Melamine sponge: what it is and what it is for, harm and health benefits

Despite numerous warnings from doctors and expert opinions about the potential dangers of melamine, the sale of products made from it is not prohibited, and people continue to actively use them. Fortunately, research has shown that if tools are used correctly, their harm can be reduced to zero.

Considering the fact that a melamine sponge can remove even the most stubborn stains during the cleaning process, there is nothing surprising in the growing popularity of the items. The main thing is to remember a number of nuances, neglect of which can lead to rapid damage to the accessory and even poisoning of the body with toxins.

What kind of melamine sponge

Externally, melamine sponges are no different from foam sponges for washing dishes or cleaning. A rectangle of white or gray color with a dense, odorless, porous structure. The material feels denser to the touch than foam rubber; when moistened, it foams on its own.

Externally, melamine sponges are no different from foam sponges for washing dishes or cleaning.

Artificial melamine. The composition is melamine-formaldehyde resin. The polymer is obtained by melting cyanuric chloride with ammonia at a temperature of 100 degrees. Thus, with the help of modern technologies, an effective product is produced for cleaning surfaces of different structures.

Harm and benefits of melamine sponge

Disputes about the appropriateness of use continue, despite the fact that the product has become widely used. As arguments, opponents recall the chemical origin of the product. Examples of melamine poisoning in China due to the substance getting into food and baby formula are given.

Disputes about the appropriateness of use continue, despite the fact that the product has become widely used.

Proponents say the low number of incidents compared with the breadth of use indicates the product is relatively safe.

Where is the truth? Modern research proves the safety of melamine sponges when used correctly. Use with proper safety precautions.

Modern research proves the safety of melamine sponges when used correctly.

The advantages of the product in comparison with other cleaning products are:

Unlike aggressive gels, cleaning sprays are non-toxic. Upon contact with mucous membranes, irritation does not occur;
The product is hypoallergenic, can be used by asthmatics and allergy sufferers, does not cause skin irritation;
To achieve results, no additional detergents are needed; many operations can be done using a miracle eraser.

However, you can harm your health if you neglect safety rules. Although melamine does not penetrate into the tissues of the human body and is excreted through the kidneys, its particles can be deposited in the form of stones and cause diseases.

Although melamine does not penetrate into the tissues of the human body and is excreted through the kidneys, its particles can be deposited in the form of stones and cause diseases.

Recent experiments have shown that melamine poisoning is possible if an amount of the substance enters the body comparable to a lethal dose of table salt for humans. It is clear that it is unrealistic to accidentally consume such an amount of product.

Recent experiments have shown that melamine poisoning is possible if an amount of the substance enters the body comparable to a lethal dose of table salt for humans

What qualities make the product stand out from the vast arsenal of detergents and cleaning products:

versatility - the functions of the device are almost limitless;
convenience - works great on vertical surfaces, where liquid preparations are inconvenient to use;
economy - the price of the product is low, especially when compared with the cost of the cleaning products that they replace;
environmental friendliness - the product is much safer than many household chemicals.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any cleaning product, melamine sponges have advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages include the following:

no need to use detergents;
high quality surface cleaning;
Regular water is enough for cleaning;
cleaning time is reduced;
good absorption of dirt and water due to high absorption properties;
universal cleaner;
careful handling of surfaces;
simple contact with water is sufficient to form foam;
economical - a standard-sized sponge is enough to clean a large area.

Minuses:

the cost is on average higher than that of conventional cleaning sponges;
Melamine will not cope with a thick layer of dirt, especially viscous fat - the sponge will quickly become sticky and dirty;
melamine, if ingested, can be harmful to health;
quick loss of shape with a washcloth during intensive use;
Melamine crumbles during use.

Reviews from doctors and ordinary people

Customer reviews about the dangers and benefits of melamine sponge are quite contradictory. Doctors speak positively about the product.

Veronica: “I use a white sponge for cleaning, I like the result. I have heard opinions about toxicity, but my knowledge of chemistry and medicine says the opposite. The household chemicals I used before are much more toxic and harmful.”

