I’ve been a big fan of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers for years now — in fact, they are one of the essential supplies I recommend for spring cleaning. After I bought my first package, they sat forgotten under my kitchen sink for quite some time. One day my son Kell was looking for something to clean his golf shoes. I wasn’t sure what to tell him until I remembered those Magic Erasers under the sink. I told him to try one, and it worked like MAGIC!
It made me curious about just how these babies work, and it turns out the answer is pretty darn interesting.
Check out these magic eraser tricks in action in my video at the end of the post!
What Are Magic Erasers, and How Do Magic Erasers Work?
Magic Erasers are sponges made of melamine foam, which have been used for decades as an insulation and soundproofing material. About ten years ago, some smarty-pants discovered that melamine foam was also an effective abrasive cleaner! It works because when melamine resin cures into foam, its microstructure becomes almost as hard as glass – causing it to act like super-fine sandpaper on stains. The abrasive foam loosens up dirt and grime, and the open microstructure of the foam sucks it in and traps it there. Neat, right?
While a magic sponge will work when it’s dry, adding some water makes the job of cleaning tough messes a little easier. It’s similar to getting a washcloth wet before scrubbing the kitchen counter.
The only drawback I’ve found regarding these erasers is that much like a pencil eraser, they will break down and fall apart as they are used. However, I’ve found that a small piece of Magic Eraser works just as well as a larger piece, so you end up getting a lot more use out of each sponge if you cut it up into smaller pieces.
That one little tip will extend the life of each eraser dramatically and keep costs low for you. Another way to keep costs down is to avoid brand name erasers (like Mr. Clean Magic Erasers) and buy generic ones. I like to get my melamine foam erasers in bulk online! We buy them in packs of 20. They cost about $0.20 less per eraser than the name brand ones, and work just as well, in our opinion!
Are Magic Erasers Safe?
It’s so hard to find a cleaning product that can do such a good job without using chemicals. This little cleaning scrubber is just that. If you’re still worried about the safety of a melamine foam sponge, here are a few facts to help put you at ease.
- The ingredients in Magic Eraser have been safely and commonly used for many years in a wide range of household products and are considered non-toxic.
- No ingredients are subject to any health-related labeling laws in North America or Europe.
- Formaldehyde is not and never has been an ingredient in Magic Eraser. One ingredient in Magic Eraser (formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer) contains the word “formaldehyde” in its chemical name. However, this ingredient is not formaldehyde and poses no health or safety risks.
How to Use Magic Erasers
To use a magic eraser, add water to the sponge, squeeze as much water out as you can, scrub the surface with light pressure, and watch the grime disappear.
Magic erasers work extremely well as a wall cleaner. I use them to remove scuff marks on my walls and baseboards. Every once in a while, I tackle all my baseboards, and every time they end up looking practically brand new!
- Remove marker, pen, and crayon marks off high touch areas (like walls, light switches, and furniture.
- Remove sticker and label residue.
- Clean those notoriously hard-to-clean fiberglass shower floors.
- Polish your silver jewelry, and remove tarnish from jewelry and silver utensils.
- Clean residue off-dry erase marker boards. (You can remove permanent marker from whiteboards, too!)
- Remove scuff marks, pen marks, and dirt build-up on leather couches, shoes, purses, and luggage.
- Clean countertops and other finished surfaces. (Always perform a spot test first, or check with your countertop manufacturer.)
- Remove spray paint from vandals or mischievous 3 year olds!
- Clean keyboards, mouses, and other electronics. Use on everything except the screen!
- Remove scum from your shower and glass door.
- Remove stains on clothing.
- Scrub tile grout.
- Clean grease from stovetops.
- Remove coffee, tea, and kool-aid stains from countertops. Be especially careful when it comes to granite and marble countertops – scrubbing too hard could remove the sealant.
- Clean microfiber couches and chairs.
- Remove scuff marks on shoes, as well as scuff marks on the floor.
- Scrub your plastic and metal patio furniture.
- Clean car interiors, exteriors, wheels, and paint scratches.
- Clean RVs and boats, inside and out.
