I remember when I first discovered the Magic Eraser. It worked like, well, magic! There were tough scuff marks on the bottom of the fridge in the pizza place where I worked. I had been trying to scrub them off and wasn’t getting anywhere until my boss tossed me a Magic Eraser and told me to try it. I was amazed when it worked! From then on I believed in magic!
However, over the years of using them, I noticed times when the Magic Eraser (and by Magic Eraser I am talking about any of those white, dense sponges that are intended to take spots away- not a specific brand) didn’t quite work the way I wanted it to. I used it on some laminate countertops and it looked like it had scuffed the surface. Another time I used a Magic Eraser on a painted wall to get a scuff mark off; I liberally scrubbed all around the area, wiping down the wall with the Magic Eraser. After it dried, I noticed the paint looked lighter in that area than the rest of the wall. “What in the world?” I wondered.
How Magic Erasers Work
The thing that I didn’t know then about Magic Erasers, that I now know, is their magic power comes from them containing a small amount of bleach. The bleach, in conjunction with the sponge, can etch the surface you are using it on.
When to Use a Magic Eraser
Now I am not here to bash Magic Erasers—I think they are great and, most assuredly, have their uses. You just have to have some understanding of what and how you are using them. If you have a scuff mark on a wall and use a Magic Eraser very carefully on that spot—it will take the mark away and you’ll never know it was there—just don’t get crazy scrubbing all over that wall.
If you have something white or made out of a very hard, non-porous surface, say a porcelain toilet, you’re safe to use the Magic Eraser. Another one of my favorite uses for the Magic Eraser is to scrub the textured bottom of a fiberglass shower or tub that was gray from discoloration! As mentioned above, they also work great to remove scuffs that somehow always get on the inside of fridges!
Where I Wouldn’t Use a Magic Eraser
I tend towards the conservative side when it comes to cleaning, meaning the last thing I want to do is damage anything and I’d also rather have it look slightly less clean than use it on something that it might slightly damage and cut down on the life of the surface. This is a personal preference.
I wouldn’t use a Magic Eraser on surfaces like natural stone countertops, especially quartz countertops—way too easy to etch! I have also heard about using it on glass shower doors to remove hard water buildup, but I’d be very careful if you go this route. I think the Magic Eraser will take the marks off but, again, it will penetrate the coating covering your glass that makes the water bead and roll off. If you use a Magic Eraser you will remove some of this coating allowing the hard water to penetrate deeper and potentially stain it worse if you do not keep up with it.
Final Verdict
I love Magic Erasers! I just think it is important to know the downside if you use them indiscriminately. Like anything, when in doubt always test on an inconspicuous area first to determine if it will damage the surface!
Disclaimer:
All of these cleaning tips have come from my personal experience and that of the clients whom I serve. While the information here should be applicable and safe in most circumstances if you have any doubts be sure to check with the manufacturer for the product which you are cleaning and always test a cleaning product or procedure in an inconspicuous area first!