So unassuming in looks, you’d never think this little white sponge could prove so useful around the home, but it's amazing just how many things you can clean with a Magic Eraser. As well as the obvious (buffing away soap scum in the tub, crayon scribble on walls…), there’s a whole host of surprising cleaning tips and tricks it can be used for, and with no extra chemicals required, either – bonus.
'Magic Erasers are made of melamine foam, which essentially acts like a very light sandpaper. This is what helps them take up those super tough stains on anything from white sneakers and cell phone screens to keyboards and clothing stains,' says Ryan Knoll, founder and CEO of Arizona-based home cleaning business, Tidy Casa (opens in new tab).
'They’re so easy to use, too; dampen slightly, use small circular motions until the stain fades, then wash the surface clean to remove any residue. Be sure to test it somewhere inconspicuous first, to ensure it isn’t damaging the surface,' Ryan says.
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Mr Clean Erase and Renew Magic Eraser, Original | $6.30 for two, at Amazon (opens in new tab)
There are various brands you can buy, but the original version is a good option and at a fairly cheap price. If it’s efficiency you’re after, the extra durable version from Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser line might be better for you.
1. Eliminate sticky residue – especially off glassware
(Image credit: Simon Brown)
Removing price tags or labels off a newly-purchased item only to find that sticky ‘goo’ left behind means you may as well not have bothered is really frustrating, especially when it's on glassware, where it really shows up. But a quick wipe with a Magic Eraser will see it disappear with no damage.
2. Rid mugs of coffee stains
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Mugs showing signs of your coffee-drinking habit? Don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to cut back – those stubborn stains can be removed easily enough with a damp Magic Eraser. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly with soap and water before your next caffeine fix.
3. Remove soap scum from the bath
(Image credit: Ruth Maria Murphy)
If you are cleaning the bathroom but finding it difficult to remove soap scum, you can use Magic Eraser Bath (opens in new tab) for an elbow-grease-free experience. Just wet the Magic Eraser, squeeze it and lightly scrub everything from bathtub fixtures to shower trays. It can also work to remove hard water stains.
And, of course, you can use it to clean glass shower doors so that they look like new.
While we're in the bathroom, probably one of the most feared spillages, along with getting red wine out of a carpet, is nail varnish, which can be almost impossible to remove from solid surfaces (and, sorry, impossible as a DIY task from carpets).
To remove nail varnish, let the paint dry, then use a damp eraser over the top. It may take a few attempts depending on how thick the spillage is, but it will come off. If you’re using it to clean a wall, heed this advice from Chris Wootton, Managing Director of domestic cleaning brand, Poppies (opens in new tab): ‘Magic erasers are brilliant for getting marks of paintwork of most kinds, but be aware that they can affect the texture of the painted wall, particularly with flat paint, and leave ‘ghost-like’ marks behind. Test in an inconspicuous spot first to avoid having to repaint’, he says.
4. Shine up your silverware
(Image credit: Jody Stewart)
A damp Magic Eraser removes tarnish, bringing the sparkle back to your silverware – and your jewelry, too in fact. If you are cleaning silver, be sure to use the eraser gently to avoid any damage to the surface and rinse thoroughly.
5. Keep clothes looking fresh
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Leaving a colored sock in with your white wash is the ultimate laundry faux pas, but a Magic Eraser could be your savior. According to Steven Ip, owner of Boston-based cleaning company, Cleanzen (opens in new tab), a Magic Eraser is extremely effective at removing stains from clothes, even those that result from color transfers.
‘Blot the stain, rather than scrubbing, then rinse clean. Just be sure to try it first on an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the material’, he advises.
Washing sneakers but still finding they are looking a little lackluster? Swiping away scuffs, stains and dried-on dirt with a Magic Eraser will see them return to their former pristine state. It’s worth investing in a new set of laces, though.
6. Refresh paintwork
(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)
If you want to clean scuffs on paintwork, such as on wall paneling or staircases, you can. But if you are cleaning walls, do so with caution:
‘Magic Erasers are brilliant for getting marks on paintwork of most kinds, but be aware that they can affect the texture of the painted wall, particularly with flat paint, and leave ‘ghost-like’ marks behind. Test in an inconspicuous spot first to avoid having to repaint’, says Chris Wootton, Managing Director of domestic cleaning brand, Poppies.