- Remove bugs that are stuck on cars, windshields, house siding, etc. (Always spot test on glossy finishes, and rub very gently.)
- Remove ink and paint stains from hands.
- Sprinkle some baking soda into your toilet bowl and use the magic eraser to clean toilet bowl stains without harsh chemicals.
Check out these and other magic eraser tips in action:
What do you use Magic Erasers for?
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Hi Jillee, Could you make the captions on your pictures larger or BOLD please? It’s hard to find them when scrolling. Seems like there are a TON more advertisements on this page than usual. So many, in fact, that it’s slowing down my computer! Thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.ONE VERY IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT MAGIC ERASERS. Yes, they are wonderful for cleaning the toilet. BUT. DO. NOT. FLUSH. THEM. My eraser was accidentially flushed, and oh boy, if we had not just happen to have called the plumber for another toilet bowl issue, and he had not been able to pull it out… it would have NEVER broken down. MAGIC ERASERS DO NOT BREAK DOWN. It could be a very EXPENSIVE mistake. So… wear gloves and hold on to it tightly!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for sharing this important tip with us, Denise!!! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.While I’m not a huge fan of magic erasers, in general, the best use by far I have for them is removing haze from the car’s interior window glass, as well as removing road film from the exterior glass. Not if you had them tinted! But for regular automotive glass, just use a pretty wet eraser (put down a cloth for drips) on the glass, then follow up with your favorite automotive glass cleaner. It doesn’t take but a few minutes to get all the interior haze and exterior road film off the glass. Learned this from a detailer. ETA: Wet with water…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m surprised a detailer would use these. They have a big tendency to scratch glass.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Not “plain” “standard” glass, is what he said. (Never use on exterior coatings like tinting, is OK if the tint is in the glass itself and not applied to it.) The erasers haven’t scratched any of our auto glass and we use them all the time. For off-gassing film, it doesn’t even take any pressure, just swipe the very wet eraser across the glass and wipe up the water.
The links need to be updated as to current costs. For example, the Magic erasers, show .20 each, they are NOW .70 each
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Barb, I actually say the value pack of the off-brand sponges are .20 less than the brand-name.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.(20 Pack) Extra Large Eraser Sponge – Extra Thick, Long Lasting, Premium Melamine Sponges in Bulk
DO NOT use them on your Formica counter!! I ruined a big circle spot on mine with the magic eraser. It took the shine right off. I have tried several products to bring back the shine but I still have a circle spot that is dull.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One warning for those of us with sensitive skin: if you’re tackling a lot of cleaning projects with Magic Erasers, use gloves! While the sponge is scrubbing the stain, it’s also scrubbing your delicate fingertips!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’d be reluctant to be throwing away non biodegradable materials without checking whether cloths (old t-shirts etc) and environmentally friendly cleaning products would do the same job. Have tried magic erasers but wouldn’t find it easy in most instances to work with a tiny cube of this product. A white board will wipe clean with a dry cloth and I clean my trainer soles easily with water and non bio washing up liquid. Same would apply to previous info on your site Jillee about hygiene re ordinary household sponges. Suggestions about how to clean them are fine but the suggestion to discard frequently isn’t environmentally friendly. Again, what’s wrong with using biodegradable/recyclable cloths? I don’t mean to sound like a moany bah humbug person and love all the good stuff you share with us, just wonder if we should think more about the planet we’re all wrecking?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree 100%. I only use Magic Erasers for heavy duty items – Shoes, outdoor garden items, etc. They are horrible at scratching or etching surfaces. I would NEVER use them on a glass cooktop or any stainless surface, or actually anything that has a surface shine.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wondering about Formica as I read the comments. This place was built in 1980 so I guess the counters are original. If there are rings, I’ve used bleach which works. I have Mop & Glo so I think I’ll apply that to keep it cleaner for a longer period. Car wax might be a good option.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I think the trick is to use light to little pressure. Now they have them for bathtubs. I seem to have a permanent ring (yet I only use the shower). I bought the new ones, followed the directions and yes, they soap up but the soap lasts for one use. After that, all you have left is a Magic Eraser! I tried the broom & Dawn, Jilllee’s recipe and still can’t remove it. I also use a squeege after I shower and I’ve given up. I guess it’s there to stay.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Have you tried Barkeeper’s friend Lesley (maybe a year on, you’ve replaced your bath!) need to use gently if you bath is acrylic but maybe worth a try.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do NOT use magic erasers on Formica countertop. It takes the shine right off. I ruined mine and it just makes me sick every time I see that dull circle on my big countertop. I was able to use a spray countertop wax on it to help take a little of the dull away, but I still see it daily. Highly recommend NOT attempting it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I started off looking up your easy peel potatoes. 3/4 of an hour, I’m still here. Ugh. I might never get supper ready lol
