How Do Magic Erasers Work?

Magic Erasers®, a brand name for melamine sponges, are effective at removing stains and smudges with only water. This is why they can be a useful, effective addition to your cleaning routine.

What is in Magic Erasers that makes them work so well?

Melamine is the active ingredient in Magic Erasers®. It’s a type of hard plastic, and when it is made into a foam a fine porous surface is created. The foam is made of super-fine fibers that lift and trap dirt and rub out marks. These thin, glass-like fibers are abrasive, so Magic Erasers® can be thought of as a cross between a sponge and fine sandpaper.

Does Magic Eraser work on porcelain? Will it scratch tile?

Many homeowners ask if Magic Erasers® can be used on porcelain or if they will damage ceramic tile. The good news is that they can be safely used on ceramic tiles and porcelain, so you have nothing to worry about if you plan on using them this way. 

What surfaces can you not use a Magic Eraser on?

Unfortunately, they may scratch surfaces that are painted, varnished, polished, or easily scratched. This means, among other things:

• Faux marble
• Acrylic surfaces
• Plastic surfaces
• Linoleum floors
• Wood floors
• Stone in general (marble, granite)
• Kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Furniture
• Highly polished or shiny items
• Use for Cleaning and Removing
• Removing soap scum from the tub/shower
• Removing marks from flat paint
• Cleaning splatters inside the microwave
• Removing dried paint from baseboards and stair risers
• Cleaning sticky/dusty range hood over the stove
• Cleaning limescale buildup from faucets/fixtures
• Removing stains from the underside of toilet seats and around hinges
• Removing melted plastic from glass stove top
• Cleaning tile and grout
• Removing hairspray build-up on countertops and vanities
• Removing soap scum and gunk from bathtubs

How to use a Magic Eraser?

In a nutshell, only use the Magic Eraser ® on a non-scratchable surface and shoes without a high gloss or sheen (including walls). Better yet, try it on an inconspicuous spot first. If you try it on a wall or kitchen cabinet, be aware it may not look like it has done any damage, but if you look at the wall from an angle where the light hits it you will see a dullness to the sheen where you rubbed.

Break or cut off a little piece to use at a time. For example, if there’s a small fake blood stain on your bathroom tile after Halloween, take only a tiny piece to treat it. Everywhere the eraser rubs will be abraded, so if you have a tiny spot, just use a tiny piece. There are two benefits to this – Only a small area will be affected by the rubbing and your eraser will last longer.

How do I find a reliable company to address my cleaning concerns?

Many homeowners put cleaning experts in charge of their housework to minimize stress and find more time for their loved ones. To make sure the team is right for the job, you first have to make sure they use effective tools and techniques that will result in a cleaner home without damaging any of your surfaces. Castle Keepers is a leading company that specializes in custom, eco-friendly, and sustainable residential cleaning. 

Contact us to discuss your needs and figure out the best cleaning schedule and options for you. It is our pleasure to help all clients keep their homes hygienic, especially if they’re brave cancer patients. You’ll feel absolutely safe around our technicians because they’re reliable and honest individuals. They’ll help you deep clean your light fixtures and reach all of those hard-to-clean places in your kitchen. Call us now!