Eraser sponges as a substrate prep for finishes

[Packard]

Until this morning, I thought eraser sponges worked chemically.  It turns out that they work mechanically like sand paper does.

Questions:  What is the hardness of these abrasive particles?  Can I use it on glass without worry of scratching the surface?

What does it leave behind?  Can I use it to prep for applying a finish?

And finally, how well do these sponges work for ordinary cleaning?

I would note that while Mr. Clean seems to have brought these to the market, apparently is is not a patented item and others are offering less expensive variants.

The Martha Stewart article linked below prompted these questions.  It raises more questions than it answers, and it appears to be truncated from a larger and longer discussion.https://www.marthastewart.com/8034078/magic-eraser-tips

 

[squall_line]

A number of them work both ways, which is why you wet them first.  But, yes, they are called "erasers" because they work like erasers through friction.  That said, they wouldn't stink of cleaning products if there wasn't at least a little bit of chemical infusion in them, and any that I have used have left a slimy mess behind that I always clean up afterwards.

I've only ever used them on sinks and tubs and tile.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

It is my understanding that the "magic eraser" cleaning sponges are a foamed form of melamine. I am extremely careful when using these products in customers homes at they will quickly de-gloss the surface being "cleaned"/(abraded).

In terms of what they leave behind, I assume they leave behind a swarf of melamine particles that I would be skeptical about adequately removing prior to applying a fine finish.

I've seen customers cause extensive damage to finished surfaces by using these products, I generally try to avoid using them unless I absolutely have to...

 

[Packard]

Thanks.  I assumed it would either make a surface less glossy, or a matte surface shinier.  I’ve never used one of these.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

They also disintegrate very quickly when used on rough surfaces. They crumble, much more than a traditional sponge

 

[Laminator]

I heard or read a good while back that it was like 5000 grit abrasive.  I really don't know but caution is certainly in order as to what you use it on.

 

[hdv]

To answer one of your questions: in the office we had glass "whiteboards". We've used such eraser sponges on them for years and I've never noticed any scratches from cleaning the surface.

 

[Steve1]

I don't know about the Mr. Clean sponges, but I have used the Scotch-Brite kitchen sponge for cleaning pre-finished hardwood flooring of difficult contamination.  The yellow side does nothing, too soft, but the green side is just hard enough to scrub stuff such as glue without damaging the finish.

 

[Packard]

I don't know about the Mr. Clean sponges, but I have used the Scotch-Brite kitchen sponge for cleaning pre-finished hardwood flooring of difficult contamination.  The yellow side does nothing, too soft, but the green side is just hard enough to scrub stuff such as glue without damaging the finish.

The green pad will scratch glass if you rub hard.  I use the blue Scotchbrite.  Softer and will not scratch glass.

You can test that.  I ruined a piece of glass with the green.  I still have some in the house, but I hide it from my housekeeper.  It would destroy the finish on a stainless steel appliance and the glass finish in a glass cooktop.

For removing rust, the green is excellent.

I am cleaning some shellacked window trim prior to paint.  I am using Dawn dish washing  soap and the blue pads.  I do have to be thorough wiping off all traces of the Dawn.