7. Clear paw prints
(Image credit: Michael Sinclair / Ali Brown )
Of course we love our pets, but the paw marks, drool stains and wet nose smudges left on windows and walls? Not so much. Rather than use a chemical cleaner to clean windows (your furry friend won’t thank you for that), opt for a Magic Eraser instead; non-toxic, it’ll wipe the marks away in seconds. Which is good, because we guarantee they’ll be reappearing in seconds, too.
What is in Magic Eraser that makes it work?
A Magic Eraser is made of melamine, which is strongly abrasive. And yes, you should wear gloves while using it, and wipe down areas you've cleaned with clean water afterwards.
How to make a Magic Eraser last longer
At just over $6 for two sponges, available on Amazon (opens in new tab), they don’t exactly break the bank, however, it soon adds up if you’re using them regularly –which you will be after you’ve finished reading this article! Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure you get the most out of them.
‘To make your sponges go further, consider cutting them up into smaller portions rather than using the entire piece at once. Be sure to wring out and dry them after each use to help prolong their life and stop it from crumbling prematurely’, advises Ryan Knoll, founder and CEO of Arizona-based home cleaning business, Tidy Casa.
What should you not use a Magic Eraser on?
They may look innocent enough, but these little sponges are surprisingly abrasive. Their ‘sandpaper’ texture is what makes them so great at cleaning hard-to-scrub surfaces, but can also result in them working a little ‘too’ well, in some cases.
As a general rule, if you wouldn’t use sandpaper on a surface, don’t use a Magic Eraser on it. This essentially rules out anything shiny or that can be easily scratched – think wood, stone, marble, and granite. Technically painted surfaces too, although you can get away with these as long as you exercise caution. Carry out a little patch test first to be on the safe side.
We’d hope it goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway – buffing marks out of your car exterior with a Magic Eraser doesn’t work. You’ll end up with more damage than you started with, and a bigger repair cost overall. The same goes for any kind of screen, cell phones and laptops, primarily. Put up with the existing scratches and invest in a screen protector, instead.
You’ll also want to avoid anything that has a particular ‘coating’ you don’t want to interfere with, ‘non-stick’ cookware is the main one. Once scratched, the chemicals from the coating of your best non-stick frying pans can leak out into your food, which is not what you want! While we’re on the subject of cookware, you might want to avoid stainless steel, too, unless you don’t mind a few scratches.
While giving your hands a quick scrub with a Magic Eraser after all that cleaning might feel like a good idea, it’s not. Don’t do it. They’re full of fibers, which can be extremely harsh on your skin. If you want something naturally abrasive,use a homemade sugar scrub instead.
FAQs
What should you not clean with a Magic Eraser? ›
- Don't Use Them Dry. ...
- Don't Use Them to Polish Your Car (Or Any Delicately Painted Surface) ...
- Don't Use Them Without Gloves. ...
- Don't Use Them to Clean Delicate Countertops. ...
- Don't Use Them to Wipe Down Nonstick Pots and Pans. ...
- Don't Try to Brighten Stainless Steel. ...
- Don't Use Them on Anything Without Spot Testing First.
But the secret behind the material that makes up the scrubbers, melamine foam—the same stuff that's widely used as an acoustic insulator in recording studios—is less magic and more simple chemistry. On its own, melamine is just an organic base in the form of white crystals.
What is in a Magic Eraser that makes it work so well? ›No wand-waving here: The “magic” of the eraser is simply melamine, a nitrogen-rich organic base that, in its solid state, is a powerful-yet-delicate abrasive. Melamine is a widespread chemical compound used in everything from dry erase boards to sound insulation on bullet trains to your grandparents' Formica table.
Why not to use Magic Eraser? ›Magic Eraser is made of superfine foam which is abrasive and can result in rashes or burns, even with gentle rubbing. Because of this, the Magic Eraser should never be used on a child or adult's skin.
