So humble in appearance you never thought this little white sponge could come in so handy around the house, but it's amazing how many things you can clean with a Magic Eraser. Besides the obvious (removing soap scum from the bathtub, crayon scribbles on the walls...) there are many surprisescleaning tipsand tricks it can be used for, and no added chemicals - bonus.
Magic erasers are made from melamine foam which essentially acts like very light sandpaper. It helps them get rid of those super tough stains on everything from white sneakers and cell phone screens to stains on keyboards and clothes," says Ryan Knoll, founder and CEO of the Arizona-based home cleaning company.tidy house(opens in a new tab).
“In addition, they are very easy to use; Lightly dampen, in small circular motions, until stain is gone, then surface wash to remove any residue. Be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won't damage the surface," says Ryan.
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Mr Clean Erase and Renew Magic Eraser, Original |$6.30 for two on Amazon(opens in a new tab)
There are different brands that 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 of Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser range might be better for you.
1. Get rid of sticky residue, especially glassware
(Image credit: Simon Brown)
Removing a price tag or label from a newly purchased item only to find sticky "goo" left behind, which means you may not have bothered, is really frustrating, especially when dealing with glassware where it actually shows up. But a quick hit with a Magic Eraser will make it disappear without damage.
2. Remove coffee stains from cups
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Mugs that show signs of your coffee drinking habit? Don't worry, we won't tell you what to trim: these stubborn stains can be easily removed with a damp Magic Eraser. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly with soap and water before using your next dose of caffeine.
3. Remove soap scum from the bathroom
(Image credit: Ruth Maria Murphy)
If you areClean the bathroombut if you have a hard time removing the soap residue, you can use itmagic eraser bath(opens in a new tab)for an experience without elbow grease. Simply moisten Magic Eraser, squeeze, and gently scrub everything from bathtub faucets to shower trays. It can also work to remove hard water stains.
And of course you can use it.cleaning glass shower doorsto make them look like new.
While in the bathroom, probably one of the most feared spills, along withGetting red wine out of a rug, is a nail polish that is nearly impossible to remove from solid surfaces (and sadly impossible to DIY from carpets).
To remove nail polish, allow the paint to dry, then use a damp eraser. It may take a few tries depending on how thick the spill is, but it will come out. when you use itclean a wallHeed this advice from Chris Wootton, managing director of home cleaning brand,poppies(opens in a new tab): "Magic erasers are great for removing paint chips of most types, but be aware that they can mar the texture of a painted wall, especially with flat paint, and leave 'ghostly' marks. Test on one area first unobtrusive so you don't have to repaint," he says.
4. Shine your cutlery
(Image credit: Jody Stewart)
A wet magic eraser removes tarnish and restores the shine to your cutlery, and jewelry too. If you aresilver cleaningUse the eraser carefully to avoid damaging the surface and rinse well.
5. Keep clothes fresh
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Leaving a colored sock with your white wash is the best wash.paw meddling, but a Magic Eraser could be your savior. According to Boston cleaning company owner Steven Ip,Wipe(opens in a new tab), Magic Eraser is extremely effective at removing stains from clothing, even color transfers.
“Instead of scrubbing, blot the stain and then rinse. Just test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won't damage the material," she advises.
wash slippersbut you still find that they look a bit mediocre? When you remove scratches, smudges, and dried-on dirt with a magic eraser, they return to their original state. However, it is worth investing in a new set of laces.
6. Refreshes the paint
(Photo Credit: Future/Polly Eltes)
If you get scratches on the paint, e.g. B. wall panels or stairwells, you can do it. but if you areclean walls, do it with caution:
"Magic erasers are great for smearing most types of paint, but be aware that they can mar the texture of a painted wall, especially with flat paint, and leave 'ghostly' smudges. Test in an inconspicuous area first to avoid repainting,” says Chris Wootton, managing director of household cleaning brand Poppies.
7. Clear Paw Prints
(Image credit: Michael Sinclair/Ali Brown)
Of course we love our pets, but what about paw prints, drool stains, and wet nose stains left on windows and walls? Not that much. Instead of using a chemical cleanerclean windows(Your furry friend won't thank you), opt for a Magic Eraser instead; Non-toxic, cleans spots in seconds. Which is a good thing, because we guarantee they'll respawn in a matter of seconds, too.
What's in Magic Eraser that makes it work?
A magic eraser is made of melamine, which is very abrasive. And yes, you should wear gloves when you use it and then clean the clean areas with clean water.
This is how a Magic Eraser lasts longer
just above$6 for two sponges, available on Amazon(opens in a new tab)They don't exactly break the bank, but it adds up quickly when you use them regularly, which you will be after reading this article! Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure you get the most out of them.
