It appears that magic erasers function magically. They are efficient cleaners that can quickly disinfect most surfaces with minimal effort on your part. However, the major ingredient in magic erasers is melamine, which is what actually makes them work so magically. Melamine foam was once used to insulate and soundproof buildings (through Maid Sailors). Thanks to this multipurpose component, a magic eraser can be used to thoroughly clean nearly any surface in and around your home. In this article, we will discuss how magic eraser work, why they fall apart, what not to use magic erasers on, and how long they last.
What Is a Magic Eraser, and How Do Magic Erasers Work?
Melamine foam, the material used to make Magic Erasers and other sponge cleaning products, has been utilized for decades as a sound and thermal barrier. Smart people figured out around the turn of the century that melamine foam could be used as an abrasive cleaner. Because the microscopic structure of cured melamine resin foam is nearly as hard as glass, it is effective at removing stains, much like ultra-fine sandpaper. Foam’s abrasive nature helps break down grime, and the foam’s porous microstructure draws the dirt and grime in for good. So cool, right?
Though effective when dry, a magic sponge’s cleaning power increases significantly when wet. Using this method is analogous to dampening a washcloth before washing the sink.
Like a regular pencil eraser, the only problem I’ve discovered with these erasers is that they eventually wear out and come apart. On the other hand, I’ve discovered that a smaller piece of Magic Eraser works just as good a job as a larger one, so you can get a lot more use out of each sponge by chopping it up.
You may save a lot of money by following that simple piece of advice, as it will significantly increase the lifespan of each eraser. Buying generic erasers rather than branded brands like Mr. Clean Magic Erasers is another way to save money. When I need a lot of melamine foam erasers, I order them on the Internet. We often purchase 20 at a time. We found that these were just as effective as the name-brand erasers, but cost only around $0.20 less.
Why Do Magic Erasers Fall Apart?
Using the magic eraser will cause them to break. This is a common occurrence. This is due to the structure’s permeability. The fibers will absorb the stain from the inside out. Also, the stains will damage the fibers, leading to a situation where the white nano-eraser will shed crumbs. However, they can only be used once or twice. If that’s the case, there ought to be additional triggers for the breakdown.
You put too much force into scrubbing them. The magic eraser can actually clean things physically. In most cases, a light swipe will suffice. It’s not just wasteful of magic sponges but also harmful to hard floors. You can scrub harder if there are stubborn stains that persist after washing. Here are some of the top reasons why magic erasers fall apart:
- The surface needs cleaning, but there are strong chemicals or stains on it. Some chemicals are suitable for use with magic erasers, but many are too strong. Many of today’s cleaning products are designed to break down and corrode like magic erasers, rendering them useless.
- The melamine foam can’t handle the rough surface used for cleaning. While magic erasers can be used on many different surfaces, they will eventually wear down the strength of the material if they are too abrasive. Asphalt or concrete, for instance, can easily dismantle a magic eraser.
- You’re putting too much pressure on the eraser. You don’t need to exert a lot of force when using these erasers because they are very abrasive. Scrubbing the melamine foam too harshly will cause it to become brittle and crack. It’s preferable to scrub steadily and slowly.
- The foam is too dry to be of any use. If you wet the foam, it won’t dry out and crumble.
How Long Do Magic Erasers Last?
The number of times you can use a magic eraser before it stops working depends on the surface you’re using it on and the stubbornness of the stain. Cleaning the grout in your shower, a rough surface with thick stains may require more than one magic eraser.
However, if you use a magic eraser to clean the glass top of your stove or remove small bits of burned food, you can reuse it numerous times. Crayon stains, mold, and similar nonabrasive things can also be removed with a magic eraser or another product made from melamine foam.
Magic erasers’ major drawback is that they’re extremely porous. Due to their flimsy construction, they don’t last as long as standard sponges (the yellow or green ones used for cleaning dishes). However, they are considerably more efficient.
The melamine foam is beginning to break down at the corners, as you may have noticed. If your foam pad has reached this point of wear and tear, it’s time to replace it.
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to maximize the effectiveness of your magic eraser. Make it last as long as possible before having to replace it.
How Can I Make My Magic Eraser Last Longer?
Here are several ways to extend the life of your magic eraser:
- Apply an all-natural stain-removal spray and blot with a paper towel to remove the marks. Mr. Clean’s All-Purpose Cleaner is another option. The same factory that makes the iconic Magic Eraser also produces it. Apply a light misting of the solution to the area, wait a few minutes, and then scrub with the magic eraser.
- Before using, always submerge the magic eraser in water and wring it out. Although the aforementioned fix is an option, the magic eraser is usually all that’s required to clean up any problem. But Clean Heart Maids says you need to give the sponge a good soak and squeeze to keep it from breaking.
- Avoid pressing too hard on the melamine foam. Scrub the surface you are cleaning gently. Spending a little more time cleaning up the mess is preferable to using the magic eraser, but it will take a little longer. Because melamine is scratch-resistant, you won’t have to worry about damaging the surface either.