Will Magic Eraser damage bathtub? ›Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath is safe to use on acrylic tubs, but definitely skip the bleach. If you're going to use a ready-made cleaner on your acrylic tub, carefully read the label to make sure it won't damage the tub's surface.
Can you use Magic Eraser on toilet? ›All you need to do to keep your bowl clean is to drop a magic sponge (aka Magic Eraser) in the tank. Just make sure you place it as far away from the drain as possible so it doesn't get in the way of the flushing mechanics.
Can you use Magic Eraser on glass? ›STEP ONE: WET YOUR MAGIC ERASER.
Water activates the tough micro-scrubbers, so they can dig deep and remove hard water stains from glass and the toughest soap scum, making cleaning shower glass easier than ever.
Use the Magic Eraser Extra Durable to tackle tough marks, stuck-on dirt and scuffs. Just swipe the Magic Eraser across the desired area and you should start to see the mess virtually disappear. Focus on the sole, toe box, eyelets and wedge, and you'll soon have sneakers that look almost like new.
Can Magic Eraser clean walls? ›Use the Magic Eraser to remove scuffs, dust and grime from the surface of your walls. In just a few firm swipes, you should be able to see the Magic Eraser work its magic. When you're done, your walls will be clean, prepped, and ready for your new paint.
Does Magic Eraser work on grout? ›Once you've activated the micro-scrubbers inside, your Magic Eraser is good to go. Start by swiping it firmly across the desired surface. In just a few swipes, you should start to see grout messes and buildup begin to disappear!
Can you use Magic Eraser on clothes? ›
Fabric Stains
Dealing with messy kids can be hectic. There will always be stained fabrics, starting from their own clothes to their toys to the couch fabrics. However, rubbing on stained fabrics with a wet magic eraser eliminates them quickly, making parenting so much easier.
Heads up: while it's great for most surfaces, don't use the Magic Eraser on non-stick pots and pans.
Can you use Magic Eraser on mirror? ›Mirror Cleaner
I found that scrubbing the mirror with a DRY Magic Eraser does really well for a streak-free shine.
While using a Magic Eraser on a vehicle's paint has become somewhat of a cautionary tale, it's completely safe to clean cloudy headlights. A bonus? The cleaning tool even gets rid of the gross yellow coloring that develops over time. Buff each one with a wet Magic Eraser, then wipe with a paper towel as they dry.
What are the side effects of Magic Eraser? ›Do not let your kids (or pets) play with or use Magic Erasers! They can be swallowed and can cause rashes and burns if rubbed against the skin. 2. After using, wipe up any remaining residue.
Do Magic Erasers clean showers? ›Use the activated Magic Eraser Bath with Gain Original Scent to clean the desired area by swiping firmly across the dirty surface. In just a few swipes, it will bust through tough soap scum. While you're at it, you can also use the Magic Eraser to blast away other scuffs around the shower, like hard water stains.
Are Magic Erasers good for showers? ›The Magic Eraser is great for cleaning shower tile and shower glass, too! Just use your Magic Eraser Bath to power through scuffs or stains all across your bathroom.
Can I use Magic Eraser on bathroom sink? ›With the legendary cleaning power of his mighty Magic Eraser, you'll have a clean bathroom sink in no time and with less elbow grease. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for this sink cleaner to power through even the toughest of stains, including soap scum and rust.
Can I use Magic Eraser on my car windows? ›“Use microfiber cloths to wipe the inside of the glass in a circular motion, then vertically. Next, use a magic eraser with water, using the same method. Lastly, spray glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth and wipe to finish.”
Can you use Magic Eraser with vinegar? ›Use baking soda, white vinegar and a magic eraser. works better than any spray cleaner I've ever used | Magic eraser, Eraser, Spring cleaning.
How do I make my toilet bowl spotless? ›
Pour about a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and swish it around with a toilet brush. Let it sit for about five minutes. Add about 1 cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl and follow it by adding another cup of vinegar. Allow about 10 minutes whilst the fizzing action does the cleaning.
