When used correctly, a Magic Eraser Can make cleaning faster and easier than almost any other cleaning tool. But while I really like them and use them frequently when cleaning my own home, I also realize that magic erasers aren’t the best tool for every cleaning job!
Magic Eraser Made from Melamine foamWhich works like very fine sandpaper. It’s great for cleaning stubborn marks and dirt, but it can scratch certain surfaces and remove the protective finish. And that’s what I’ll help you avoid in today’s post!
Today I’m sharing a list of five things you should avoid cleaning with a magic eraser. I’ve also included some general tips to help you use Magic Eraser safely and minimize potential damage. With the tips in today’s post, you’ll never have to wonder when you should or shouldn’t be using this amazing cleaning sponge!
5 Things You Should Never Erase With a Magic Eraser
1. Stone Countertops
Abrasive materials such as a Magic Eraser The protective seal on your stone countertops can be removed. Without that protective seal, your stone can be vulnerable to scratches, stains and other forms of permanent damage.
What to use instead: Use my easy to make Homemade Granite Cleaner and microfiber cloths for cleaning stone countertops. Microfiber cloths are gentle, yet effectivePlus they are Easy to wash. This combo will keep your stone countertops clean, shiny and protected!
2. Nonstick cookware
Nonstick cookware requires special care, mainly because of how easily the nonstick coating scratches, especially if you clean it with an abrasive material like a magic eraser. Once a nonstick pan gets scratched, chemicals from the nonstick coating can seep into your food—no one wants that!
What to use instead: Wash your nonstick pan by hand with a soft sponge and a few Dish soap. If you have really stubborn dirt on your hands, use some baking soda to help loosen it.
Related: 11 Ways You’re Ruining Your Nonstick Pan
3. Stainless steel
Despite being as durable as stainless steel, using a magic eraser to clean it is likely to leave small scratches on the surface. While some people are okay with scratches and scuffs on their stainless steel, others want to protect that super shiny finish for as long as possible.
What to use instead: Clean stainless steel pots and pans Bar Keepers friend And a soft, damp sponge. (Learn more about the many wonderful uses for Bar Keeper’s Friend here!)
4. Screens
Your electronics (including your phone, tablet, TV or computer) need to be cleaned very gently to avoid scratching the screen. That means Magic Eraser is a big no-no for cleaning screens!
What to use instead: Clean your electronics screens with me Homemade screen cleaner Solution and clean microfiber cloth.
5. Your car
Your car’s paint job is covered in a protective coating or wax, which helps protect the paint and makes your car easier to clean. But a magic eraser can easily rub that protective coating off the paint!
You can use a magic eraser to remove particularly stubborn bugs from the front end of your car, but be sure to be conscious of how much force you’re using.
What to use instead: Washing your car by hand is usually the safest way to clean it, especially if you use it Microfiber cloth. But if that’s not your thing, you can always take it through a touchless or soft-touch car wash!
Bonus: 4 Tips for Using Magic Eraser Safely
- Do not use them dry. Wetting the Magic Eraser softens the sponge and makes it less likely to scratch the surface you’re cleaning.
- Do a spot test. When in doubt about whether you should use your Magic Eraser, do a spot test in an inconspicuous place to see how it fares.
- wear gloves Superfine abrasives can irritate your skin, especially if you already have sensitive skin. Wearing a pair of rubber gloves will protect your hands!
- Be gentle. Always dirt and grime. Applying too much pressure can not only scratch the surface, but it can also strip the paint from your walls.
what should I erase with a magic eraser?
Just because a magic eraser isn’t the best tool for the above cleaning tasks, doesn’t mean you can never use it! Magic Eraser is one of my go-tos Cleaning equipmentAnd they make so many cleaning tasks so quick and easy for me.
Check out the best uses for a magic eraser!
What’s your favorite way to use a magic eraser?
