plain white toothpaste. Paste kind, not gel. It's a gentle abrasive and good in a pinch for things like walls when you don't want a harsher abrasive taking off paint and are out of erasers etc.
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.
Melamine foam is the main ingredient in a Magic Eraser, and it contains a chemical called formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer. Although this chemical isn't known to cause any serious health complications on its own, it's an abrasive ingredient and not something you want to ingest or place near your gums.
Don't use them on wood furniture or paneling.
The abrasive nature of the melamine in these erasers can strip away the finish on wood surfaces. This means you shouldn't use them on wood furniture or wood paneling. Also, be sure to spot-test before using them on wooden cabinets.
The Magic Eraser is a melamine foam which has superfine eraser like fibres that easily lift and trap dirt.
Quick Facts about Magic Eraser:
Suddenly this magic household tool was rumored to be toxic. The sponge is made from formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer, so there are trace amounts of formaldehyde present in the sponge, but it is not in the same form as the formaldehyde we remember from science class.
Magic erasers are great at cleaning, but they're not so great for the environment. Here's why: They contain chemicals that can be harmful. Magic erasers don't break down in landfills.
Pencil or cap erasers
Originally made from natural rubber, but now usually from cheaper SBR, this type contains mineral fillers and an abrasive such as pumice with a plasticizer such as vegetable oil.
The foam is made of super-fine fibers that lift and trap dirt and rub out marks. These thin, glass-like fibers are abrasive, so Magic Erasers® can be thought of as a cross between a sponge and fine sandpaper.
Magic Erasers and melamine foam are the same thing, but cheaper.
Clean Magic Erasers. Magic Erasers can be used dry, but adding water to the sponge will help it absorb dirt. For most stains, dirt, and grime, you'll see a noticeable difference by wiping the sponge across the surface.
Melamine foam is a foam-like material consisting of a melamine-formaldehyde condensate. It is the active component of a number of abrasive cleaner sponges, notably the Magic Eraser.
Use gum for softer papers like standard copy paper or newsprint. You can use a plastic erasers on thicker papers such as arches or watercolor papers (this will even erase ink pen).
The health and safety warning on a Magic Eraser box reads, “DO NOT USE ON SKIN OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY. USING ON SKIN WILL LIKELY CAUSE ABRASIONS.
It's worth noting that there were some internet rumors about the toxicity of the material in Magic Erasers, but that was debunked by Snopes. Another great product is the dry Swiffer Sweeper. These miracle dusting cloths pick up cat hair like a magnet and leave nothing behind in their wake.
Magic Eraser's pad itself is made of melamine polymer, about which safety info is lacking, but which doesn't appear to be toxic. I mean, it's a type of plastic, it's not remotely natural, and it's certainly not something I would sell in my online store.
Eraser Types
Most are made out of synthetic or plasticized materials, but there are still a few natural rubber erasers to be had in the world. Natural rubber: These erasers are slightly abrasive, and leave quite a bit of dust behind.
Think of it like sandpaper for stains. They say it poses “no health and safety risks.” And contains only “minute amounts” of what we know as Formaldehyde. Plus the American Cancer Society says Formaldehyde is pretty common.