Can you use a Magic Eraser on your oven door? ›Simply wipe your Magic Eraser firmly across your oven door with a steady swipe. Watch the micro-scrubbers go to work and make your oven magically clean. All it takes is a few wipes and grease is gone for good. Make sure to give your oven door glass a rinse to remove any extra suds before firing up your oven again.
Can you use Magic Eraser on colored sneakers? ›They're so effective that you do need to use a bit of caution when cleaning shoes to make sure that color treated areas don't bleed or rub off. If cleaning a colored surface, find an inconspicuous area and test to see if any color rubs off on the sponge. If you don't see any color on the sponge, keep on cleaning!
Does Magic Eraser remove yellowing? ›Use a magic eraser pad.
Purchase a magic eraser pad to remove stains on your yellowed appliances and whiten them. Simply wet the sponge and wipe down the surface of the appliance thoroughly. There is no need to rinse afterwards!
Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your white leather shoes and opt for baking soda and vinegar or micellar water instead. You can also use a magic eraser to gently scrub away stains from the surface of your shoes. When Is it Time to Replace White Sneakers?
Will Magic Eraser remove paint? ›While Magic Erasers can come in handy for removing dirt and grim from your car's cupholders and dashboard, don't use them to polish the outside of your car. The eraser's abrasiveness can do damage to your car's paint.
Can you use Magic Eraser on baseboards? ›Clean® loves to clean baseboards! His best way to clean baseboards is with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Scuffs, dust and dirt show up every day, but you're always ready when you have the Magic Eraser Extra Durable on your side.
What surfaces are safe for Magic Eraser? ›- Remove dried paint from door hinges.
- Remove tarnish from silver.
- Remove mold & mildew from anything plastic.
- Clean & polish gold jewelry.
- Remove soap scum in the tub and shower.
- Remove marks on walls.
- Clean splatters inside the microwave.
- Remove marks on vinyl siding.
Cleans Moldy Caulk
The magic eraser quickly gets rid of small amounts of mildew. If you have larger amounts of mold I recommend you follow my tips here for getting rid of mold on caulk. It really works great at getting into the small uneven spaces that you have with caulk and gets the mold and mildew.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for grout? Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a natural neutral cleaner that is safe to use on grout.
Will Magic Eraser remove nail polish? ›
Got a little overzealous with the manicure? Wipe that excess nail polish off the counter with just water and a Magic Eraser. Leave the harsh acetone smell and chemical residue of nail polish remover behind and stick with this trick.
Why can't you use Magic Eraser on stainless steel? ›Stainless Steel
Even with as durable as stainless steel can be, using a Magic Eraser to clean it will likely end up leaving small scratches on the surface. While some people are fine with scratches and scuffs on their stainless steel, other people may want to protect that super shiny finish for as long as possible.
Please do not ever use a Magic Eraser or melamine sponge on your teeth or skin. This is a dangerous trend that can cause irreparable damage! Although people report whiter teeth after using a Magic Eraser, there's a reason for this—and it's one that could lead to lifelong dental problems.
Can you use Magic Eraser on inside of refrigerator? ›If your fridge is in need of a swift tidying up, the Magic Eraser Extra Durable is a great tool. Tackle tough stuck-on food by swiping the eraser firmly across the desired surface. Like magic, the Magic Eraser will start powering through tough stains, stuck-on food, and unknown residue!
Can I clean a microwave with a Magic Eraser? ›Another great way to clean your microwave is to use a Magic Eraser, soak it with water and place it in the microwave on high for 3 minutes. Let the Magic Eraser cool before using it to wipe down everything. This makes cleaning a breeze! Be sure to check out our Best Tip for Getting Rid of Mildew Smell!
Does WD-40 clean headlights? ›Spray a generous layer of WD-40 over the headlights and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. While you wait, the specially engineered solution will expertly get under the buildup and muck, making your next step easier.
Can Coca Cola clean headlights? ›The phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola can help remove oxidation from your headlights, and gives it a decent clean. As it could potentially damage or stain paintwork, it's best not to pour it on, but decant into a spray bottle and spray directly on the headlights.
