A truly magical eraser: a single product that can help out with a host of house-keeping cleaning chores
These products are called magic erasers, and for those unfamiliar with them, there may be doubt about whether they are really deserving of this name. Magic erasers are actually melamine resin sponges which are able to erase dirty marks from a multitude of different surfaces around the home. Common magic eraser brands include Mr. Clean, Brillo and Scotch-Brite.
They work just like an regular eraser, but there is an intermediate step that some forget to do: first, you have to wet and wring out magic erasers before using them. Now you know this, let's see how magic erasers can be used at home:
Not just for the walls: a magic eraser can be used for so much more
Creativo
A magic eraser is typically bought and used to remove fingerprints or other marks and scuffs that appear on the walls. As you probably know, some marks on the walls can be near-impossible to remove with a regular cloth or sponge. And it is for these cases that a magic eraser can come to the rescue. That said, we can also use a magic eraser on other surfaces:
- Floors: if you have marked stoneware, ceramic or smooth vinyl flooring, try using a magic eraser on stubborn scuffs. Be especially careful on vinyl, though: test on an inconspicuous spot first as the magic eraser is somewhat abrasive and can damage glossy surfaces.
- Shoes: the rubber of the soles of trainers and boots tend to get quite dirty. Use a damp magic eraser to quickly remove this dirt.
- Permanent marker stains on a desk: yes, a magic eraser can be used on these too! But it's always better to check first that the eraser isn't too abrasive for the surface you want to clean.
For wood and wood flooring: when nothing else works, it's worth trying a magic eraser, focusing on only the marks (and applying a wood-nourisher immediately after use). That said, using a magic eraser on wood should be considered a last resort due to the potential risk of causing damage.
Other uses for a magic eraser around the home
If you use a magic eraser on rough surfaces (like a stippled wall), it should work fine, but it will also wear out much faster. As for other cleaning chores, here are some other uses for a magic eraser:
- Faucets: remove limescale and marks left by water droplets with just a few rubs.
- Cleaning the grouting: instead of using toothbrushes and commercial creams, try a magic eraser. If you don't have to clean too much, it's much more convenient!
- Marks on the shower cubicle or on other bathroom fixtures: using a magic eraser where other methods have failed, could give you great results.
- Cleaning an induction oven top: again, where other methods have failed you, try using a magic eraser on the stubborn marks on an induction oven's glass top!
Have you ever used the magic eraser in these ways?