Never Clean This With a Magic Eraser

Sometimes this miracle cleaner can work a little too well.

Woman cleaning countertop
Photo: Shutterstock

Marble and granite countertops

Magic Erasers are abrasive, so avoid using them on delicate countertops such as marble and granite. Not only can you damage the sealant but the eraser may make the countertop appear dull.

Shiny stainless steel sink
Photo: Kitch Bain / Shutterstock.com

Stainless steel

If you scrub your stainless steel too hard with a Magic Eraser, you can actually make it look more dull. If your stainless steel surfaces have scratches, try gently sanding them out instead.

Check out a hack that will have your stainless steel sink shining like new.

Person cleaning car with sponge
Photo: Shutterstock

The exterior of your car

While Magic Erasers can come in handy for removing dirt and grime from your car’s cupholders and dashboard, don’t use them to polish the outside of your car. The eraser’s abrasiveness can do damage to your car’s paint.

Discover more car cleaning tips that’ll restore your ride.

Magic Eraser scrubbing pot
Photo: Shutterstock

Nonstick pots and pans

Magic Erasers may feel like a soft sponge, but using them on your nonstick pots and pans can cause scratches to their surface. When nonstick pans become scratched, some of that potentially toxic coating can get into your food.

Find out how to clean a cast iron pan (if you want it to last forever).

Never use a Magic Eraser to clean these things - Jewellery box
Photo: Shutterstock

Collectibles

If you have any valuable collectibles, such as toys and hand-me-down jewelry, think twice before using a Magic Eraser to clean up old dirt and grime. Your collectibles aren’t worth the risk of doing more damage than good.

Check out clever 12 tricks to clean silver.

Cleaning wood surface
Photo: IVAN KRYVOSHEI / Shutterstock.com

Wood surfaces

While Magic Erasers can be used to get crayon marks off a painted wall, don’t use them to clean wood paneling or other finished wood surfaces. The abrasiveness can strip away the finish.

Here’s how to remove water stains from wood.

Glossy green paint brush and paint can
Photo: suzz / Shutterstock.com

Glossy paint finishes

Be careful when using Magic Erasers on painted surfaces with glossy finishes. The abrasion can damage the finish and make it look dull and uneven.

Discover 10 brilliant Magic Eraser hacks you’ll wish you’d known sooner.

Never use a Magic Eraser to clean these things - Person washing hands
Photo: Shutterstock

Skin

No matter how tempting it may be to use a Magic Eraser to tackle a stubborn ink stain on your fingers, never use it on bare skin. The eraser’s abrasiveness can damage skin and cause irritation.

Here’s how to clean absolutely everything in your kitchen, according to Charles the Butler of CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show.

Magic Eraser cleaning crayon off wall
Photo: Jenn Huls / Shutterstock.com

Don’t use a Magic Eraser on anything without a spot test

If you’re unsure, always do a small spot test before using a Magic Eraser. The last thing you want is to ruin a surface when you’re just trying to do a little cleaning.

Find out more cleaning mistakes you didn’t know you were making.

The Family Handyman
Originally Published on The Family Handyman

Newsletter Unit