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love the sponges for cleaning our pool! Wish they had a bigger sponge for pool liner! Best cleaner I have found for keeping trim white & removing unseen dirt from liner above water level. I used 4-6 small sponges weekly/biweekly to keep pool sparkling clean. Removes more than just brushing or the expense blue cleaner!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is going to sound like an insane question, but do you think you could whiten your teeth with them?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.No, don’t do it. Magic erasers scratch tooth enabel and will damage it over time. The only safe way to whiten teeth is to use products designed to do that while protecting tooth enamel.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can I use them on a wooden swing that has a build up of wax? I want to get the wax off. I’ve tried buffing it off with a rag. It worked, but sooo much work !
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I want to know what would clean headlight covers. My cars headlight covers are so disgusting the light doesnt really show through. Help
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Toothpaste! Any paste (not gel) will work wonderfully. Just apply about a tablespoon, then scrub it around with a toothbrush. Wipe clean with a towel, and your headlights will look amazing!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can you use them on polished stone floors?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes! Just be gentle :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for these amazing tips. Now I can really get to work on cleaning more stuff around the house.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My cat likes to rub her face on the corners of the cabinets which leaves an oily residue..magic erasers clean it right off. I use an older one so I can throw it away after use.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My Mom rehabbed at my house for 2 mos. after a broken thigh bone (she’s 92). What a mess was left on my hardwood floors from the new wheelchair! And the scrapes and marks on the doors and frames! Fortunately, my BIL works for an assisted living center and told me about these erasers. BOOM! One swipe and the rubber marks on the floors and walls were gone! Next I’m going to try them or maybe Barkeeper’s Friend on my glass shower doors.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Perfect! They are the best :-) I hope your mom is recovering well!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I once had people over for a fondue and the heat from the pot left white marks on my wooden table top. The magic eraser removed it easily.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have used both branded and unbranded erasers on my slightly textured wallpaper to remove old cigarette smoke from the walls of my room left by the previous tenant. I had to go over each section 3 times before the sponge rinsed clean. I know each type of wallpaper is different, but this worked better than anything for me,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do NOT use them on Formica countertops … It will remove the finish from the countertop. Learned the hard way!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wish I’d seen this 6 months ago. I learned the hard way too and I’m just sick about it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I used magic eraser to clean my house siding (a light grey color) and it worked wonderfully! I was
Please log in or create a free account to comment.very happy with the results and would certainly recommend it.
Would these work on mildew stains? We have a major lack of ventilation in the bathroom in our apartment and end up with patches of mildew stains that never seem to get completely clean, and I hate using all those chemicals.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.An air purifier is the best for mold and mildew . One that put out oxygen is ideal but if not that vinegar should help. Bleach works great also but ventilation is key.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It will definitely help! I would use a magic eraser to rid the area of mildew and any other visible issues, then follow up with a mild bleach solution to kill all the germs :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks! I’ll try the bleach after I get it clean.
I realize that ventilation is key, unfortunately, being in an apartment, there’s only so much we can do, and we don’t have much space or outlets to put in additional fans and such. We do what we can but it’s not enough
I agree that the magic eraser is a great product. I would advise that if you use one, some people may want to wear gloves. I had to remove several black scuff marks from a wall and it worked wonderfully, however afterward I noticed my fingers felt a bit of a burning pain. Washing and rinsing my hand didn’t seem to help, and my fingertips were very red. Several hours later they felt better, but it taught me to wear my kitchen rubber gloves whenever I use it.
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