What Magic Eraser Works On (Complete Database)
Cleaners Talk is reader-supported. This post contains affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no additional costs to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Magic Eraser is not exactly “magic”. It is made of a non-toxic material called melamine foam, which works like an extremely fine sandpaper to remove dirt and stain from objects. Basically, it is an abrasive cleaner.
You know how to use it, but what can you actually use Magic Eraser on? You should only use Magic Eraser on non-porous surfaces, which are ones that don’t allow any liquid or vapor to pass through. Glass, varnished wood, metals, plastics, floors, and tiles are some of the non-porous surfaces.
Avoid using Magic Eraser on porous surfaces and things that can become scratched or torn easily. Fabric, canvas, leather, and suede are examples of porous surfaces that are very delicate.
In this article, we share with you the complete database on what you can and cannot use the Magic Eraser on. All of the answers listed below have been fact-checked by experts so you can learn about Magic Eraser with absolute confidence. You can use the quick navigation table below to jump into a specific answer.
1. Can Magic Erasers be used on glass?
Magic Erasers do not scratch glass and can be used on all types of glass, including windows, windshields, and glass shower doors. Simply wipe the Magic Eraser firmly across the glass surface with a firm, steady swipe. After a few wipes, the glass surface will go from grimy to shiny in no time at all.
2. Can Magic Erasers be used on stainless steel?
Mr. Clean does not recommend using Magic Eraser on stainless steel. As durable as stainless steel is, using a Magic Eraser to clean it will likely end up leaving small scratches on the surface.
Magic Eraser is made of melamine foam, which is basically a material that works like super fine sandpaper. If you scrub your stainless steel too hard with a Magic Eraser, you can actually make it look more dull.
While some people are fine with scratches and scuffs on their stainless steel, other people may want to protect that super shiny finish for as long as possible. If your stainless steel appliances have scratches, try sanding them out with an ultrafine sandpaper for stainless steel instead.
3. Does Magic Eraser work on shoes?
Magic Eraser works on shoes. In fact, it will tackle tough marks, including stuck-on dirt and scuffs from your shoes. All you have to do is to wet the Magic Eraser and swipe it across the harder areas of the shoe like the sole, toe box, eyelets, and wedge, and you should start to see the stain virtually disappear.
4. Does Magic Eraser work on canvas shoes?
You should not use Magic Eraser on the canvas upper of canvas shoes, like Converse and Vans. The material of Magic Eraser works like a super fine sandpaper and can thin out the canvas quickly. You can, however, use Magic Eraser on the rubber sole and toe cap of canvas shoes.
5. Does Magic Eraser work on fabric and clothes?
You should not use Magic Eraser on fabric and clothes. A stain is generally absorbed into the interwoven strands of fabric and clothing. Using an abrasive cleaner, like Magic Eraser, can easily damage the delicate fabric and create wear on the strands sooner rather than later, similar to washing clothing over rocks.
Magic Eraser is made of melamine foam, a material that works like extremely fine sandpaper. It is basically an abrasive cleaner, therefore, it works best on hard surfaces where the removal of some of the surface material along with the deposits on the surface doesn’t pose a problem.
If you want to remove a stain from fabric or clothes, use laundry stain remover instead. Chemically removing the stain does not employ erosion of the surface fibers, making the fabric last longer.
- Combines 5 types of Stain Fighters to help you get out more of your toughest dried-in stains the 1st time!
- Great on grass and blood, grease and oil, food stains, soil and clay
- Tackles the toughest dried-in stains
Remember, Magic Eraser is not recommended for use on anything that could be easily scratched. It can easily damage delicate fabric so please be careful using it on any type of clothing.
6. Does Magic Eraser work on walls?
Magic Eraser works on walls, as long as it is a (non-glossy) painted wall. Be careful when using Magic Eraser on painted walls with glossy finishes. The abrasive cleaner can damage the finish and make it look uneven and dull. Just to be safe, test the Magic Eraser in an inconspicuous area as it may remove paint from the wall.
7. Does Magic Eraser work on tile and grout?
Magic Eraser works very well on tile and grout. If you want the best results, use the Magic Eraser Bath. It is specifically designed to clean the most-stubborn buildup on grout throughout your bathroom.
The Magic Eraser Bath can remove hard water on shower glass, remove soap scum on the bathtub, remove grime on tile and grout, and remove hairspray and toothpaste residue on counters and sinks.
- The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser bath scrubber with Febreze Lavender scent erases 3x more Soap scum vs. The leading all-purpose Spray Cleaner
- Use to remove soap scum from even the toughest areas of your bathroom: hard water on shower glass, soap scum on bathtub, grime on tile and grout, hairspray...
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser bath scrubber has been updated with DURAFOAM to fight more of your impossible bathroom messes than before
The only caveat is that the grout will quickly eat through the Magic Eraser – and it is not cheap. If you have a large area of grout to clean, you’ll have much better success in less time using a grout cleaning machine.
8. Does Magic Eraser damage tile?
Magic Eraser does not damage tiles. In fact, you can use Magic Eraser on ceramic tiles and porcelain. Whether you’ve got tiles in your kitchen or bathroom, or both, Magic Eraser can get your tiles looking good as new.
You would want to tidy the floor before cleaning ceramic tiles. Pick up any clutter that might be hiding marks. Then, grab your broom and sweep away any loose dirt or crumbs that may have collected.
