How to Use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Correctly
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You've probably heard of the “magical” cleaning abilities of the Magic Eraser. It’s capable of removing some of the most stubborn stains from hard surfaces. But how do you actually use the Magic Eraser?
Magic Eraser is extremely easy to use. All you need to do is to wet the sponge then squeeze out any excess water. This activates the melamine foam. From there, scrub away at the surface you want to clean. For best results, scrub in small, circular motions. Make sure to use Magic Eraser on non-porous surfaces!
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about using the Magic Eraser, including how the magical white sponge works and how to use it effectively. No dirt can escape its powers!
How does Mr. Clean Magic Eraser work?
Magic Eraser works because its abrasive nature loosens up dirt and grime from surfaces (think of extremely fine sandpaper) while the open microstructure of the foam sucks the dirt and grime and traps them inside.
All of this is made possible because of the Magic Eraser’s material, melamine foam. When melamine resin cures into foam, its microstructure becomes almost as hard as glass, leaving dirt no chance of escape.
Interestingly enough, melamine foam was first used as a sound-proofing material and insulation. It wasn’t until decades after its application that it was discovered just how effective it was as an abrasive cleaner.
That being said, you want to be mindful about the things you can and cannot use the Magic Eraser on. You don’t want to use the Magic Eraser on things that could be damaged by an abrasive cleaner.
How to use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original scrubber is 2X Stronger with DURAFOAM Cleaning performance vs. the leading all-purpose bleach spray
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- The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser provides a powerful clean with water alone.
Magic Eraser is super easy to use. However, there are some things you need to make sure to avoid potential damage on surfaces. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser:
1. Wet the Magic Eraser
The first thing you want to do is to wet the Magic Eraser. Water activates the tough micro scrubbers for maximum effectiveness, so they can dig deep and remove even the toughest of stains.
2. Squeeze out excess water
After you wet the Magic Eraser, squeeze out any excess water, just like you would with a regular sponge. You’ll notice the Magic Eraser foaming up, which means the magical sponge is ready for use.
3. Test the Magic Eraser in a discreet area
Remember, Magic Eraser is made of melamine foam, a material that basically works like extremely fine sandpaper. Due to its abrasive nature, it’s a good idea to test the Magic Eraser in a discreet area before you start your project to make sure it won’t leave any permanent damage on the surface.
Most people don’t do this simple but important step, leaving their favorite items permanently scarred, dull, or scratched. Please make sure to test the Magic Eraser first, you’ll thank us later.
4. Wipe or scrub in circular motions
Now you’re ready to scrub and watch the magic happen. Simply scrub the Magic Eraser in small, circular motions at the surface you wish to clean. For most dirt and grime, you’ll see a noticeable difference just by wiping the Magic Eraser across the surface, but you might have to scrub stubborn stains like rust or mildew.
5. Wring it dry if the Magic Eraser is still wet
Once you’re done with the Magic Eraser, wring it dry if it’s still wet. Leave it out to air dry then store it in a cool, dry place. Generally, Magic Eraser can be used dozens of times before needing to be replaced.
You will know when it’s time to replace your Magic Eraser because it will start to crumble and fall apart, just like a pencil eraser. The good news is, you can extend the life of Magic Eraser with a few simple hacks.
Genius hacks when using the Magic Eraser
Using the Magic Eraser is already considered a genius cleaning hack, but you can take it to another level. Here are some of the most genius hacks you can do when using the Magic Eraser.
1. Cut it up into smaller pieces
One of the few downsides of Magic Eraser is that it will crumble and fall apart as time goes by, much like a pencil eraser. 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.
Cutting up Magic Eraser is super easy. To cut Magic Eraser into smaller pieces, simply use a pair of scissors or a small knife to divide the rectangular sponge into mini rectangles.
In most cases, you’re not going to scrub a large area with a Magic Eraser, instead you’re only going to use it on a small area. Cutting it up into smaller pieces will extend the life of the Magic Eraser dramatically.
2. Wear rubber gloves
Although Magic Eraser is non-toxic and contains no dangerous chemicals, it works like super fine sandpaper. This means when you are scrubbing a stain with Magic Eraser, you are also putting pressure on your fingers, slightly rubbing them at the same time. Wearing rubber gloves protects your fingers.
Sure, you can use Magic Eraser without wearing gloves, but its abrasive nature can scrape your fingers. One minute you’re scrubbing dirt off things, the next thing you know, your fingers are itchy and scraped.
Remember, it’s better to protect your hands and fingers by wearing rubber gloves when using Magic Eraser. The slightest friction from a Magic Eraser can remove the outer layer of your skin. Wearing a pair of rubber gloves will prevent the rashes and burns, keeping your hands and fingers safe!
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If, for some reason, you’ve experienced a friction burn on your skin caused by Magic Eraser, don’t worry. Here is a helpful guide on what to do if you’ve scrubbed Magic Eraser on your skin or someone else’s.
3. Buy “generic” Magic Eraser
You’ve probably noticed how expensive popular Magic Eraser brands can be. The good news is that you can save a lot of money by buying generic Magic Erasers instead. Don’t fall for marketing gimmicks.
Generic Magic Erasers work just as effective as branded ones because they’re made of the exact same melamine foam. Personally, I like to get my melamine foam erasers in bulk online. I buy them in packs of 50. They cost $15 (which comes down to about $0.30 per eraser), and trust me, they work just as well.
- Environmentally friendly products: Does not contain any chemical cleaners, no peculiar smell, no cleaners are needed during use, only water is needed, and...
- Not easy to tear: Our sponge eraser is made of melamine foam, which has high toughness and is not easy to tear, which can provide long-lasting cleaning...
- Just add water to wipe off: this magic sponge no longer requires abrasive or corrosive cleaning agents. It only requires water, so you can look after all...
Do you have to wet the Magic Eraser?
Magic Eraser can be used dry, but it works much better when it is wet. Water activates the tough micro scrubbers for maximum effectiveness, so they can dig deep and remove even the toughest of stains.
According to Apartment Therapy, Magic Eraser is even more abrasive when it is dry, therefore, it does more damage. Adding water not only helps soften it, but activates the micro scrubbers for better results.
Bottom line
And there you have it, the complete guide on how Magic Eraser works and how to use Magic Eraser. Without a doubt, the most famous brand of Magic Eraser is Mr. Clean, and you should start using it today.
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Sofia Rodriguez
As a professional house cleaner, I'm passionate about cleanliness. I write this blog to help anyone take better care of their homes and ultimately their loved ones.