The History of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser debuted in 2003. Manufactured by Proctor & Gamble, the product quickly gained a reputation for being able to clean tough stains and messes. Interestingly, it is made from melamine foam, which has been around for a few decades and is also used for applications like soundproofing and weather insulation. According to BASF, the company that produces the melamine foam used in the Magic Eraser, researchers at Proctor & Gamble discovered its usefulness as a cleaner while looking for potential new uses for the product. It does not appear to be the discovery of one single person, but rather the result of collaboration between various departments sharing information. Proctor & Gamble may have discovered a unique use for melamine foam squares, but the company doesn’t have a patent on the material itself. This means that there are plenty of generic versions on the market as well as the branded Mr. Clean product that first put melamine foam sponges on the map. Wondering how it works? The material that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is made of is quite abrasive, which is how it removes stains (and why users are cautioned to avoid using the product on delicate surfaces). Today, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is known for its impressive cleaning ability and is widely available in stores all over the country.