Arkansans, Don’t Do It: 9 Items Magic Erasers Will Destroy

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are basically little cleaning wizards. You swipe them, and—poof!—stains disappear like magic.

So, how does the “magic” work? Magic Erasers contain melamine foam, which is a super fine abrasive that works kind of like sandpaper. No harsh chemicals, just pure scrubbing power.

But here’s the catch: just like you wouldn’t use a chainsaw to cut a birthday cake, there are some things Arkansans should never clean with a Magic Eraser.

Let’s talk about those before you accidentally destroy something important.

Glossy or High-Shine Surfaces

If it’s shiny and you like it that way, keep that Magic Eraser far, far away. High-gloss furniture, countertops, and appliances look sleek, but these little erasers can dull that beautiful shine in no time.

Since they’re slightly abrasive, using one on a glossy surface is like sanding it down, which we’re positive is not the look you’re going for.

Instead, stick with a soft microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaner. If you’re dealing with fingerprints or smudges, a little bit of diluted dish soap or a vinegar-water mix works wonders.

Keep the Magic Eraser for tougher, non-glossy surfaces.

Your Phone, Laptop, or Any Electronics

Listen, we get it. Your phone screen has seen better days. It’s covered in smudges, fingerprints, and whatever mysterious gunk finds its way onto your gadgets.

But don’t even think about grabbing a Magic Eraser! These things are so abrasive that they can wear away protective coatings on screens, like the anti-glare layer or even scratch them outright.

Instead, use a microfiber cloth (seriously, they’re lifesavers) and a little bit of screen-safe cleaner.

If you don’t have one, just lightly dampen the cloth with water—no soap, no Windex, just water.

Stainless Steel Appliances

You might think a Magic Eraser is perfect for stainless steel because it’s tough on grime. But stainless steel is actually super prone to scratches, and if you rub too hard, you’ll leave dull spots all over your fridge, dishwasher, or oven.

A much safer bet?

A microfiber cloth (yes, again) with a bit of dish soap and warm water.

If you want that shiny, fingerprint-free finish, follow up with a little bit of mineral or olive oil buffed in with a dry cloth.

Non-Stick Cookware

If you love your non-stick pans, promise me you’ll never, ever take a Magic Eraser to them. These pans have a delicate coating that lets you cook with less oil and prevents your eggs from becoming one with the pan.

Scrubbing non-stick pans with a Magic Eraser is like attacking them with fine sandpaper—it wears the coating down, and once that’s gone, you’re left with a sticky mess (and possibly some unwanted pan particles in your food).

To clean them properly, stick with a sponge and mild dish soap.

For stubborn messes, let them soak in warm soapy water for a bit before scrubbing with a non-abrasive pad.

Your Own Skin

This might sound weird, but some people actually use Magic Erasers on their skin to remove things like marker, paint, or even self-tanner gone wrong.

Don’t do it! Magic Erasers are way too harsh for your skin and can cause irritation and burns…not to mention general regret.

If you need to get stubborn stuff off your skin, try using baby oil, coconut oil, or even just a good old-fashioned scrub with warm soapy water.

Your skin will thank you.

Painted Walls

So, your kid decided to turn your walls into their personal art gallery, and now you’re staring at a crayon masterpiece. A Magic Eraser seems like the perfect solution, right?

Not so fast.

While Magic Erasers will remove the crayon, they might also take off the paint.

These erasers are just too strong for most painted surfaces, and scrubbing too hard can leave patches where the paint is rubbed right off.

Instead, try a damp cloth with a little bit of baking soda or a gentle all-purpose cleaner. If you must use a Magic Eraser, test it in a hidden spot first and be super gentle.

Leather and Suede

Magic Erasers might seem like the answer to scuffed-up leather shoes, couches, or bags, but don’t do it!

The abrasiveness can take off the top layer of leather or suede, leaving it looking dull, scratched, or discolored. And once that happens, there’s no easy fix.

Instead, use a leather cleaner or just a damp cloth with a little mild soap.

For suede, a special suede brush or even a pencil eraser works way better.

Car Paint

We get why you’d think about using a Magic Eraser on your car. Maybe you’ve got a stubborn scuff mark, or you just want that ultra-clean look.

But unless you’re trying to give your car an unintentional matte finish, don’t do it. The eraser can strip away the clear coat that protects your car’s paint, leaving it looking dull and scratched.

For cleaning your car, use a proper car wash soap, a soft sponge, and a microfiber towel for drying.

If you’re dealing with scuffs, a little bit of car polish should do the trick.

Natural Stone (Like Granite or Marble)

Granite and marble countertops are beautiful and expensive, so the last thing you want is to mess them up with a Magic Eraser.

The abrasiveness can wear down the sealant, making the stone more prone to staining and damage. And trust us, once stains sink into natural stone, they aren’t easy to get out.