Melamine sponges are a godsend for many housewives. Household goods quickly and effectively removes difficult dirt, including from leather products, interior items and mirror surfaces. In this article, we will look at when a melamine sponge comes in handy and the top mistakes for using it.
Sponge properties
Household goods are a small rectangle or eraser in white, gray or light brown shades. The product consists of or melamine rubber, hence the name. It is an innovative plastic that removes even stubborn dirt without additional chemicals. One miracle washcloth is enough for up to 10 sq. m. cleaning various surfaces.
Outwardly, the sponge resembles foam rubber, but to the touch it is not much different from sandpaper or glass. To make the product pliable and soft, wet it with water. As a result, foam forms on the sponge, and one part of the product closes, and the other opens. The open area is equipped with special rough and tenacious tendrils, while the closed one provides elasticity and rigidity.
When to use a melamine sponge
The melamine sponge works on the abrasive principle. It removes dirt, grime, grease, carbon deposits and other contaminants even from hard-to-reach places. The combination of rigidity and elasticity allows the product to be used on a variety of surfaces and achieve visible results from the first use. It is enough just to rub the contaminated area with household goods.
Melamine sponge will easily remove stains from paint, markers, felt-tip pens, pens, ink, lime deposits, rust, soap deposits, contamination from coloring food (coffee, tea), stubborn stains from fuel oil, residues of chewing gum or scotch tape, carbon deposits, soot, soot, greasy smudges.
What can be washed with a sponge:
- glass and mirror surfaces;
- household appliances, electronics, gadgets, office equipment;
- upholstered, office, cabinet furniture, rugs, carpets;
- plumbing;
- windows and frames;
- seams between tiles;
- wall and floor tiles;
- kitchen tiles and oven;
- leather and leatherette products;
- the outer surface of the car, wheels and interior;
- external covering of the house (corrugated board, siding);
- silver jewelry and cutlery;
- shoe soles;
- wallpaper, walls, laminate, linoleum, parquet;
- plastic products.
Sponge rules
The main thing in using the product is correct operation and precautions. When ingested, melamine is deposited on the kidneys and can provoke urolithiasis. However, there is nothing to be afraid of if you follow all the rules.
1. Be sure to wear protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning.
2. After opening the package, do not take out the entire sponge, but cut just as much as needed to complete the cleaning.
3. Warm and hot water is harmful to the sponge, so only dip it in cold water to create foam. There is no need to rinse the product during the cleaning process.
4. Do not wipe the stain with the entire sponge, but only with a corner. This way the product will last longer.
5. When you are finished removing dirt, wipe the area with a damp and then dry cloth to remove any remaining foam.
6. After using the sponge, it is enough to rinse it with running water, wait until it dries and put it in a specially designated place for it (container, jar).
Errors in using melamine sponge
1. Use a dry product
Only a well-moistened sponge can wipe away dirt. If you leave it dry, you risk damaging the surfaces with the abrasive coating.
2. Sponge the dishes
Since the material is toxic, contact of melamine with food should be avoided, dishes and the inner surfaces of pots should not be washed. The product may leave micro-cracks on the plates and damage the Teflon non-stick coating. The ban also includes the inner surface of the oven and the area near the fan. Small particles of melamine can settle on the walls and blades, and get into food during cooking. However, it is not forbidden to remove external contamination from the surfaces of the pan, pots or oven (grease, soot).
3. Rub what is urine
When soaked, melamine becomes soft and pliable. If you press on the sponge with force, pinch it or twist it, it will simply become unusable.
4. Add detergent
It is not necessary to additionally apply a detergent to the product, especially a chlorine-containing one, since a combination of formulations can cause an aggressive chemical reaction.
5. Apply on hot surfaces and keep in the sun
You can only clean objects that have cooled down completely, since toxicity increases in the melanin particles on a hot surface. Also keep the sponge out of the sun. The product can burn out and lose its plasticity, and with this, the suitability for use.
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6. Use on wood and painted surfaces
Since the sponge easily removes paint stains from other surfaces, it can ruin a completely painted product. When it comes to wood, abrasive melamine can “bristle” the surface, and you run the risk of driving a splinter. Also use the eraser with care on glossy, acrylic, and varnished finishes.
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7. Scrub off stainless steel
The sponge is not suitable for brightening stainless steel, as the material can tarnish and become covered with microcracks. This is due to phishing coverage. In extreme cases, such a cleansing technique can be performed once, but no more.
Melamine sponge will become an indispensable household assistant if you follow the precautions and rules of its use. The product costs a little more than a regular sponge. However, using small parts of the eraser will last for a very long time. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with 12 useful foam sponge tricks to make your life easier.
A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/040820/55553/