Will SOS pads clean headlights? ›Cleaning headlights and car windshields is quick and easy with new S.O.S® Non-Scratch Scrubbers. Packed with the cleaning power of America's #1 Soap Pad brand*, each reusable scrubber is filled with the same proven S.O.S® grease fighting soap that you know and love.
How many times can you rinse a Magic Eraser? ›Once you're done using the eraser, wring it dry if it's still wet. You may also want to leave it out somewhere to air dry. Most magic erasers can be used dozens of times before needing to be replaced.
Is Magic Eraser safe on painted walls? ›Pro Tip: NEVER USE A MAGIC ERASER
Magic erasers are particularly rough on painted walls because they are chemically abrasive. Even the most durable finishes will come off if you scrub them with a magic eraser. A sponge or damp cloth is more than sufficient for cleaning painted walls.
Can you rub an eraser on your skin? ›
Erasers are not clean and rubbing them against the skin until it's raw and broken can lead to a severe infection, including staph or strep skin infections, Warren Hills Middle School in Washington, New Jersey, warns on its web page.
Do Magic Erasers damage surfaces? ›Magic Erasers are abrasive, so avoid using them on delicate countertops such as marble and granite. Not only can you damage the sealant but the eraser may make the countertop appear dull.
Should you wet or dry Magic Eraser? ›Don't use them dry
Part of the magic of these erasers is that all you have to do is add water to activate them. However, it turns out that these plushy pads are even more abrasive — and can, therefore, do more damage — when dry, so adding water actually helps soften them.
Before you retire to the couch, rinse out your Magic Eraser and give your newly freshened surfaces a water wipe down, too. If what you cleaned will come in contact with food, you'll need to wipe it with a wet rag or paper towel, so it will be ready for the next time you meet again.
Can I use Magic Eraser on shower floor? ›Use the activated Magic Eraser Bath with Gain Original Scent to clean the desired area by swiping firmly across the dirty surface. In just a few swipes, it will bust through tough soap scum. While you're at it, you can also use the Magic Eraser to blast away other scuffs around the shower, like hard water stains.
Does Magic Eraser clean grout? ›Once you've activated the micro-scrubbers inside, your Magic Eraser is good to go. Start by swiping it firmly across the desired surface. In just a few swipes, you should start to see grout messes and buildup begin to disappear!
Can Magic Eraser be used on glass stove tops? ›Avoid scrubbing brushing, scouring pads, Magic Erasers, or other abrasive cleaning equipment, because these can scratch the glass. Stick with a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge. And don't put too much elbow grease into the task. Pressure can crack the glass.
Can you use Magic Eraser on pots and pans? ›In fact, there's only one product you need to make your dishes, pots and pans look shiny and new. It's the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Kitchen With Dawn that has the grease-fighting power of Dawn®. So cleaning burnt food messes on cookware is as easy as pie.
Can I use Magic Eraser on my cabinets? ›Magic Eraser: Do not use a magic eraser or a melamine sponge on cabinets or countertops.
Can you use Magic Eraser in oven? ›Simply wipe your Magic Eraser firmly across your oven door with a steady swipe. Watch the micro-scrubbers go to work and make your oven magically clean. All it takes is a few wipes and grease is gone for good. Make sure to give your oven door glass a rinse to remove any extra suds before firing up your oven again.
Can you use Magic Eraser on dishes? ›
You shouldn't use it on dishes or something you eat off of as bits of the polymer are left behind. You should avoid formulas with added fragrance or bleach. All that said, as far as cleaning products go, Magic Eraser is actually one is among the safer options, especially considering how well it works.
Can you use Magic Eraser on walls? ›Use the Magic Eraser to remove scuffs, dust and grime from the surface of your walls. In just a few firm swipes, you should be able to see the Magic Eraser work its magic. When you're done, your walls will be clean, prepped, and ready for your new paint.
Can you clean baseboards with Magic Eraser? ›Clean® loves to clean baseboards! His best way to clean baseboards is with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Scuffs, dust and dirt show up every day, but you're always ready when you have the Magic Eraser Extra Durable on your side.