Every once in a while a cleaning tool comes along that far exceeds your wildest expectations—like the Magic Eraser, which truly lives up to its name by removing even the most stubborn marks and grime. It may look like a common sponge, but what makes this handy product unique is the fact that it's made with a special material called melanin foam.
"Melanin foam burst onto the scene in the early 2000s as an insulator. It was only by accident that people discovered it could clean and do a fantastic job," explains Jacky Chou, cleaning expert and principal/director at Archute. "The material is porous, making it ideal for lifting and removing stains, scuffs, and dirt from numerous kinds of surfaces."
The best part? When it's wet, the Magic Eraser becomes mildly abrasive. That allows you to clean surfaces without the need for any harsh chemical-laden cleaning solutions—all you have to do is add water.
Considering adding a Magic Eraser to your shopping cart? We don't blame you. You might be amazed to find just how versatile this popular tool is—in fact, here are some surprising things you can use it to clean.
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10 Things You Can Clean With a Magic Eraser
1. Dirty sneakers
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Got an old pair of white sneakers you want to bring back to life? Bust out that Magic Eraser pronto.
Mathew Morris, owner of Go Cleaners London, as well as Chou, recommend wetting the eraser and squeezing it out and then using it to carefully scrub away any scuffs or marks around the midsole of the shoe and any other areas made of rubber, leather, or plastic.
"You can always cut the eraser down into smaller pieces to get into those smaller nooks and crannies, such as around the laces," explains Morris.
Once you're done scrubbing, make sure to rinse away any pieces of Magic Eraser that may have fallen off during the scrubbing process, and then dry your shoes with a microfiber cloth.
2. Coffee and tea stains
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Have a favorite mug that's stained from coffee and tea? Call in the magic eraser.
In a TikTok video, organizing and cleaning expert Caroline Solomon (aka Neat Caroline) says all you have to do is wet your magic eraser, scrub the inside of the mug, then clean it with soap and water.
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3. Greasy stovetops
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"My stovetop can get pretty greasy and grimy after cooking," says Chou. "I've found that a Magic Eraser is great for cutting through the grease and leaving my stovetop looking sparkling clean again."
By the way—this also applies to microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, and even pots and pans, too.
Emma Rostron, General Manager at One Less Thing, advises first spraying the area with a degreasing cleaner and wiping away as much grease as possible with a paper towel or cloth before tackling the lingering stains with a damp Magic Eraser.
"For best results, avoid using a magic eraser on stainless steel or polished metal appliances, as it can scratch the surface," adds Hugo Guerrero, a certified House Cleaning Technician and consultant at Mattressive. "Always test a small area first to ensure the surface is not damaged."
4. Adhesive sticker residue
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More often than not, when you try to remove those pesky stickers that come on everything from glasses to mirrors, it leaves a sticky residue. But Solomon shares that a magic eraser can help with that. Simply wet and scrub, and voila!
5. Phone cases
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We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but according to research conducted at the University of Arizona, cell phones carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats. That's where your Magic Eraser comes in: They're made with sodium bisulfite, which happens to have antimicrobial properties.
"Using a magic eraser as a dry-wipe, it’s best to remove your phone case and apply firm pressure to remove the inevitable build-up of dust and grime," says Oliver Byrne, managing director of SMC Premier Cleaning. "You can also do this with the phone itself, however, ensure you’re doing so gently so as not to cause any potential screen damage."
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6. Silverware and jewelry
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Is your silverware or jewelry starting to look a little tarnished these days? Don't fret. In a TikTok video, the cleaning experts at Hometalk suggest using a Magic Eraser to polish them.
Just use a damp Magic Eraser the same way you'd use a polishing cloth to gently buff the item and bring the sparkle back. Make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.
7. Wall scuffs
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Whether you're trying to get rid of fingerprints, crayon marks from your kids, or common scuff marks on your walls, the Magic Eraser is a must-have, says Angela Lee, a cleaning expert from Hellamaid.
All you have to do is saturate the Magic Eraser, squeeze out the excess water, and gently rub it back and forth over whatever mark you want to remove. Just make sure to be careful when scrubbing, says Lee, as applying too much pressure could remove some of the paint on the wall.
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8. Rust and limescale stains
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"Bathroom fixtures like sinks, toilets, and bathtubs are notorious for being rust and limescale magnets and can prove tricky to clean with normal cleanser or sponges," says Morris. "That's where Magic Erasers come in. The fine grit is perfect for breaking down those stubborn rust or limescale deposits without the need for scrubbing."
According to Morris, all you have to do is soak the Magic Eraser, wring out the excess water, and rub the area until the rust or limescale is gone.
"This will also help to prevent the rust or limescale from returning as quickly by creating a nice smooth surface that is harder for these particles to grab onto," he adds.
9. Bathroom soap scum
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"I've found that a Magic Eraser is great for removing soap scum and mildew," says Chou.
Rostron recommends gently rubbing a damp Magic Eraser in a circular motion over the surface of your tub, shower, or bathroom floor to break down and remove any buildup. Then, go back over the same area with a clean, wet, cloth before drying the surface.
While the Magic Eraser certainly can work miracles in your tub and on the bathroom floor, Chou notes that it's crucial to be gentle when using it on certain surfaces, like marble and granite. He strongly advises testing it on a small inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't buff away the glossy protective coating or cause any discoloration.
10. Grout grime
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It's amazing how much dirty grout can impact the overall appearance of your home. But if you've ever gotten down on your hands and knees to scrub it clean, you know just how much of a hassle it can be to restore its pristine white color.
"I like to use a Magic Eraser to clean the grout in between my bathroom tiles, as it effectively removes built-up dirt and grime without the need for harsh chemicals or extensive scrubbing," says Pieter Runchman, founder and CEO of Floor Theory.
Wet and wring out the Magic Eraser and then use one of the narrower edges to get in between the tiles as you scrub in a back-and-forth motion.
