No wand-waving here: The “magic” of the eraser is simply melamine, a nitrogen-rich organic base that, in its solid state, is a powerful-yet-delicate abrasive. Melamine is a widespread chemical compound used in everything from dry erase boards to sound insulation on bullet trains to your grandparents' Formica table.

According to www.sinoyqx.com and Wikipedia, melamine foam (and by extension, Magic Erasers) are simply a foam-like material made of a formaldehyde–melamine–sodium bisulfite copolymer. That's fancy science talk for a porous rough material.

I think that there are chemicals. That can be harmful. According to the u.s patent the mr clean magic eraser contains melamine sulfurous acid formaldehyde.

Originally introduced in 2003, the Magic Eraser, by Mr. Clean, has become a popular option for cleaning a wide variety of messes with just a sponge and a bit of water. It's spawned plenty of knock-offs too. But do you actually know what those beloved white rectangles are made of?

Magic Erasers are abrasive and shouldn't be used on wood or any high gloss surface, including countertops, because they can dull the finish. Use Magic Erasers with caution on painted surfaces. Always spot test, no matter what you're cleaning.

The Bottom Line However, if you want the most cleaning power from your eraser, we at Taste of Home have to recommend the original: the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Both the classic and kitchen versions of this product held up to the most wear and tear.

No magic required -- it's just a sponge The truth is, Magic Erasers are just tiny rectangular pieces of melamine foam with a cleaning agent inside. That said, it's not the cleaning agent that makes them so effective, it's the material.

Clean pattern is added. The sheets are cut into individual Magic Eraser pieces using one of three presses in the plant. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser has a shiny new home in Lackawanna.

Magic Erasers are abrasive and shouldn't be used on wood or any high gloss surface, including countertops, because they can dull the finish. Use Magic Erasers with caution on painted surfaces. Always spot test, no matter what you're cleaning.

Magic Eraser when mixed with water essentially turns into sandpaper. Such abrasive material can remove the enamel on the teeth causing damage, sensitivity and lead to decay.

The Magic Eraser is a melamine foam sponge (like a very fine sandpaper) which is able to clean items such as ceramic stove tops, dirty hubcaps, and can even remove crayon markings from walls. The ability of this sponge to clean messes where other cleaners have failed makes it appear to be “magic”.

Clean Magic Eraser was released in 2003. Its cleaning power comes from melamine foam. This foam, when moistened, becomes a fine-grained abrasive cleanser that can remove crayon, magic marker, grease, and adhesive residue from hard surfaces including painted walls and wood furnishings.