of it actually mimics sandpaper. When moistened with water, the hard, glass-like texture can lift away stubborn stains and scuffs with ease, making it a homeowner's (or cleaner's) best friend.

Even though Mr. Clean is the leading brand for magic erasers, it isn't the only option. The value-oriented brand Moxie also offers an extra-strength version of this cleaning product. There are budget-friendly varieties like Walmart's Great Value Original Miracle Cleaning Eraser and Target's Up&Up Pads. And if you're looking for the biggest bang for your buck, there are even generic versions of melamine foam that you can buy in bulk to save even more money on your cleaning supplies. Since there are so many options for this same product, which one should you buy? Though Walmart's erasers are considered flimsier, Target's pads seem to be closest to Mr. Clean at a lower price. So, your choice will likely depend on your budget and how much scrubbing power you need.

There are some places in your home to avoid using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, but you're still sure to find countless ways to use it effectively. While there are a few untold truths of Magic Erasers, at their base level, both Mr. Clean and other eraser sponges are made of the exact same chemical compound: formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer. Mr. Clean uses a "compressed" version of the foam; by compressing the foam, more fibers fit into the same square inch, making it significantly more resistant to tearing and abrasion. 

Walmart's Great Value Miracle Cleaning Eraser effectively removes marks, but many users report that they crumble and shred much faster than Mr. Clean. Moxie is a value-focused brand and the pads are designed to be extra-strength versions of melamine foam. This provides a good balance of price and durability, but it's harder to find in grocery stores than Mr. Clean. When compared to Mr. Clean, Target's brand Up&Up is generally well-reviewed for its "middle ground" quality. Many users find these to be the closest generic match to the Mr. Clean Original at a lower price, and report that are as effective as the brand name.

Generic versions of the magic eraser tend to crumble, shred, or snap in half much faster due to lower density and lack of compression. While extremely affordable in comparison, you may end up using two or three sponges for a job that one name-brand sponge could handle. Overall, if the job you're tackling is heavy-duty or involves rough surfaces, choosing Mr. Clean is worth the extra investment. If your cleaning task is simple or you are working on a tight budget, choosing a cheaper version is best.