Most housewives appreciate the product:

Alina: “I received a parcel with melamine erasers. I have been looking for such a remedy for a long time. Easily washed away limescale in the bathroom and greasy stains in the kitchen. The husband is also happy, his favorite sneakers, which he was about to throw away, are shining white again.”

Negative reviews are often associated with improper use of the product:

Olga: “I bought a washcloth after hearing rave reviews from my friends. I didn't like it at all. It crumbles in your hands and it’s impossible to squeeze it out. I used a few pieces on the tiles in the kitchen, it would have worked faster with chemicals.”

Selection rules

Melamine sponges are very widely represented on the domestic product market, which allows you to choose a truly high-quality cleaning tool.

It is recommended to pay attention to the following points:

Availability of a certificate. Products of domestic and foreign origin must be certified, which guarantees their safety.
Product composition may vary. Those sponges that have a base are more convenient to use for their intended purpose, and they crumble less.
Depending on the purpose, it is possible to purchase a larger or smaller sponge. Large ones are suitable for treating large areas - tiles in the bathroom, kitchen floor, etc. Small ones are more convenient for cleaning local dirt, for example, stains on wallpaper or a greasy mark on the table.
The device is a universal cleaning product, but you can find a product that is focused on a specific type of dirt.
Price. The cost of sponges depends on the pricing policy of the manufacturer and the number of products in the package and size. The cost of one package can range from several tens to several hundred rubles.

If the sponge is large, it can be cut into convenient pieces for use.

How to use and what it cleans

Instructions for use

The rules for using a melamine eraser are not the same as those for regular foam pads. Among the application features are the following:

To use as a cleanser, the product is only slightly moistened with water.
To avoid deformation, do not twist, squeeze or crumple the eraser. It is only slightly squeezed between the palms. If you wring it out like a regular washcloth, the porous structure will be disrupted and such a washcloth will be of no use.
If the cleaning area is small, it would be more pragmatic to cut a small piece from the whole sponge.
It is more convenient to wash off dirt with the corner of an eraser: this way it wears out less, but removes dirt more effectively.
Due to its special structure, during operation the sponge is erased like an eraser. In this case, its particles may remain on the treated surface. Remove the residue with a damp cloth, after which the surface is wiped dry.
After use, the sponge is washed with water and dried.

Tips for use

The undeniable advantage of melamine sponges is their ease of use. Moreover, the effectiveness of treatment is influenced by a sufficient degree of moisture, and not by the intensity of surface friction.

Procedure:

moisten the sponge;
squeeze out excess moisture;
treat the contaminated area, if it is small, apply the effect conveniently with the corner of a block;
wipe off melamine residues and dirt with a damp cloth;
polish the surface with a dry cloth, if necessary;
After use, the washcloth should be rinsed thoroughly and the water should be allowed to drain.

Do not force or press on the surface of the sponge, as this will accelerate wear but will not improve the quality of the finish.

Overview of the use of melamine sponge - on video:

Video: Melamine sponge. What is it and how does it work?

Important! Use the product with caution on smooth surfaces: glass, mirrors. The abrasive edge may leave scratches.

Application area

The advertisement claims that all stains can be easily removed by a melamine sponge. What can this product clean? Experienced housewives say that the scope of application of the product is truly extensive.

The advertisement claims that all stains can be easily removed by a melamine sponge.

In residential areas it is used for cleaning:

bathroom – removes rust and limescale from taps, pipes, plumbing fixtures, cleans tiles and tile joints; used for washing bathtubs, washbasins and showers;

kitchens – cleans all surfaces from grease and soot: furniture, stove, hood, tiles; removes carbon deposits from kitchen utensils; destroys soap stains, used for washing ovens and microwaves;
living rooms - used for removing stains from felt-tip pens, ink and ballpoint pens from wallpaper and furniture, for cleaning upholstered furniture from dirt, for streak-free washing of glass and mirrors;
offices – erases shoe marks from linoleum or laminate; Removes stubborn stains from office furniture and office equipment.

