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Scotch-Brite Easy Cleaning Pad

atla0208easy_erasing_pad.jpgWhen we saw this cleaning pad, we were skeptical. No cleansers! Just add water! Yeah right. Our first thought was that this sponge was impregnanted with a cleaning agent so powerful that goggles would be involved. But we'd earmarked this sponge for scubbing our tub clean so harsh was par for the course.

 
 

We're no fools though; we were going to wear gloves. We read the directions, ran the Scotch-Brite Easy Cleaning Pad under water, then swiped it across the floor of our tub which turned...white. Huh? This works? We're not sure how this thing they're calling next-generation foam does it's thing, but it does. It shined up our bathroom using just water. We checked the website. No chemicals. No added cleansers. And we didn't even need to use the gloves. Or the goggles.

-Abby

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Comments (17)

I bought these once, the white part wears away very quickly. So quickly that I wouldnt purchase them again.

posted by jako on February 5th 2008 at 7:57am
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Would you say these are better than the Magic Eraser?

posted by jeffnyc on February 5th 2008 at 8:08am
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I feel like asking where you have been for the last three years. The Mr. Clean magic eraser does the same thing I believe, but if I'm wrong please tell me why.

posted by Matilda on February 5th 2008 at 8:08am
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Is this just the Scotch Brite version of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser? Or is it somehow different?

posted by Nougat on February 5th 2008 at 8:08am
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I believe those, like the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, are made of melamine. They're supposed to be non-toxic and environmentally friendly but I have my doubts as they contain formaldehyde and are form of plastic. That said, they do work really well on things like bathtubs!

posted by shushu on February 5th 2008 at 8:11am
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It also says right on the label "compare to Mr. Clean Magic Eraser." Had you never heard of that product before?

posted by Matilda on February 5th 2008 at 8:14am
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I've used the Mr Clean magic eraser & the Target store brand version of the same thing...
but I think it's wrong to say these things are "cleaning" pads.

They seem to just take the paint/finish off of whatever you're rubbing them on. Yes, that includes the stain, but eventually, you're going to run out of paint/finish to rub off on your wall/stove/tub and it's going to look crappy.
Also, it takes off wall paint dangerously easily (so be careful!)

But how is removing paint considered cleaning? I feel like I should use a second cleaner/disinfectant to actually CLEAN the thing after I use this.

posted by HollyinDC on February 5th 2008 at 8:26am
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I use the mr. clean magic erasers to clean the surface, and something like method all purpose cleaner (in the delicious pink grapefruit scent!) after to wipe it down and disinfect it.

It's not for use on walls, or wood. I think the package for the Mr. Clean version might even say that? It's good for things your not worried about wearing a finish off of: plastic, tiles, bath tubs, metal, melamine, etc.

posted by KellyKat on February 5th 2008 at 9:28am
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Wait. What's wrong with Comet/Bon Ami?

posted by mmadden on February 5th 2008 at 9:58am
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FYI, the link you have to the product on 3M's site is broken. You're missing a part of the URL.

posted by joetron2030 on February 5th 2008 at 10:38am
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Um... I think I would actually be worried about taking the finish off of bath tubs, that is how they become even more stained. Does anyone know if this will take the finish off a bath tub?

posted by BrookeinBoston on February 5th 2008 at 11:22am
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no idea about bathtubs, but after 2 years of reading about it finally tried out the magic eraser this weekend.

it did take off the rubbed off paint from a chair on the wall.


it also took off some of the finish.

since i painted the wall, i knew there was only one layer of paint (pale blue, didn't need more), so buyer beware, but SO NICE not to see the black stains anymore! (and white shining through pale blue is not visible unless you look closely, so for me it was a good choice).

i have a 2nd eraser, i shall try it on the bath and report back.

posted by olya on February 5th 2008 at 5:19pm
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ok, impatience made me do it right away:
nothing happened to the bathtub, at least nothing that a little comet/old dutch (/bon ami?) wouldn't have done. effort was the same. (in one case you rinse and scrub, in the other you sprinkle, rinse and scrub.) went over the stove, fridge and walls - the only thing that magic eraser is indeed magical for is removing "scratches" of paint on the walls - anything else i know i usually can achieve with a spray and an old towel/scrub sponge.

but not seeing any of those paint stains? priceless. i haven't been able to get them out for a year now!

posted by olya on February 5th 2008 at 5:30pm
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In response to the poster above, the Mr. Clean magic eraser does not contain formaldehyde - this is a myth.

They also do a great job cleaning the microwave! To avoid waste and gunky sponges, just cut them into quarters with scissors.

posted by Cereal on February 5th 2008 at 11:54pm
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I was always told that comet eventually starts to scratch bath tubs / stainless steel which is why I switched to the magic eraser.

posted by KellyKat on February 6th 2008 at 4:45am
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I've used the Mr Clean Magic Erasers on walls (they're advertised for this, if you've ever seen the commercial), but on flat paint, they leave a mark. On semi gloss, I haven't had a problem. I've used it on my tub, and it does a fairly good job, but nothing makes my old tub look clean--the finish is practically worn away.

posted by Christine (the one in DC) on February 6th 2008 at 6:38am
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Baking soda is great for cleaning the bathtub!

posted by moneylender on February 6th 2008 at 7:00am
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