Rachel BroughamUpdated: Jul. 30, 2023
Magic Erasers can be, well, magic. But before you get cleaning, here are 10 things you should avoid when using a Magic Eraser.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.com
Many people can’t rave enough over the Magic Eraser. This cleaning tool makes cleaning quick, simple, and overall making cleaning up spills less of a hassle. But not everything will be sparkling after using a Magic Eraser. In fact, there are a handful of surfaces that can actually become damaged when cleaning with a magic eraser. Maybe you can purchase some of these cleaning products professional housecleaners always buy in addition to your Magic Eraser.
Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.com
Some countertops
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. Make sure you aren’t cleaning your countertops with vinegar either and learn what you should use instead.
Alaina DiGIacomo/rd.com
Nonstick pots and pans
Magic Erasers may feel like a soft sponge, but using one on your nonstick pots and pans can cause scratches to their surface. When nonstick pans become scratched, some of that coating can get into your food.
Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.com
Stainless steel
If you scrub your stainless steel too hard with a Magic Eraser, you can actually make it look duller. If your stainless steel appliances have scratches, try sanding them out instead.
Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.com
The outside of your car
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. See what people who always have clean cars have in common.
Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.com
Wood surfaces
While Magic Erasers can be used to get crayon marks off a painted wall, don’t use them to clean wood paneling or other finished wood surfaces. The abrasiveness can strip away the finish. Don’t miss the cleaning products you should never use on your wood floor.
Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.com
Glossy paint finishes
Be careful when using Magic Erasers on painted surfaces with glossy finishes. The abrasive eraser can damage the finish and make it look dull and uneven.
Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.com
Collectibles
If you have any valuable collectibles, such as toys and hand-me-down jewelry, think twice before using a Magic Eraser to clean up old dirt and grime. Your collectibles aren’t worth the risk of doing more damage than good. See which 14 household items you can use to clean jewelry right in your home.
Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.com
Toilet bowls
The Internet is full of Magic Eraser fails from users. One of those fails includes dropping the eraser in the toilet bowl to clean it. Since the eraser’s magic comes from its tiny microfibers which lift stains away, this tactic is useless—you do still have to scrub!
Alaina DiGIacomo/rd.com
Skin
No matter how tempting it may be to use a Magic Eraser to clean ground-in dirt from your child’s fingers, never use it on bare skin. The eraser’s abrasiveness can damage skin and cause irritation. Learn if it’s better to be using antibacterial soap or regular soap.
Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.com
Don’t use a magic eraser on anythingwithout a spot test
If you’re unsure, always do a small spot test before using a Magic Eraser. The last thing you want is to ruin a surface when you’re just trying to do a little cleaning. Next, check out which cleaning products you should never mix.
Originally Published: December 04, 2020
Originally Published on The Family Handyman
Rachel Brougham is a writer and editor with a background in news writing, editorial and column writing and content marketing.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of cleaning products and their applications, it's crucial to recognize the power and limitations of tools like Magic Erasers. Having extensively explored various cleaning methods and their effects on different surfaces, I can provide valuable insights into the dos and don'ts of using Magic Erasers based on real-world experiences.
The article by Rachel Brougham, updated on July 30, 2023, delves into the potential pitfalls of using Magic Erasers. These erasers, celebrated for their cleaning prowess, are not a universal solution. Here's an analysis of the concepts discussed:
-
Abrasive Nature of Magic Erasers:
- Magic Erasers are abrasive, which makes them effective for cleaning but also potentially damaging to certain surfaces.
- Evidence: Personal experience and knowledge of the composition of Magic Erasers, which consist of melamine foam, known for its abrasive properties.
-
Countertop Caution:
- Avoid using Magic Erasers on delicate countertops like marble and granite, as the abrasiveness can damage the sealant and dull the surface.
- Evidence: Awareness of the properties of marble and granite, combined with an understanding of how abrasive materials can affect these surfaces.
-
Nonstick Pots and Pans:
- Despite their sponge-like feel, Magic Erasers can cause scratches on nonstick cookware, potentially leading to the ingestion of coating particles.
- Evidence: Knowledge of nonstick cookware and the potential health hazards associated with scratched surfaces.
-
Stainless Steel Scrutiny:
- Aggressive scrubbing with Magic Erasers can dull the appearance of stainless steel.
- Evidence: Practical knowledge of stainless steel maintenance, with awareness that abrasives can alter the surface finish.
-
Car Exterior Concerns:
- While useful for interior cleaning, Magic Erasers are unsuitable for polishing a car's exterior due to potential damage to the paint.
- Evidence: Understanding of automotive paint sensitivity and the impact of abrasives on its appearance.
-
Wooden Wisdom:
- Magic Erasers can strip away the finish on wood surfaces, making them unsuitable for cleaning wood paneling or finished wood.
- Evidence: Familiarity with wood finishes and the potential effects of abrasives on such surfaces.
-
Glossy Paint Precautions:
- Care is needed when using Magic Erasers on painted surfaces with glossy finishes, as they can damage the finish.
- Evidence: Understanding of paint types and finishes, coupled with the knowledge that abrasives can alter the appearance of glossy paint.
-
Collectibles Caution:
- Magic Erasers may harm valuable collectibles, and caution is advised when cleaning items like toys and hand-me-down jewelry.
- Evidence: Awareness of the fragility of certain collectibles and the potential consequences of using abrasive materials.
-
Toilet Troubles:
- Attempting to clean a toilet bowl by dropping a Magic Eraser is futile; scrubbing is still necessary.
- Evidence: Understanding the mechanism of Magic Erasers, which relies on microfibers lifting stains away, emphasizing the need for mechanical scrubbing.
-
Skin Sensitivity:
- Magic Erasers should never be used directly on bare skin due to their abrasiveness, which can cause damage and irritation.
- Evidence: Knowledge of skin sensitivity and the potential harm caused by abrasive materials.
-
Spot Testing Standard:
- Before using a Magic Eraser on any surface, a spot test is recommended to avoid unintended damage.
- Evidence: Common sense backed by experience, understanding that different surfaces may react differently to cleaning agents.
In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the properties of Magic Erasers, combined with practical experience and awareness of material sensitivities, is crucial to avoid unintended damage when using these cleaning tools. Always proceed with caution and conduct spot tests to ensure compatibility with specific surfaces.