- Seals on melamine foam pads should never be cut. It’s crucial to utilize a magic eraser in its original form, whether you’re cleaning cloth, glass, or grout. Fragmentation is more likely after cutting the foam because it becomes more pliable. Additionally, there will be less cleaning foam available for use.
- Clean and dry your magic eraser before putting it away. Melamine, the main component in magic erasers, is susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew. If you soak your magic eraser and don’t let it dry before storing it, the foam will get ruined and become worthless.
In addition, longevity is an important design feature of magic erasers. But careless handling or sloppy storage practices can shorten their lifespan significantly.
Warnings Regarding the Use of a Magic Eraser
A Melamine foam eraser, more commonly known as Magic Erasers, works fantastically. They are made for cleaning grimy grout, dirty oven doors, and even dirty tennis shoes, among other hard-to-reach spots and surfaces. When used on highly polished or easily scratched surfaces, Magic Erasers can sometimes do more harm than good.
Don’t go crazy with the melamine foam cleaner until you read this list of things you should never do with it.
#1. Don’t Apply Them Everywhere Without First Testing Them in Small Areas
It may seem obvious, but if you’re wondering whether or not your melamine foam pad is safe to use, you can check by conducting a spot test. Before applying the eraser to the entire surface, try it in a hidden area, as you would with any other cleaning product.
#2. Never Attempt to Polish Stainless Steel
You shouldn’t use your pad on any stainless steel surfaces in your home unless you’re a “gentle wiper,” which is to say, you shouldn’t use your pad on any stainless steel surfaces in your home at all. The high-gloss surface that coats most stainless steel appliances can be damaged by excessive cleaning, resulting in a faded and sometimes scratched patina.
#3. Avoid Using Them on Nonstick Cookware
If one were under the impression that dish sponges and their usage were interchangeable, it would be prudent to reconsider this notion. The utilization of these potent cleaning agents for the purpose of cleansing nonstick cookware may result in surface abrasions, thereby causing the release of undesirable compounds from the coating into the meal.
#4. Avoid Using Them to Wipe off Glass or Marble Surfaces
These spongy pads may look and feel soft, but they are really abrasive. That’s why you shouldn’t use it on your marble or granite countertops (or any other fine stone surfaces), as doing so could strip the sealant and leave the stone looking dull.
#5. Don’t Use Them Without Gloves
Melamine foam pads can remove scuff marks from walls and stovetops, so it should come as no surprise that they can also cause serious burns if they come into contact with skin. Use caution when handling your magic eraser, and never apply it directly to your skin without first donning a pair of protective gloves.
#6. You Shouldn’t Use Them Dry
These erasers’ ability to activate simply by adding water is one of their remarkable qualities. Nevertheless, it has been discovered that these plush pads exhibit even more abrasiveness, thereby causing more harm when they are devoid of moisture. Consequently, the addition of water serves to effectively mitigate their harshness.
#7. Don’t Polish Your Car or Beautifully Painted Surface With Them
Don’t be fooled by the foam’s gentle appearance; once it’s wet, it becomes as abrasive as 3,000-grit sandpaper. Therefore, you shouldn’t use them on delicately painted surfaces like your car, or you’ll have an even bigger problem than bird feces on your hands.
What Not to Use Magic Eraser On
The Magic Eraser will undoubtedly come up in discussions of time-saving household cleaning tricks. Even though these tiny sponges can save the day from a wide variety of problems, such as crayons, scuff marks, and stains, there are some things that should never be cleaned with a Magic Eraser because they don’t work well on them. In fact, you might cause more damage than good by using this white sponge on any of these.
Just what is a magic eraser, then? To put it simply, Magic Erasers are porous blocks of melamine foam that resemble sponges. When damp, their abrasiveness is comparable to that of 3000 grit (fine) sandpaper, despite their supple exterior. This makes cleaning faster and easier, but it’s not always the best option.
That’s why it’s crucial to learn in advance what surfaces a Magic Eraser works on and cannot safely clean. After all, pricey repairs can quickly add up! If you want to get the most out of your Magic Eraser, avoid using it on these surfaces.
#1. Granite Worktops
Avoid using a magic eraser on granite or marble countertops, though; they work excellent for erasing scratches and stains elsewhere in the kitchen. In addition to scratching the surface, the eraser will also break the protective seal on the stone.
If the seal is broken or worn away, your once-shiny countertops will be vulnerable to stains and scratches and may take on a less-than-desirable appearance. In addition, kitchen countertops may be rather pricey, so you don’t want to do anything that could permanently damage them.
#2. Stainless Steel
Using a Magic Eraser on your stainless steel appliances may prevent them from reflecting light. Scrubbing too hard could leave tiny scratches or scuffs that diminish the high gloss appearance of stainless steel.
If you want to clean stainless steel without scratching it, use a microfiber cloth to rub the surface with white vinegar, and then rinse and wipe away the vinegar with a clean towel. With any luck, the glossy surface will be preserved for as long as possible. How to make a stainless steel pan shine is something else you may want to look into.
#3. Your Car Exterior
Never use a Magic Eraser to clean or polish the exterior of your automobile, despite how well it works at removing dirt and grime from the dashboard or other inside compartments. It’s safe to assume that using an eraser on your car’s paint job would cause irreparable damage by scratching the protective layer or wax.
