The hidden hand

The cleaning sponge that's kitchen countertop chemistry

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are melamine foam—the same material in Formica laminates and flooring—sold at a 10x markup for chemically identical generic alternatives.

The number

trillionsmicroplastic fibers shed per use

The Magic Eraser's nanoscale open-cell structure works as a micro-abrasive without soap, but a 2026 study revealed the world's most popular household cleaning sponge is now an emerging microplastic pollution source. Generic melamine foam sponges deliver identical chemistry at 1/10 the retail price.

Source: Melamine Foam -- Wikipedia · Wikipedia · Jan 1, 2024

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