We all know about Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. But do you know what to avoid when using this fantastic cleaning tool?

We can all agree that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, made out of melamine foam, is unique. These cleaning tools can clean everything from grout to tennis shoes to oven doors and are designed to clean hard-to-scrub surfaces in hard-to-reach places.

So we can safely say that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser has earned its reputation as a household hero, effortlessly erasing stains and grime. But don’t be fooled by its delicate appearance. Behind its soft exterior lies an abrasive strength that can wreak havoc on certain surfaces.

While we get that it may seem like a quick fix for any type of cleaning challenge, this seemingly innocent cleaning tool could damage countless items in your home.

So before you get carried away cleaning everything with a melamine foam, read ahead for 12 things you should NEVER clean with a Magic Eraser.

Stainless steel

If you’re being too rough when you scrub your stainless steel with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, you can make it look more faded. So, if your stainless steel appliances have some blemishes or scratches, try sanding them out instead.

While it might seem practical for removing dirt, it can also dull the finish and ruin the overall appearance of your fixtures and appliances. To maintain them, take advantage of some warm, soapy water and a clean, soft cloth.

Toilet bowls

If you search online, you’ll see tons of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser fails from users. One of those fails includes dipping the eraser in the toilet bowl to clean it.

Since the eraser’s magic comes from its small microfibers, which eliminate stains, this tactic is pointless! Unfortunately, you do still have to scrub your toilet.

Wood surfaces

It’s well-known that Mr. Clean Magic Erasers can get crayon marks off a painted wall. But please don’t use them to clean wood paneling or any other finished wood exteriors.

The abrasiveness can strip away the coating. So, using it on wooden furniture can diminish its value and ruin its appearance.

The best way to clean and protect your wooden furniture is by using a wood cleaner and a clean, soft cloth. Also, remember to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight and moisture.

Some countertops

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are abrasive. So try not to use them on delicate countertops like granite and marble. Not only will you damage the sealant, but the eraser can also make the countertop look dull.

Non-porous surfaces like marble and granite countertops resist stains but can still be scuffed by abrasive materials. Using a Magic Eraser on these kinds of surfaces can cause small scratches that dull the finish and make the surface more prone to staining.

So whenever you’re cleaning non-porous surfaces, use a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth.

Glassware

We all know that glassware is prone to scratches. And using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on glass can leave many marks and scratches. To obtain sparkling glassware, use a mild cleaner and a regular sponge.

Another thing to remember is that glass cooktops can’t be cleaned the way other glass surfaces can. Even if you decide to use Magic Erasers on windows and other glass, DO NOT use them on cooktops.

They can become dulled or etched by the abrasive nature of melamine foam. And we all know how costly cooktops are to replace!

Glossy paint finishes

Be careful when using Mr. Clean Magic Erasers on painted surfaces that have glossy finishes. The abrasive eraser can harm the finish, making it look uneven and dull. As we mentioned, they’re highly abrasive, making them unsuitable for delicate surfaces.

Their coarse texture can easily scratch or remove the protective finish on cabinets, furniture, and walls. This can ruin the appearance of your things and require expensive repairs.

So instead, choose gentle cleaning methods using mild cleaners and microfiber cloths that are specifically designed for these kinds of surfaces.

Non-stick pots and pans

The non-stick coating on any type of cookware is important for easy cooking and cleaning. Yet, it’s delicate and can be easily marked by abrasive materials like Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.

This can cause your food to cling to the pan, making cleaning difficult and potentially releasing harmful particles into your meals. To preserve the non-stick qualities of your cookware, clean them with warm water, a few drops of soap, and a soft sponge.

Skin

No matter how tempting it might be to use your Magic Eraser to clean all that dirt from your child’s fingers, NEVER use it on a loved one’s bare skin. The eraser’s abrasiveness can irritate and damage the skin.

Even though Magic Erasers are excellent for cleaning surfaces, they’re not intended for use on skin. The surface can irritate and damage the skin, leading to dryness, redness, and possible skin infections.

So, instead, use a gentle soap and water or a lightweight, fragrance-free cleanser to clean your hands, face, and body.

Leather goods

Leather goods like car seats, jackets, bags, and wallets require special care to maintain appearance and quality. The melamine foam in magic cleaners causes leather to lose its shine.

So, if you wish to clean and protect your leather goods, use a leather conditioner and a soft cloth. And remember to avoid exposing leather to moisture, excessive heat, and sunlight.

The exterior of your car

Even though Magic Erasers can come in handy for eliminating dirt and grime from your car’s dashboard and cupholders, NEVER use them to polish the outside of your vehicle.

The eraser’s abrasiveness can damage the car’s paint. When wet, a Magic Eraser can have the abrasive power of 3000 to 5000 grit sandpaper, depending on the pressure you use to scrub. And this roughness can cause severe scrapes to delicate surfaces like car paint.

Electronic devices

Electronic devices’ casings and screens, including on tablets, smartphones, and laptops, have sensitive layers. Applying a Magic Eraser to these kinds of surfaces can lead to permanent scratches, degrade the display quality, and impair their functionality.

To clean your electronic devices in a safe manner, use a clean microfiber cloth that’s slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. And be sure to avoid excessive pressure to prevent any damage.

Collectibles

If you own priceless collectibles, including toys and antique jewelry, you should think twice before using a Magic Eraser to clean up grime and old dirt. Your collectibles aren’t worth the risk of doing more harm than good.

Vintage and antique items usually have delicate patinas, finishes, and unique characteristics. So, using a Magic Eraser on these things can ruin the surface, causing irreversible damage and decreasing their overall value.

To clean antique and vintage items, use gentle cleaning methods recommended for the specific material or consult a professional.

Here are a few more tips you should know about the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser:

-NEVER use a Magic Eraser on anything without doing a spot test first: Always do a small spot test before using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on something new. The last thing you want is to ruin a surface when you’re just trying to clean it.

-NEVER use them without gloves: Melamine foam pads can tackle anything from stovetops to scruffs on walls. So it’s not shocking that these tiny powerhouses can also burn your skin. Always wear gloves while using your Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and never use it on your skin.

-NEVER use them dry: Part of the secret of these Mr. Clean Magic Erasers is that all you have to do is add water to activate them. But, these plushy pads are even more abrasive and can do more damage when dry. So adding water helps soften them.

We hope you found these tips on Mr. Clean Magic Erasers helpful. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you know of any other cleaning hacks you’d like to share with our readers.

And if you enjoyed this post, we highly recommend also reading: 7 Colossal Cleaning Mistakes That Are Making Your Home Dirtier