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 can you not clean with 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.
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.
What happens if you scrub your skin with a 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.
Can you use Magic Eraser on teeth? ›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.
Does Magic Eraser remove toilet bowl ring? ›Grab some gloves and use a Magic Eraser to go to town on toilet bowl stains. Some users even recommend cutting a piece off and letting it dissolve the bowl to remove that unsightly ring all on its own.
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.
Does Magic Eraser work on showers? ›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.
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.
Do you need to wear gloves when using Magic Eraser? ›Don't use them without gloves
Considering the fact that melamine foam pads can tackle anything from scruffs on walls to stovetops, it's no surprise that these petite powerhouses can also burn your skin. Make sure always to wear a pair of gloves while using your magic eraser, and never ever use it directly on your skin.
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 you put a Magic Eraser in the washing machine? ›A: Yes, absolutely! You can wash your MakeUp Eraser with ANY load of laundry.
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.
What is Magic Eraser best for? ›Clean Magic Erasers are a household staple for removing stains, grime, and build-up. So how does a Magic Eraser work? They make these magic sponges from melamine foam—a versatile and safe cleaning material that can get rid of everything from permanent marker stains to scuff marks.
Can you use a Magic Eraser on clothes? ›Remove clothing stains
Whether it's ketchup or grease, blotting (and not rubbing) a clothing stain with a dampened Magic Eraser should remove it for good after rinsing it clean.
Having a simple scale and polish can often remove the majority of superficial surface stains. Some dentists also are able to provide an intensive clean using a prophy-jet system, which blasts stains away using bicarbonate particles.
What do dentists rub on your teeth? ›Fluoride varnish is safe and used by dentists and doctors all over the world to help prevent tooth decay in children. Only a small amount is used, and hardly any fluoride is swallowed. It is quickly applied and hardens.
Can I use Magic Eraser on car 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 Magic Eraser clean jewelry? ›But good news : there are two household products that work on heavily tarnished jewelry, one of which you already have or can find at your grocery store. Wet the Magic Eraser a little bit, rub the piece down as if it were a polishing cloth, rinse in some water, and voila!
Will Coke clean toilet bowl stains? ›So instead of purchasing those expensive fizzies or abrasive toilet bowl cleaners, head to the fridge and let the carbonation of Coke work its magic on filthy rings, lime buildup, and water stains. Because Coca-Cola contains carbonic, citric, and phosphoric acids, it's great for tough stains and dissolving rust.
Will vinegar get rid of toilet ring? ›
Products to Use to Get Rid of This Stubborn Toilet Ring
Baking Soda: Make a paste with baking soda and water, then rub it around the bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and flushing. Vinegar: Pour a cup of vinegar around the bowl and let it sit for an hour. The acidity will break down the stains.
Mirror Cleaner
I found that scrubbing the mirror with a DRY Magic Eraser does really well for a streak-free shine.
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!
Is Magic Eraser OK on grout? ›Magic erasers are a fantastic way to get grout very clean, very quickly. The downside is, the grout will rip through your magic erasers in a hurry. You'll go through more of them than you're used to, and that means this is one of your more expensive options. I also read that some people use vinegar to clean grout.
Can you use Magic Eraser on glass 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 Magic Eraser be used on Windows? ›Clean glass windows
Don't worry about leaving scratches - it'll only buff away dirt and grime on the surface of the pane. Magic erasers work on most glass surfaces, and are particularly handy for removing stuck-on bugs from your windscreen.
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 Magic Eraser be used with vinegar? ›If you provide refrigerator and oven cleaning, then cleaning a dishwasher with vinegar and a magic eraser should be no problem.
Do magic erasers remove water spots? ›Using your Magic Eraser Extra Durable, tackle those water spots head on. Just swipe your Magic Eraser across your fixtures and watch water stains disappear!
Can you use a Magic Eraser on a microwave? ›This Magic Eraser is safe for most surfaces in and around your microwave. Firmly swipe across the desired surface and watch as food splatter and baked-on messes practically disappear.
When should you throw away Magic Eraser? ›
According to DIY By Hand, Magic Erasers should last between one to 10 uses. This is quite a range, but depending on what you're using yours for, it will last a different amount of time.
Do you put soap on Magic Eraser? ›All you need to do is dampen the sponge and it goes to work on scuffs and stains, without any added detergents or cleaning solution.
Will Magic Eraser clean headlights? ›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.
Can Magic Eraser remove rust? ›Wipe your Magic Eraser across the rust stains with a firm, steady swipe. The micro-scrubbers are doing what they were born to do and that's clean up tough rust stains. See that? The cleaning action of Magic Eraser is cleaning rust stains quickly!
Can I use Magic Eraser on my car seats? ›Clean Magic Eraser. If you've used this product around your home, you'll know that it really does work like magic even on leather couches and seats! This method is one of the safest and most effective cleaning processes for cleaning leather seats. The Magic Eraser will easily remove dirt and grime from your car seats.
Is Magic Eraser safe to use in dryer? ›The best tool to use to remove ink from your dryer is a magic eraser. (Rubbing alcohol might actually work more effectively, but you don't want to use anything flammable to clean your dryer!)
Is Magic Eraser safe on all surfaces? ›Magic Erasers are abrasive and shouldn't be used on wood or any high gloss surface, including countertops, because they can dull the finish. Use Magic Erasers with caution on painted surfaces. Always spot test, no matter what you're cleaning.
Is it safe to wash dishes with Magic Eraser? ›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.
Is Magic Eraser safe on grout? ›Magic erasers are a fantastic way to get grout very clean, very quickly. The downside is, the grout will rip through your magic erasers in a hurry. You'll go through more of them than you're used to, and that means this is one of your more expensive options. I also read that some people use vinegar to clean grout.
Can you clean mirrors with Magic Eraser? ›Mirror Cleaner
I found that scrubbing the mirror with a DRY Magic Eraser does really well for a streak-free shine.
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.
Does Magic Eraser remove bacteria? ›Clean Magic Erasers. Not only do they remove errant marks on your walls when nothing else can, but they also can also aid your disinfecting efforts. “While they do not disinfect, they make it easier to get [the] dirt off of surfaces so a disinfectant can do the work,” says Lake.
Can I use Magic Eraser on Windows? ›To do so, place the magic eraser in warm water to activate it, then begin wiping the glass in a circular motion. Once you are finished with the magic eraser, immediately dry the windshield with a new microfiber towel to avoid wet streaks as well as the remaining grease from the magic eraser.
Can you clean shower with Magic Eraser? ›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.