You want to avoid using magic erasers because they are abrasive and leave scratches all over your nonstick cookware, potentially releasing carcinogenic chemicals. According to the EPA, eating food with this coating puts you and your family at risk of developing kidney, liver, pancreatic, and testicular cancer.
Cleaning with Magic Erasers leaves behind microplastics, so it's not a good idea to clean dishware or cookware with them. Try Bar Keepers Friend next time you want to get those coffee stains out of your mug.
A Magic Eraser uses its abrasive properties to scrub away deep stains better than a regular dish sponge and soap. Just be sure to thoroughly wash the mug or dish before drinking or eating out of it in case any sponge particles are left behind.
A Magic Eraser is made of melamine foam, which is a mildly abrasive material. While it can effectively clean many surfaces, it may scratch delicate surfaces like a glass cooktop if used with too much pressure or if the cooktop is already scratched or damaged.
Don't Use Them On Your Car
Or any other delicate surface, for that matter, like silverware, glass, or metal surfaces. Dry erasers have the abrasiveness of a 3000 grit sandpaper – very fine, but can still mar shiny surfaces – like your stainless steel appliances!
Perform a thorough cleaning of your stainless steel sink once a week: Use baking soda or a specialized stainless steel cleaner for a deep clean. Scrub gently in the direction of the grain using a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
Before you retire to the couch, rinse out your Magic Eraser and give your newly freshened surfaces a water wipe down, too. If what you cleaned will come in contact with food, you'll need to wipe it with a wet rag or paper towel, so it will be ready for the next time you meet again.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Combination:
For tougher stains, you can create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface you want to clean, then spray the vinegar solution. This creates a fizzing reaction that can help lift stains.
The magic in the eraser? Melamine, a nitrogen-rich base that works as a powerful-yet-delicate abrasive. Cautions Ip: “Remember to wet it before applying as dry magic erasers can scratch your glass door."
The health and safety warning on a Magic Eraser box reads, “DO NOT USE ON SKIN OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY. USING ON SKIN WILL LIKELY CAUSE ABRASIONS.
Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser with Dawn Is the Winning Combo I Didn't Know I Needed.
Think of it like sandpaper for stains. They say it poses “no health and safety risks.” And contains only “minute amounts” of what we know as Formaldehyde. Plus the American Cancer Society says Formaldehyde is pretty common.
Wash with soapy water and a ”Teflon safe” sponge or pad. 50/50% mix of vinegar and water and let sit in the pan for 10 minutes, and then wash with soap and a Teflon safe sponge/pad. Note: If your Teflon coating is already scratched, vinegar may not be suitable.
Also, speaking of erasers: Magic Erasers can also help with spot-removal of rust on cast iron.
Drop a Magic Eraser corner straight into the toilet bowl. Before washing the toilet ring, let the Magic Eraser soak in the water for a few minutes. Once the stain is gone, swirl the Magic Eraser around the toilet bowl. To have the cleaning residue washed away, flush the toilet.
Cleaning non-stick pans, pots, flat grills and other cookware with magic erasers is a common mistake. Since the cleaners can strip the cookware of its protective coating and non-stick properties. Companies who make the cookware don't reimburse for damage caused by using abrasive cleaning tools.
As a general rule, if you wouldn't use sandpaper on a surface, don't use a Magic Eraser on it. This essentially rules out anything shiny or that can be easily scratched – think wood, stone, marble, and granite. Technically painted surfaces too, although you can get away with these as long as you exercise caution.
You shouldn't use it on dishes or something you eat off of as bits of the polymer are left behind. You should avoid formulas with added fragrance or bleach. All that said, as far as cleaning products go, Magic Eraser is actually one is among the safer options, especially considering how well it works.
The drier, the more abrasive it is. Wear rubber gloves when working with the Magic Eraser! (Unless you want that deep mechanical peeling effect on your hands). Test it in an inconspicuous place first.
Like magic, the Magic Eraser will start powering through tough grime in just a few swipes. Before you know it, your clean bathtub with shine like the top of Mr. Clean's head! And remember, you can also use Magic Eraser to clean other surfaces too.
“Use microfiber cloths to wipe the inside of the glass in a circular motion, then vertically. Next, use a magic eraser with water, using the same method. Lastly, spray glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth and wipe to finish.”
While the suggestion to use a product like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser gets mixed feedback across the Internet, a representative at the company assured me that it can be used on stainless steel sinks (as well as many other approved surfaces) when used as directed on the product packaging.
Avoid cleaners that can damage steel and finishes. Instead, clean your stainless steel appliances with a dish soap like Dawn® Platinum. Its unique formula is tough enough to break up grease and grime while staying gentle on stainless steel surfaces.
Stainless steel appliances, in particular, will benefit from our Stainless Steel Cleanser & Polish. Many manufacturers, including GE Appliances, recommend Bar Keepers Friend for cleaning their products.