A magic eraser is built to start breaking down as soon as it is used. Just like a pencil eraser, it gets smaller every time you use it. As such, these cleaning tools do not have a long shelf life. However, their longevity does not reflect their effectiveness; if anything, a magic eraser is a must-have cleaning tool around your home.
So how many times can you reuse your magic eraser? Well, that depends on how you use it. If you use your magic eraser to get rid of tough grime and stain, or for a heavy job, you may end up using the eraser once only. However, for small jobs and lighter scrubbing, the eraser may still be in a condition to be used a few more times. That said, you do not have to worry about wasting your money on a new magic eraser. We have highlighted how to maximize its use.
This article will look at how to maximize the use of a magic eraser, the procedure of using an eraser, items and surfaces that should not be cleaned using a magic eraser and other related issues. Keep reading to learn more.
How to Maximize the Use a Magic Eraser Sustainably
As mentioned above, magic erasers fall apart as you use them. As such, if you are not careful, you may end using a lot of money to purchase these cleaning tools. It does not help that they cost a dime. So then, how do you use your magic eraser without wasting?
Before using your magic eraser, cut it into small chunks. With erasers whether big or small, they all perform the same function and with the same effectiveness. Therefore, by cutting it into small pieces you end up getting a lot more use from a single magic eraser.
How to use a Magic Eraser
While we are talking about maximizing the life of a magic eraser, it is possible, you do not know how to use one in the first place. If that is the case, do not worry we have done all the work for you. The following is a step-to-step procedure of using a magic eraser for your cleaning needs.
Step 1: Before you use your magic eraser, perform a spot test by using it on a hidden surface to make sure that it will not leave any damage on your surface.
Step 2: Wet the eraser with water then squeeze out any excess water like you would for a regular sponge. Wetting your eraser activates its fibers enhancing its cleaning power for better results.
Step 3: Gently rub the eraser on the surface you want to clean. Most of the time it will take little effort to get the surface clean. However, if you are trying to get rid of tough stains like rust or mildew you may have to scrub a little harder.
Step 4: Eventually you will notice the dirt begins to fade and your surface will become clean.
Step 5: Dispose of the remains that result from the eraser falling apart.
Surfaces and Items You Should Never Clean Using a Magic Eraser
Magic erasers can be used on many surfaces including walls, floors, bathtubs, blinds, baseboards and even to clean crayon and maker color from surfaces. However, some surfaces and items cannot be cleaned using an eraser. They include
- Marble and Granite countertops– these two materials are very fragile. Magic erasers, on the other hand, are made of highly abrasive material. As such, when you use the erasers on such a fragile countertop, you may end up scratching and damaging the sealant and dulling the countertop.
In place of the magic eraser, use a microfiber and some home cleaning solution to clean your countertops
- Wood Finished Surfaces– the tough nature of erasers tends to strip away the finishing on wood finished surfaces or on clean wood paneling.
- Glossy Paint Finishes- using an eraser on surfaces with a glossy finishing makes the surface look dull, uneven and eventually it loses the glossy finishing.
- Stainless Steel Surfaces– Scratching stainless steel surface too hard using an eraser may make it dull. As such, if you have to scrub your stainless steel surface we recommend sanding them instead of using erasers.
- Non-stick dishware– even though an eraser can be used in your kitchen it has limits. For instance, you should not use it on your nonstick dishware. Its abrasive nature can cause scratches to the dishware, therefore, causing the coating of the dishware to get into contact with food, which can easily lead to food poisoning.
To clean your non-stick pots use a soft sponge and dishwashing soap. If you are dealing with stubborn grime, you can use some baking soda to help loosen the grime on your pot.
- The exterior of a car– First, to be clear, you can use magic erasers to clean the interior of your car. That is the dashboard, cup holders among other dirty areas. However, you should never use the eraser to clean the outside of the car. Magic erasers can damage the polish and paint of your car, which we are aware, will cost you a dime to fix. If you are looking to clean your car, using a microfiber cloth and soapy water is the safest way. However, you can also take your car to a car wash professional.
- Screens- this refers to your phone, laptop, or even television screen. Screens are very fragile and therefore, they should be cleaned gently. Using an eraser on them can cause scratches, therefore, damaging the screens. To clean your screens we recommend you use a soft microfiber cloth and some homemade screen cleaner or purchased screen cleaner.
Related Questions
Can I use a dry magic eraser?
Yes, you can, the only difference might be on the results. Wetting a magic eraser helps the sponge to absorb dirt more easily and effectively. It uses the same concept as using a wet paper towel to clean surfaces. The wet paper towel pulls more dirt leaving the glass surface cleaner. Therefore, if you are looking to make your cleaning work easier we recommend wetting your magic eraser.
Is it safe to use a magic eraser on the skin?
It is tempting to want to clean your child’s dirty finger and hands using an eraser. However, it is not safe. Ideally, a magic eraser works by buffering away the surface you are cleaning which is usually the dirty one. As such, when you scrub your hands or skin with the eraser you get rid of skin cells, which in turn causes a burning sensation and irritation. Skin that has been scrubbed using an eraser ends up damaged and if left unattended to it could lead to an infection. If this is not enough reason why you should never use a magic eraser on your skin, nothing else is.
Can a magic eraser remove the toilet bowl ring?
There is a misconception that by just tossing an eraser in the toilet it can get rid of the accumulated grime in the toilet bowl. The thing is, even with using the eraser you will have to scrub off the grime. So brace yourself
