8 Surprising Things You Should Never Clean With A Magic Eraser
I think we all remember the first time we used a Magic Eraser. It feels like a miracle when you watch scuffs on the wall or grime in the bathtub just disappear with a little water. It is tempting to run around the house and try to clean everything in sight with this little white sponge. But I learned the hard way that this "magic" is actually just micro-abrasion. It works like super fine sandpaper which means it can actually ruin some of your most expensive possessions if you are not careful. Here are the things that you should never use a Magic Eraser on.
Car Paint
It is so tempting to grab an eraser to get rid of a stubborn bird dropping or a dead bug on your hood. It looks like it works perfectly at first because the stain vanishes instantly. However, you are actually sanding down the clear coat that protects your paint. When the light hits that spot later, you will see a dull patch that does not match the rest of your shiny car. Over time this damage can lead to rust and peeling which is a very expensive fix for what started as a small problem.
Natural Stone Countertops
If you have invested in beautiful granite or marble counters you need to keep the abrasive sponges far away from them. These stones are usually topped with a delicate sealant that prevents stains from soaking in. The harsh texture of the eraser strips that sealant right off. Once that protective layer is gone your expensive stone becomes vulnerable to everything. A simple spill of wine or tomato sauce can soak right into the rock and leave a permanent stain that no amount of scrubbing will ever remove.
Nonstick Pots And Pans
We all hate scrubbing dried eggs off a frying pan, but using a Magic Eraser here is dangerous for your health. The abrasion is strong enough to scratch the Teflon or ceramic coating on your cookware. Once that coating is compromised it can flake off into your food while you are cooking. Eating those little bits of chemical coating is definitely not what you want for dinner. Stick to a soft sponge and some warm soapy water to keep your pans safe and your food healthy.
Stainless Steel Appliances
The name stainless steel makes it sound tough but the finish is actually quite delicate. Most stainless steel appliances have a brushed grain that gives them that sleek modern look. If you scrub against the grain or even in circles with an eraser, you will create a hazy spot that looks permanently dirty. It destroys the high gloss finish that you paid for. You are much better off using a microfiber cloth and a dedicated cleaner to keep the shine without adding hundreds of tiny scratches.
Finished Wood Surfaces
Whether it is your dining room table or beautiful hardwood floors, you should never use Magic Erasers on wood. The eraser does not just lift the dirt, it lifts the varnish or stain right along with it. You might end up with a spot that looks lighter than the rest of the wood or feels rough to the touch. Once you strip that finish, the wood is open to moisture damage and warping. Stick to wood cleaners that are designed to nourish the grain rather than sand it down.
Your Laptop Or TV Screen
Screens are magnets for fingerprints and dust but they are not made of simple glass anymore. Most modern electronics have specialized anti-glare coatings that help you see the picture clearly. A Magic Eraser will scrub that coating right off in seconds. You might not notice it immediately, but eventually you will see a cloudy patch where the pixels look blurry. Always use a soft microfiber cloth and a spray made specifically for electronics to avoid ruining your expensive screens.
Glossy Painted Walls
While these sponges are famous for cleaning walls, they are really only safe for matte or eggshell paint. If you use them on a glossy or semi-gloss finish you are in for a rude surprise. The abrasiveness of the Magic Eraser dulls the sheen immediately. You will be left with a clean spot that looks flat and lifeless compared to the shiny paint around it. It stands out like a sore thumb especially when the sun hits the wall. It is often better to just repaint the spot than to scrub the gloss away.
Your Own Skin
This sounds like common sense, but you would be surprised by how many people try to scrub ink or dye off their hands with these sponges. It feels soft when you hold it but it is really akin to microscopic glass foam. Rubbing it on your skin can cause a serious chemical burn or a painful abrasion that feels like road rash. It is incredibly damaging to your delicate skin barrier. Stick to regular soap and a pumice stone if you really need to get a stain off your fingers.
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What you really need to understand is that cleaning is not one size fits all. The Magic Eraser is an incredible tool for the right job but it is a destructive force on the wrong surface. Keeping it away from delicate or shiny surfaces will save you a lot of heartbreak and money in the long run. Now you can go back to scrubbing those baseboards and sneakers without worrying about ruining your favorite things.
Bliss Donahue-Power