"To keep your sponges working, you need to cut them into smaller portions rather than using the whole piece at once. Be sure to drain and dry them after each use to extend their life and prevent premature crumbling," Ryan advises. Knoll, founder and CEO of Arizona-based home cleaning company Tidy Casa.
What should you not use a Magic Eraser for?
They may look innocent, but these little sponges are surprisingly aggressive. Their "sandpaper" texture makes them great for cleaning hard-to-scrub surfaces, but they can also make them work a little "too" well in some cases.
As a general rule of thumb, if you wouldn't sandpaper on a surface, don't use Magic Eraser on it. Basically, this rules out anything that is shiny or easily scratched: think wood, stone, marble, and granite. Technically painted finishes too, but you can get away with this if you're careful. Do a little patch test beforehand to be sure.
We hope it goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway: polishing stains off your car's exterior with a Magic Eraser won't do the trick. You'll end up with more damage than you started with and higher repair costs overall. The same applies mainly for all types of screens, cell phones and laptops. Put up with existing scratches and invest in a screen protector instead.
You should also avoid anything that has a specific "coating" that you don't want to disturb, with "non-stick" cookware being the most important. Once scratched, the chemicals in the coating of yourThe best nonstick pansyou can get into your food that is not what you want! Speaking of cookware, you may also want to avoid stainless steel unless you don't mind a few scratches.
While quickly rubbing your hands together with a Magic Eraser, cleaning may seem like a good idea, but it's not. Do not do it. They are full of fibers that 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Is Magic Eraser good for toilets? ›Morgan Brashear, scientific communications manager at Procter & Gamble, says while the Magic Eraser is a great solution for cleaning dirt around the toilet bowl and the exterior of the toilet, it won't actually prevent unsightly stains and rings inside of it.
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.
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.
Can I use Magic Eraser on my painted bathtub? ›What should I use to scrub the refinished bathtub? Abrasive materials like steel wool, steel scourer, wire brushes, sponges with rough or hard faces, or similar should always be avoided. Instead, we recommend the Magic Eraser sponge from Mr. Clean or any soft sponge as an alternative.
What is the best thing to clean an old tub with? ›Sprinkle baking soda on all tub surfaces. For extra-dirty tubs, use tub-and-tile cleaner instead. Fill your bucket with a half-gallon of hot water and two tablespoons of dish soap. Dip a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush into the bucket, and scrub all bathtub surfaces.
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 I use Magic Eraser on pans? ›Heads up: while it's great for most surfaces, don't use the Magic Eraser on non-stick pots and pans.
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!
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.
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 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.
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 to always wear a pair of gloves while using your magic eraser and never ever use it directly on your skin.
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.
Do you use Magic Eraser dry or wet? ›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.
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.
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.
Why should you put baking soda in your toilet bowl? ›
Baking soda and vinegar, when mixed together, can form a chemical reaction that looks sort of like an eruption. This chemical reaction can help clear your toilet and any pipe clogs that you might have.
What is the best cleaner for inside a toilet bowl? ›What is the best cleaner to use on toilets? For a toilet that just needs a refresh, Goldzweig recommends a homemade formula of one cup of white vinegar and one cup of baking soda followed by two more cups of vinegar to create a fizzing cleaner.
How do I keep 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 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.
Is Magic Eraser safe on silver? ›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.
Make a stubborn toilet stain remover
To remove hard water stains or deposits from calcium and other minerals, combine 1/2 cup borax with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in a cup. Add more vinegar if needed to make a paste, but don't make it too runny. Using a rag, apply the paste to the toilet bowl stains and scrub.
More From Woman's Day. "Experts theorize that people tend to skip the first stall in favor of stalls farther back to have a little more privacy," writes Dr. Mehmet Oz on Sharecare. "But because the first stall is used least often, it contains the lowest bacteria levels.
Can I use a Magic Eraser on a stainless steel sink? ›She suggested trying a Magic Eraser, a type of sponge made of melamine foam that works like very fine sandpaper to scrub away deposits and that needs only plain water. Be sure to scrub in the direction of the grain lines in the stainless steel, so any scratches from the pads blend in.
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.
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 be used 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.
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.
How do you clean a 50 year old bathtub? ›Deeper Clean
For a deeper cleaning on your tub, add ¼ cup of ammonia and ¼ cup of baking soda to a bucket of warm water. While the baking soda is a little bit abrasive, it is not so rough that it will damage your enamel, and the ammonia will help to cut any grease or soap scum that has built up.
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.
Can you use Windex to clean a bathtub? ›Windex can be used to clean bathtubs on a regular basis. Simply spray the solution on, and use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down and scrub the tub, then rinse.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.