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.
Do you use Magic Eraser wet or dry? ›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.
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.
Can I use Magic Eraser on bathtub? ›Clean Magic Eraser Bath also works wonders on bathtubs and their fixtures, removing up to three times more soap scum than the leading all-purpose spray cleaner. It's our favorite bathroom cleaning all-purpose tool. Simply wet the Magic Eraser, wring it out and use it to scrub the surfaces.
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.
What happens if you rub Magic Eraser on your skin? ›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 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 I 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.
Can you use Magic Eraser on couch? ›
Good news: You can use a damp Magic Eraser to remove everything from scuffs, to pen marks, to food stains on your leather sofa, shoes, luggage, and other accessories.
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 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!
What is the easiest toilet to clean? ›Skirted toilet bowls.
Skirted toilets have smooth bowl sides without all those tough-to-clean nooks and crannies.
When cleaning a toilet bowl, WD-40 works by softening the rust and lime deposits, so they can be easily wiped away. You don't need to use much of it. Simply spray on the affected area, wait a minute or two and brush it away with a regular toilet brush.
Can you use vinegar with Magic Eraser? ›Use baking soda, white vinegar and a magic eraser. works better than any spray cleaner I've ever used | Eraser, Magic eraser, Cleaning.
Can Magic Erasers clean mirrors? ›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 Magic Eraser whiten 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.
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 you use soap with Magic Eraser? ›How Do Magic Erasers Work? Magic Erasers only need water to effectively clean most stains—no chemicals or soaps necessary.
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.
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.
Can I use Magic Eraser on clothes? ›Fabric Stains
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.
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 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.
What is the best thing to clean shower glass with? ›- Heat 1/2-cup undiluted vinegar in microwave for 30 seconds.
- Pour warm vinegar into a spray bottle.
- Mist the area to be cleaned and allow to soak for five minutes.
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 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.
First, flush the toilet and then pour a quarter of a cup of Borax into it, using your toilet brush to swish it around. Next, add one to two cups of vinegar and let the mixture sit for 20-30 minutes. You should be able to scrub the stains away and flush the toilet to reveal a fresh, and clean bowl.
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 cabinets? ›Magic Eraser: Do not use a magic eraser or a melamine sponge on cabinets or countertops.
Can you use Magic Eraser on stainless steel stove? ›The Magic Eraser is great for many surfaces, but it is not recommended for stainless steel appliances.
Does Magic Eraser scratch metal? ›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.
You can use a Magic Eraser to polish your silver flatware. It even removes tarnish from sterling silver.
Will Magic Eraser clean silver? ›Did you know the Magic Eraser can remove tarnish from silver? Use a damp Magic Eraser sponge to shine up your silver flatware or to make your old silver jewelry sparkle again.
What are 2 things you should never flush down a toilet? ›- Wet Wipes, Baby Wipes, or Any “Flushable” Wipe. ...
- Paper Towels and Tissues. ...
- Dental Floss, String, Hair, and Thread. ...
- Q-Tips, Cotton Balls/Pads, and Feminine Hygiene Products. ...
- Contact Lenses. ...
- Medication. ...
- Cooking Oil, Grease, or Fats. ...
- Bandages.
Professional cleaners often use the same household supplies as you would: toilet-bowl cleaner (or bleach), disinfectant wipes, rubber gloves, as well as a nonscratch scrub sponge, a microfiber cloth, or paper towels. A handheld scrub brush or a pumice stone can get to especially tough stains.
What is the best thing to clean a really dirty toilet? ›
Baking soda and vinegar are great natural cleaning agents that are perfect for wearing away tough stains from the toilet bowl. Combine them into a paste and apply to any stains with a toothbrush or add one cup of each to the toilet bowl and let work for five minutes.
Does Coke get rid of toilet ring? ›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.
What does WD-40 do for bathroom? ›A quick once-over with a cloth sprayed with WD-40 is great for removing soap scum from shower doors and can also prevent mildew from returning. It's also a great way to clean the grout between your bathroom tiles, remove stubborn stains from your toilet bowl, and rust stains on porcelain caused from aerosol cans.
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.
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.
What are magic erasers safe to use on? ›- 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.
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.
Heads up: while it's great for most surfaces, don't use the Magic Eraser on non-stick pots and pans.
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 I 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.
Will Magic Eraser remove nail polish? ›12. Remove nail polish stains. Ever stumbled upon a gunky stain on your carpet that came from a spilled bottle of nail polish? Don't worry, it's nothing a moist Magic Eraser can't handle with a nice little scrub.
Do Magic Erasers remove paint? ›TOP TIP: Be sure to test the magic eraser in an inconspicuous area. It may remove paint from the wall.
Do you need to rinse after Magic Eraser? ›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.
What do professionals use to clean grout? ›What do professionals use to clean grout? Whether you believe it or not, most professionals use a solution of white vinegar and water with a 1:1 ratio. This solution is often more effective than dedicated Ph-neutral grout cleaners.
How do you get black mold out of shower grout? ›To remove the black stains that mold leaves on non-porous surfaces like grout, mix equal parts of bleach and water in a spray bottle and spray it over the stained area, allowing it to sit for several minutes. Return and spray the area again, and use a scrub brush to scrub out any remaining discoloration.
Will Magic Eraser clean mold? ›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.
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!
Can you use Magic Eraser in 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.