Instead, invest in some lambswool wash mitts and a microfiber towel for buffing after you’ve finished washing the exterior of your automobile. Cleaning the car in a circular manner, which might lead to swirl marks, is not recommended either. You must not use any abrasive cleaning cloths; otherwise, you will have to pay for extensive repairs.
#4. Wood Surfaces and Furniture
Magic Erasers are great for getting rid of scuff marks while cleaning a painted wall, but they should never be used on a wood surface that has been finished. Doing so could result in the removal of the wood’s shiny sheen. The same goes for any other painted surfaces that have a glossy finish unless you’re actually trying to remove the paint.
Also, cleaning filth off wood surfaces is easiest when done with dry, soft cloths and wax made specifically for wood furniture. To prevent the polish from soaking in and distorting the wood, you shouldn’t spray it straight onto the piece of furniture, either.
#5. Non-stick Cookware
And similarly, a Magic Eraser is not the tool to use to clean your non-stick cookware. You’ll end up scratching the surface and ruining the unique coating if you do this. Furthermore, if the coating is broken, its effectiveness decreases, or, even worse, hazardous particles can enter the meal.
Non-stick cookware should be cleaned with soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge. Warm soapy water and soaking the pan for a few hours will help remove tough grease, which can then be scrubbed away with ease.
Additional Surfaces You Should Not Use Magic Eraser On
- Plastic surfaces
- Linoleum floors
- Removing hairspray build-up on countertops and vanities
- Removing soap scum and gunk from bathtubs
- Faux Marble
- Acrylic surfaces
- Cleaning tile and grout
- Cleaning sticky/dusty range hood over the stove
- Cleaning limescale buildup from faucets/fixtures
How to Use a Magic Eraser
In a nutshell, the Magic Eraser should only be used on flat, matte surfaces (such as walls) and on shoes that are not scratch-resistant. Test it out first in an unnoticeable area. Be cautious; if you try it on a wall or kitchen cabinet, it may not seem to have caused any harm at first glance, but if you look at the wall from an angle where the light strikes it, you will see a dullness to the sheen where you rubbed.
Use only a little fraction at a time by breaking or slicing it. Take only a small amount to treat a fake blood stain, for instance, if there is one on your bathroom tile from Halloween. Since the eraser will wear away the surface wherever it is rubbed, you can target a specific area by using a small section. The eraser will last longer, and only a small area will be impacted by the rubbing.
Should Magic Eraser Be Wet or Dry?
Dry. The magic eraser can be used dry, but if you wet it beforehand, it will pick up dirt more effectively, just like if you wet a towel before wiping down the counters. When you’re done squeezing out the eraser’s extra water, you can use it like a regular sponge.
What Is the Secret Ingredient in Magic Eraser?
Melamine. There is no utilization of magical gestures in this context. The eraser’s efficacy can be attributed to melamine, an organic base abundant in nitrogen. In its solid form, melamine has remarkable abrasive properties, rendering it both potent and delicate. Melamine is a common chemical compound with a wide range of applications, including but not limited to its employment in dry-erase boards, sound insulation on high-speed trains, and the manufacturing of Formica tables commonly found in households.
Does the Magic Eraser Damage Grout?
Magic erasers are an effective method for efficiently achieving a high level of cleanliness on grout surfaces. One drawback is that the grout has the potential to quickly damage the magic erasers. The frequency of utilization will surpass one’s accustomed level, so becoming this alternative is comparatively costlier. Vinegar is also utilized for the purpose of cleaning grout.
Can You Use a Magic Eraser on Teeth?
No. According to Dr. Amir Farhangpour, a dentist with a DDS degree, it is advisable to choose safer options. The Magic Eraser may effectively erase stains from various surfaces, such as stoves, sinks, and walls; however, it should not be used on teeth. There are numerous factors that can contribute to the discoloration of our teeth.
Bottom Line
In general, magic erasers are quite useful household items. The magic eraser won’t fall apart as readily if you use it properly. Be sure to wet the foam down before applying it, and avoid getting any harsh chemicals on the surface.
How Does Magic Eraser Work? FAQs
Can You Use Magic Eraser With Vinegar?
Yes. Simply soaking a Magic Eraser in white vinegar will make it more effective at cleaning stubborn stains.
Do You Need to Wear Gloves With Mr Clean Magic Eraser?
Yes. Wearing gloves when using a magic eraser is advisable if you have particularly delicate skin or a particularly clean manicure. Superfine grit is extremely dangerous, as it may remove nail polish and cause flesh burns with minimal effort.
Will Magic Eraser Damage Bathtub?
It is acceptable to use Clean Magic Eraser Bath on acrylic bathtubs, but you should still avoid using bleach. Always check the product label before using a commercial cleaner on your acrylic tub to ensure it is safe for the material.
Do You Need to Wipe After Magic Eraser?
Yes. You should wash your Magic Eraser and wipe off any clean surfaces with water before you relax on the couch. Wipe the item down with a damp rag or piece of paper towel if it will be used to serve meals at your next get-together.
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