Top 10+ Things You Should Never Do with a Magic Eraser

Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls

A blue box contains two cleaning pads labeled "Magic Eraser." A cartoon character with a bald head and muscular build stands confidently on the front.

Some Countertops

Magic Erasers are abrasive, so avoid using them on delicate countertops such as marble and granite. Not only can you damage the sealant but the eraser may make the countertop appear dull. All of these cleaning products can cause more harm than good.

Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls
Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls

A hand in a yellow glove scrubs a circular drain cover with a sponge in a metal sink, surrounded by water droplets and a nearby dish rack.

Stainless Steel

If you scrub your stainless steel too hard with a Magic Eraser, you can actually make it look more dull. If your stainless steel appliances have scratches, try sanding them out instead. Try these stainless steel scratch remover tricks for appliances.

Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls

A person in black gloves sprays cleaning solution on a black car's hood and wipes it with a cloth in a well-lit garage.

The Outside of Your Car

While Magic Erasers can come in handy for removing dirt and grim from your car’s cupholders and dashboard, don’t use them to polish the outside of your car. The eraser’s abrasiveness can do damage to your car’s paint. Get your car looking shiny and new with these cleaning tricks.

Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls

A black cooking pot with a glass lid is open, revealing its interior. The pot sits on a neutral background, emphasizing its smooth texture and form.

Nonstick Pots and Pans

Magic Erasers may feel like a soft sponge, but using one on your nonstick pots and pans can cause scratches to their surface. When nonstick pans become scratched, some of that coating can get into your food. These are the 10 things you should never wash in your dishwasher.

Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls

Colorful vintage toy cars are arranged on a weathered, striped surface, showcasing various models and conditions, some rusty and worn, evoking nostalgia.

Collectibles

If you have any valuable collectibles, such as toys and hand-me-down jewelry, think twice before using a Magic Eraser to clean up old dirt and grime. Your collectibles aren’t worth the risk of doing more damage than good.

Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls

A gloved hand wipes a yellow cloth against wooden panels, cleaning the surface in a bright, indoor environment with a smooth, natural texture.

Wood Surfaces

While Magic Erasers can be used to get crayon marks off a painted wall, don’t use them to clean wood paneling or other finished wood surfaces. The abrasiveness can strip away the finish. These 100 essential cleaning hacks come in very handy around the house.

Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls

A hand in a yellow glove scrubs a pink crayon drawing from a light-colored wall, removing the artwork with a sponge.

Glossy Paint Finishes

Be careful when using Magic Erasers on painted surfaces with glossy finishes. The abrasive eraser can damage the finish and make it look dull and uneven.

Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls

A toilet bowl is visible, with water reflecting a dark shape in the center. The setting appears neutral and minimalistic, possibly a bathroom environment.

Toilet Bowls

The internet is full of Magic Eraser fails from users. One of those fails includes dropping the eraser in the toilet bowl to clean it. Since the eraser’s magic comes from its tiny microfibers which lift stains away, this tactic is useless—you do still have to scrub!

Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls

Two hands are open and palm up, displaying visible dirt or smudges, suggesting recent activity, against a neutral background.

Skin

No matter how tempting it may be to use a Magic Eraser to clean ground-in dirt from your child’s fingers, never use it on bare skin. The eraser’s abrasiveness can damage skin and cause irritation.

Some Countertops, Stainless Steel, The Outside of Your Car, Nonstick Pots and Pans, Collectibles, Wood Surfaces, Glossy Paint Finishes, Toilet Bowls

A hand removes a sponge from a surface covered with partially peeled-off stickers, revealing a dark wooden background. The scene is brightly lit.

Don’t Use a Magic Eraser on Anything Without a Spot Test

If you’re unsure, always do a small spot test before using a Magic Eraser. The last thing you want is to ruin a surface when you’re just trying to do a little cleaning. Learn how to clean furniture and fight odor without harsh chemical cleaners.

Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Post Related