11 Things You Can Clean With a Magic Eraser—and 6 You Can't, According to Experts

It’s called magic for a reason. This little white sponge revolutionized cleaning when it appeared on the market and has become a household staple since. From wiping down the stains on your porcelain sink to the kid's toys in your backyard, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser lives up to its promise by attaching itself to the muck and guck and literally stripping it away, leaving your surfaces pristine. 

This polymer sponge works like a pencil eraser. The active ingredient is melamine (a nitrogen-rich organic base) that acts as a mild abrasive, lifting the staining material. As it does, some of the sponge dissolves with it, exposing the next clean layer. Bit by bit the sponge will diminish until used up, at which point you should have gotten plenty of bang for your buck.

We consulted our cleaning experts on the surprising number of uses for the Magic Eraser. They delivered big time, sharing how to put that little white sponge to use—and the surfaces to avoid, too.

Removing Stains from Walls

The Magic Eraser is not scared of your scuffs and stains. Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, says that a damp Magic Eraser can make scuff marks on your walls disappear in seconds. “Gently rub the mark with the sponge in a circular motion until the scuff or stain is gone,” she says. Additionally, it can be used effectively to remove crayon, marker, or grease stains from walls. 

Just remember to test it on a small, hidden spot first to make sure it doesn’t damage your paint finish, cautions Mock.

Cleaning Baseboards and Floors

Similarly, a Magic Eraser can fix up your scuffed up baseboards and floors. When you are tired of seeing the same old dingey spots and dirty creases in the molding, grab that Magic Eraser and gently buff out the problem spots until they disappear. 

Cleaning Your Microwave

The Magic Eraser is king when it comes to cleaning microwaves. Organization and decluttering expert Cara Palmer offers this handy cleaning regimen.

1. Remove the turntable and its roller ring carefully from the microwave.
2. Slightly dampen your Magic Eraser with warm water—make sure it's not soaking wet.
3. Working in sections, gently wipe the interior walls using light circular motions.
4. Pay special attention to any splatters or stuck-on food, applying slightly more pressure if needed.
5. Clean the turntable separately on a flat surface, using the same gentle circular motion.
6. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any Magic Eraser residue.
7. Dry all surfaces thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
8. Replace the roller ring and turntable.

Removing Coffee Stains from Mugs

We’ve all pulled our favorite coffee mug out of the dishwasher only to be dismayed by those ring stains still marring the interior. Enter Magic Eraser. These stubborn stains can be wiped away easily with little effort. “Just dampen the Magic Eraser, rub the inside of the mug, and it should come clean off,” offers Mock. Be sure to wash the mug afterward with warm, soapy water to get rid of any residue and rinse clean.

On Shower Doors and Walls

Magic Erasers are great for clearing cloudy shower doors of soap scum. Palmer recommends lightly wetting the Magic Eraser with warm water, then starting at the top of the door and working in small manageable sections. "Use gentle circular motions, letting the eraser do the work rather than applying heavy pressure," she says. Rinse each section with clean water as you go to prevent residue from drying. 

This technique, Palmer notes, is also perfect for shower walls, bathtubs, subway tile, and bathroom sinks. It’s particularly effective on white porcelain surfaces where water spots and soap residue are most visible. For stubborn areas, hold the eraser against the spot for 10-15 seconds before wiping. When done, squeegee or wipe the entire door with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Removing Lint

Lint creeps into all of our homes, making appearances on our clothes, couches, rugs, and blankets. As it turns out, a Magic Eraser is a surprising fix for lint removal. Dampen the sponge and lightly rub the clothing or fabric in a circular motion, and you'll be quickly be lint-free. 

Cleaning White Sneakers

Keeping a pair of white sneakers in their straight-from-the-box condition can be tough no matter how careful you are. Luckily, a Magic Eraser can restore them by buffing out scuffs and treating general discoloration. Palmer offers these step-by-step instructions for maintaining your favorite pair.

1. Remove laces from the shoes.
2. Gently tap the toes to remove loose dirt.
3. Very lightly dampen the Magic Eraser. Test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
4. Using light pressure, work in small sections, starting with the rubber soles.
5. For canvas or leather portions, use extra-gentle pressure to avoid damage.
6. Clean shoelaces separately by running the eraser along their length.
7. Allow shoes to dry completely before replacing the laces. 

Removing Rust

When it comes to problematic rust in bathrooms or kitchens, the Magic Eraser has you covered. Simply dampen the eraser to scrub away small rust spots and restore the surface to its original shine, says Mock.

Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture can take a beating, especially if it’s plastic. Magic Erasers are just the thing to restore your plastic patio furniture to its former glory, according to Palmer, who offers the below instructions for cleaning patio furniture.

1. Brush off loose dirt and debris.
2. Thoroughly wet the Magic Eraser with warm water. Test on a small, hidden area first to ensure no discoloration occurs.
3. Working in sections, use gentle circular motions to clean the surface. Pay special attention to armrests and high-contact areas where oils and sunscreen may have built up. For textured surfaces, follow the pattern of the texture while cleaning.
4. For stubborn stains or mildew spots, hold the wet eraser on the spot for 10-15 seconds before wiping.
5. Rinse each section with a garden hose or clean wet cloth as you go.
6. Allow the furniture to air dry completely in the sun.

Children’s Outdoor Plastic Toys

Follow the above protocol for children’s outdoor plastic toys, from swings to playhouses to ride-on toys. Rinse thoroughly and allow toys to dry completely before children resume play, advises Palmer.

Mildew and Grout

Stubborn mildew can be vexing to clean from tile grout. Here is another case where the Magic Eraser can work its magic. Follow Palmer’s simple steps to clean anywhere grout lines need refreshing:

1. Thoroughly wet your Magic Eraser with warm water. Test on an inconspicuous grout line first.
2. Cut your Magic Eraser into smaller pieces for better precision and control.
3. Working in small sections, scrub the grout lines using firm pressure.
4. Rinse frequently with clean water to remove loosened dirt and eraser residue.
5. Continue working in sections until all grout is clean.
6. Wipe the entire area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
7. Allow to dry completely.

Tips for Effective Use

Keep the following tips in mind to make the very most of your little white magic sponge. 

• Always test an inconspicuous spot first, using light pressure to avoid damaging surfaces.
• Cut larger erasers into smaller pieces for better grip and longer life.
• For most applications, slightly dampening the eraser will provide better results.

Surfaces to Avoid Cleaning with Magic Erasers

For all of its wonders, remember that the Magic Eraser is an abrasive agent and is not compatible with every material and surface. Some surfaces to avoid include:

• Car exteriors (they are too abrasive)
• Wood furniture (they can remove the finish)
• Kitchen cabinets (they will damage the finish)
• Highly polished or delicate surfaces
• Anything with a dark or custom finish
• Non-stick cookware