TIME Coolest Inventions 2004: Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser

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DIRTY WORK
Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser

Inventors: BASF, Procter & Gamble
Availability: Now, about $4 for four
To Learn More: mrclean.com
It used to be that if your kid decided to redecorate the house in crayon, you had two choices: embrace the new mural or repaint. But now there's Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, a block of melamine foam that lets you remove stains and scuff marks swiftly without breaking a sweat. The material's unique chemical makeup makes it a great cleaner. But beware: rub too long or hard on the same spot, and you'll take the shine off a semigloss surface—or worse.

Next: Stokke Xplory Stroller

BY ANITA HAMILTON, MARYANNE MURRAY BUECHNER, LEV GROSSMAN, SIMON CRITTLE AND SORA SONG / WITH REPORTING BY HANNA KITE AND YUKI ODA/TOKYO
PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID WAITZ FOR TIME