The abrasive properties of sponges are used to remove stains from leather products: furniture, clothing, shoes, bags and accessories. The ability to clean leather surfaces of light shades from dirt is especially appreciated. Another area of application is whitening white shoe soles. The sponge perfectly removes stains of various origins, thus extending the life of shoes.

Note! Do not use melamine sponge with detergents. An unpredictable chemical reaction may occur, releasing hazardous substances.

Instructions for use

If the miracle eraser is used correctly, the melamine sponge will not cause harm to your health. Instructions for use will help you avoid mistakes.

If the new super cleansing product you purchased is large in size, you can always cut it. To do this, it is better to use scissors or another object not related to food.
It is not recommended to use melamine sponge with chemicals. Just wet it slightly and gently squeeze the material without twisting it. Allow excess water to drain.
You need to wash or clean the dirty coating with a corner so that the eraser lasts longer. When cleaning the surface, you can lightly press the sponge.
If there are crumbs left after using the melamine sponge, you can collect them with a dry cloth.
At the end of use, the melamine sponge should be completely washed off the surface.
After cleaning, it is recommended to rinse the sponge under running water and allow any remaining moisture to drain.

Cleaners made from melamine should not be used to wash or clean surfaces in contact with food.

Do not use the nano-sponge with substances containing chlorine.
The composition of the new product does not withstand squeezing and twisting.
Before using the eraser, test the effect of the material on an inconspicuous area of the coating that you will be cleaning.
The material from which the new product is made is unsafe. Therefore, keep melamine sponges out of the reach of children and animals.
When cleaning fragile, thin, varnished surfaces, do not press too hard on the eraser so as not to damage the coating.
You can only wash dishes outside. After which it is recommended to carefully remove the crumbs left by the product. Rinse dishes with clean water.
Under no circumstances should melamine be allowed to get inside. If melamine enters the body, you should immediately consult a doctor.
If you want to clean a greasy surface, it is better to cut off the necessary piece. After removing the fat, it will be impossible to rinse the sponge; it will become unusable.
When cleaning suede or smooth leather, it is better to use a dry piece of melamine. Wet melamine material can ruin the color and damage the structure of the item.

By following the instructions for use and observing some rules for using a magic sponge, you will acquire a reliable assistant in the fight against everyday problems.

Is it possible to wash dishes with a melamine sponge?

The multitasking of a product does not mean that it can be used everywhere. There is controversy about the use of the product for washing dishes. As arguments “against” it can be noted that:

melamine is of chemical origin. There are proven cases of melamine poisoning. However, the victims ate foods with a high content of this substance;
The sponge disintegrates when used. When particles enter the human body, the substance accumulates in the kidneys and becomes the cause of urolithiasis.

There are a huge number of safe dishwashing detergents, so there is no urgent need to use melamine sponges for these purposes. The only exception may be cleaning the outer surfaces of pots and pans from soot and soot.

Attention! You should use the product even on the outside of dishes used for cooking with caution, then wash the dishes using your usual detergents and rinse thoroughly.

Melamine sponge for cars

This invention is also suitable for car enthusiasts. During use, oil, fuel and rust stains appear, which the magic eraser can easily deal with. The product will help to effectively clean the interior: remove old dirt from panels, refresh seat upholstery. Many motorists use melamine sponges to polish their car body themselves.

This invention is also suitable for car enthusiasts.

What is foamed melamine

The chemical composition of the product consists of foamed melamine. Initially used in construction as a heat and sound insulating material. It began to be used as a cleaning agent later, when its abrasive properties were discovered.

The chemical composition of the product consists of foamed melamine.

In structure, these are colorless crystals obtained as a result of resin foaming. The substance looks like a porous mesh, similar to foam with open sharp cells and fibers at the edges. The action is similar to sandpaper. Its uneven surface perfectly collects dirt from surfaces.

In structure, these are colorless crystals obtained as a result of resin foaming.