Most of us have used those white “magic” sponges at some point—they're sold under brand names like Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and claim to scrub away tough messes with just water. But a recent report has revealed something deeply troubling: these sponges may be silently shedding microplastics every time we use them.

The report, published in Food & Wine, highlights a growing concern that melamine sponges, which feel like soft foam, are actually a type of plastic. As they break down during cleaning, they may release microscopic particles into our drains—particles small enough to enter waterways, soil, and eventually our food system. And despite their popularity, there’s been no public study or regulation evaluating the environmental or health impacts of these sponges.

We already know microplastics have been found in drinking water, in marine life, and even in human blood. Why should a household product that claims to be safe and simple get a free pass?

We, the undersigned, are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to immediately launch independent investigations into the microplastic emissions from melamine sponges. We also urge transparency from leading manufacturers like Procter & Gamble, who sell these sponges to millions of households.

Consumers deserve to know: 

• Are these sponges contributing to the global microplastic crisis?
• Are we unknowingly contaminating our homes and ecosystems every time we clean?

We’re not asking for a ban—we’re asking for answers backed by science, not marketing. There’s no reason everyday cleaning should come at the cost of long-term environmental harm.

Sign now to demand a full, public investigation into what magic sponges might really be leaving behind.