11 Uses of the Magic Eraser–the Cleaning Tool You Never Knew You Needed

Magic Erasers are a cleaning wonder, but most of us are only aware of a fraction of their potential. Remember those iconic Mr. Clean commercials touting their ability to erase wall scuffs?

Well, these unassuming little marshmallow-like sponges have a surprising range of uses, and once you discover their uses, you’ll wonder how you never even used them. 

1. Clean Kitchen Appliances & Cookware

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Stainless steel appliances and cookware can easily become smudged and stained. However, the Magic Eraser can safely clean these surfaces without leaving scratches.

Wet the eraser and wipe away grease, fingerprints, and food residue, leaving your appliances sparkling clean.

2. Remove Scuff Marks from Walls & Baseboards

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The Magic Eraser is great at removing stubborn scuff marks and crayon drawings from walls and baseboards without damaging the paint.

3. Clean Soap Scum & Hard Water Stains

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Wet the Magic Eraser and use it to easily remove soap scum from shower doors, bathtubs, and tiles. It can also be used to clean hard water stains on faucets and fixtures.

4. Erase Permanent Marker & Crayon Stains

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The Magic Eraser’s unique melamine foam material acts like a very fine sandpaper, gently lifting away even stubborn permanent marker or crayon marks.

Simply wet the eraser and apply light pressure to the affected area, working in small circles until the stain disappears.

5. Clean White Sneakers & Shoes

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White shoes can quickly become dirty and discolored, but the Magic Eraser can restore them to their former glory. Dampen the eraser and gently scrub the dirty areas of the shoes.

The Eraser’s micro-scrubbers will lift away dirt and grime, leaving your shoes looking fresh and white again.

6. Remove Sticker Residue

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Peeling off stickers often leaves behind a sticky residue that’s difficult to remove. The Magic Eraser can easily tackle this task. Wet the eraser and gently rub it over the sticky area.

The eraser will break down the adhesive, allowing you to wipe it away cleanly.

7. Clean Grimy Light Switches & Outlet Covers

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Over time, light switches and outlet covers can accumulate dirt and grime. A damp Magic Eraser can easily remove these buildups, leaving them looking fresh and new.

8. Remove Hairspray Residue from Bathroom Mirrors

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Hairspray can leave a sticky film on mirrors that’s difficult to clean with traditional glass cleaners. A Magic Eraser effortlessly wipes away the residue, restoring the mirror’s clarity.

9. Clean Stained Coffee Mugs & Teacups

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Stubborn tea and coffee stains can mar the appearance of your favorite mugs. A Magic Eraser can gently scrub away these stains, returning the mugs to their original condition.

10. Revive Yellowed Piano Keys

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Years of use can leave piano keys looking dull and yellowed. A slightly damp Magic Eraser can carefully clean the keys, brightening their appearance without damaging them.

11. Clean Car Interior Surfaces

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The Magic Eraser can be used to clean various surfaces inside your car, such as the dashboard, door panels, and cup holders. It can remove dirt, grime, and even some light scratches, leaving your car’s interior looking refreshed.

The Magic Eraser proves that the most unassuming tools can often hold the greatest potential. Its versatility and effectiveness in tackling a wide array of cleaning challenges make it a true powerhouse in any household.

nancy
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.