Next, wet your Magic Eraser, give it a squeeze, and target the most stubborn spots first. Your tiles should become clean. The best way to make sure your ceramic tile floors stay clean is through regular maintenance.
9. Does Magic Eraser work on leather?
You should not use Magic Eraser to clean delicate surfaces like leather. Using an abrasive cleaner like Magic Eraser can easily remove the natural grain and top layer of the leather, making it look dull.
When it comes to removing stains from leather, it is best to use a dedicated leather cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. You can also sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder over the stain on the leather and let it sit overnight. Wipe the powder away to see if the stain on the leather is gone.
- BRING LEATHER TO LIFE: Improve the look and feel of your leather by safely removing dirt, soil and residue. Weiman softens and moisturizes finished leather...
- ONE SIMPLE STEP: Our multi-action formula cleans, conditions and protects finished leather surfaces in one simple step.
- MULTIPLE USES: Restore the beauty of leather sofas, couches, chairs and other furniture. Use it regularly on purses, shoes, boots, coats, briefcases and...
10. Does Magic Eraser work on car scratches?
Never use Magic Eraser to remove car scratches or polish the outside of your car. The Magic Eraser’s abrasiveness can damage your car’s paint, and it will lead to streaks and marring because you won’t be able to apply the pressure evenly. Car scratches need repainting or polishing, not the Magic Eraser.
11. Does Magic Eraser remove Sharpie and permanent marker?
Magic Eraser is strong enough to remove Sharpie and permanent marker stains, as long as the surface where the stain is on is non-porous (surfaces that do not allow liquid or vapor to pass through).
You can remove permanent marker stains with Magic Eraser from non-porous surfaces, like whiteboard, glass and tile. However, you should not remove permanent marker stains with Magic Eraser from porous surfaces, like paper, cloth, and fabric. The abrasive nature of the Magic Eraser will damage the surface.
12. Does Magic Eraser work on quartz?
Quartz is not completely indestructible, but it is highly resistant to scratches. However, the abrasive nature of Magic Eraser can wear away the top coating of the quartz, potentially leaving the surface looking dull.
You should avoid using Magic Eraser to clean quartz because you won’t be able to apply the same pressure evenly over a large area. The best way to clean quartz countertops is to use dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth. Wipe in circular motions and remove any residue with warm water and a dry cloth.
13. Does Magic Eraser work on wood?
Whether it’s wood floors or wood furniture, you should not use Magic Eraser to remove stains from wood. The abrasive nature of Magic Eraser can easily strip away the finish and potentially scratch the wood itself.
14. Does Magic Eraser remove rust?
Magic Eraser can remove rust from metal. All you have to do is to wet the Magic Eraser, squeeze it, and wipe the Magic Eraser across the rust stains with a firm, steady swipe. The metal will shine in no time.
15. Does Magic Eraser work on teeth?
Please do not use Magic Eraser on your teeth. The abrasive nature of Magic Eraser works like sandpaper. Using it on your teeth will cause enamel decay. Once the tooth enamel is destroyed, it cannot be brought back.
The layer of enamel on your teeth serves the very important function of protecting the teeth from damage and preventing cavities. When you do things like using Magic Eraser on your teeth, you are destroying the enamel. Once the protective outer layer of enamel is destroyed, it cannot be rebuilt.
The viral TikTok hack which claims that a melamine foam sponge, like Magic Eraser, can remove stains from teeth more effectively than toothbrushes is completely false. Please don’t use Magic Eraser on your teeth.
Remember, Magic Eraser is a household cleaning item. The warning label states that you should not use Magic Eraser on skin or any parts of your body. Why would you want to put it anywhere near your mouth?
16. Does Magic Eraser work on upholstery?
Whether it is fabric or leather upholstery, you should not use Magic Eraser to remove stains from the delicate surface. The abrasive nature of Magic Eraser can easily tear through the upholstery’s fabric. Instead, use a multi-fabric cleaner and upholstery stain remover.
- Directions: Product Usage: Resolve Upholstery Cleaner Is Safe To Use On Most Household Fabrics Such As Polyester, Nylon And Cotton Blends. Before Cleaning:...
- Concentrated formula use only 2 3 ounce Per gallon of water Cleans up to 1600 square feet
Remember, Magic Eraser is not recommended for use on anything that could be easily torn. It can easily damage delicate fabric so please be careful using it on any type of upholstery.
17. Does Magic Eraser remove scratches from the phone?
You cannot remove scratches from a phone using Magic Eraser. You'll most likely make it worse and add more small scratches to the surrounding surface, including the chassis and the screen.
The only way to remove scratches from a phone screen is to use a very expensive scratch removal buffering machine. You’re better off putting a screen protector over your phone to hide the scratches.
Do not use Magic Eraser to remove oil and grime from your phone. The abrasive nature of Magic Eraser will most likely remove the oleophobic coating on your smartphone’s screen.
18. Does Magic Eraser work on suede?
You should not use Magic Eraser on suede. The abrasive nature of Magic Eraser will wear down and tear the soft, velvety, and delicate layer of the suede, making it thin and prone to damage.
Final words
Now you know what to use the Magic Eraser on, including what NOT to use the Magic Eraser on. The key thing to remember is that the Magic Eraser is an abrasive cleaner, which works like an extremely fine sandpaper. You don’t want to use it on something where the top layer can easily become scraped.
Other Magic Eraser articles: