My Unexpected Love Affair with Melamine Sponges

I've always been a bit skeptical about melamine sponges, but after giving them a try, I'm now a total fan. They're a game-changer for certain surfaces, and I'm excited to share my experience with you.

Melamine sponges come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones I got from Fix Price were the cutest I'd ever seen. They were small, rectangular, and white, with a unique design that made them stand out. I was drawn to their appearance, but I was also curious to see if they'd live up to their promise.

I paid 83 rubles for a pack of five, which might seem steep at first, but it's worth it. These sponges are smaller than regular sponges, but they're also more effective. They're designed to tackle tough stains on plastic and rubber surfaces, and they do just that.

So, where do melamine sponges shine? In my opinion, they're perfect for cleaning sneakers, running shoes, and other rubber or plastic items. They're gentle yet effective, and they leave no residue behind. I've used them to clean my white sneakers, and they look brand new again. No more scrubbing with toothpaste or harsh chemicals - these sponges make it easy.

But what about the packaging? I was happy to see that the sponges were packaged in a clear plastic bag, so I could see what I was getting. There was a cardboard insert with some information, but to be honest, it was pretty basic. I mean, I'd have liked to know more about the manufacturer and their contact details.

The set included sponges of all different shapes and colors. They claimed to be two-sided, but I only used one side of each. I didn't want to ruin the colorful surface, to be honest. With all the dirt and grime in my house, the sponges were worn out or crumbling after just a few uses.

The smallest sponge in the set was an orange slice shape, while the others were larger. Sometimes, you need a smaller piece of sponge to get into tight spaces or clean up a small stain, so it's great that you can break this one up into smaller pieces.

The sponges themselves were a standard thickness and had a decent level of elasticity. On the back, which didn't have any designs, they were a plain white color. The only thing that really sets them apart is their unique shape.

The manufacturer says you can use these sponges for cleaning dishes, sinks, and shoes, and that's it. But I'd argue that it's not worth using them for everything. Some items are just better cleaned without a sponge.

I've found it's not even worth using these on large surfaces, to be honest. You'll just end up ruining them. Let me show you how I use them, with some examples.My go-to use is for sneakers and running shoes

These little guys are a must-have for cleaning white shoes. They get rid of any stains in seconds, freshen them up, and make them look brand new. No need to scrub with toothpaste or harsh chemicals, or soak them in oxygen bleach. And let's be real, too much water can ruin any shoe. I was going to show you how to clean white sneakers, but it's actually pretty easy. Running shoes, on the other hand, are a different story.

My sneakers are a light beige color, and no matter how hard I try to cover them up, the stains just won't go away. The rubber toe and sole are especially prone to getting dirty, and it's a real pain to get rid of the stains. It's like they're just absorbing the dirt. I've tried using a regular cloth and water, but it's just not effective. The stains are like those pesky marks you get on linoleum - you know, the ones that just won't come out.

But with a melamine sponge, it's a whole different story. Just wet it, and rub it gently over the dirty area. No need to scrub or apply too much pressure, unless you're dealing with rough or textured surfaces. Even then, be prepared for the sponge to wear out quickly.

I've gotta say, I love using these rubber nose scrubbers on my sneakers. That part always gets scuffed up and ruins the look of the shoe. I see kids all the time with worn-down nose pads - they're always getting those dark streaks and scuffs. Even washing them in the washing machine doesn't help. But these scrubbers get rid of them instantly. After that, you can toss the shoes in the washing machine and get the fabric parts looking new again.

Don't waste your time and scrubbers on plumbing

But when it comes to plumbing, I'm not a fan of using these scrubbers. They just don't work well and wear out fast. We've got hard water in our area, so mineral buildup and rust are a big problem. Check out this pic of a clogged toilet - those reddish streaks are a nightmare to get rid of, and these scrubbers just couldn't handle it. It took some acid to get it looking decent again.

On the sink, these scrubbers are great for wiping down soap scum and water spots from bottles and jars. Same thing with the shelves in the bathroom - they're a breeze to clean. But honestly, you can get the same job done with a regular sponge and some cleaning solution - it's cheaper too.

One thing I really liked was cleaning the old plastic toilet lid. These scrubbers were a game-changer - they got rid of those stubborn yellow stains that nothing else could touch. I'd tried acid and Domestos, but nothing worked until I used these scrubbers.

I've found that these sponges do a great job of cleaning other plastic items in the bathroom or shower, like soap dispensers. They get all grimy and yellow, with streaks forming. I even used one to clean an old plastic frame from a wall mirror that I thought was beyond saving.Rescue for plastic window sills and frames

Plastic windows are a real pain to keep clean. The window sills quickly lose their appearance, turning yellow and absorbing liquids, with constant yellow stains from moisture. But these melamine sponges tackle them in seconds. Check it out!

I used to struggle with these window sills. I'd scrub them with powders, use sponges, and even soak them in bleach solutions. But it's all so much easier with this special sponge. Now my window sills are always clean and white, like new. The frames clean up nicely too, along with outlets, switches, and other things we often forget to clean, which get dusty and stained.

Dishes - a definite no-go

I promised not to mention the potential downsides of melamine sponges, so I won't. And for that reason, I don't use them on dishes either. But to be honest, I'm not a fan of cleaning dishes with sponges either. I prefer to use an oxygen-based cleaner or something like Azelit. Sponges just don't do a great job of removing grime. They often struggle with old grease and can be prone to breaking down and falling apart on dirty dishes.

I was blown away by how quickly they go through. The results just aren't worth it. You can use them to wipe down countertops or bathroom tiles if you've got tough stains or shelves, kitchen cabinets, countertops, or furniture legs. But that's about it.

So what's the verdict?

I have to say, I was really impressed with the Bon Home melamine sponges. They did an amazing job cleaning my sneakers, windowsills, and plastic items around the house. But don't even think about using them on your sink or dishes - they're not designed for that. These little guys really shine when it comes to plastic and rubber. Where other cleaners give up, they keep on going. Like with my sneakers - that rubber sole is a nightmare to clean, and I've even scratched my nose trying to get it clean with other products. But this melamine sponge made it look like new again. And you'd never know they'd been through two seasons.

Ceramics, vases, and all sorts of faucets, pots, and pans? No way. The cost just isn't worth it. It's a mediocre effort at best. I'd rather soak them in an oxygen cleaner or use some harsh chemicals from a bottle.

I'd definitely recommend the Bon Home melamine sponges. They're not bad at all. They've got a nice design and an unusual shape that's actually kind of cute. They do a great job tackling tough stains on plastic and rubber, and they're super affordable. You can get them at Fix Price. If you want to save some cash, you can just go for the plain old rectangular sponges without the design.