How to Use a Magic Eraser Sponge, and Where Not to Use It

A "magic eraser" is a sponge made of melamine foam. It looks soft, but its structure is made of extremely fine, hard strands. When wet, it works like a very fine eraser, lifting marks off a surface by gentle abrasion. That's why it cleans with just water, and also why it needs some care.

How to use it

1. Wet it: dip it in clean water and squeeze out the excess. Don't wring or twist it.
2. Rub gently: use light pressure on the stain. The edges and corners are great for detail work.
3. Wipe: clean the area with a cloth to remove loosened dirt and foam residue.
4. Rinse and reuse: rinse the sponge, squeeze it and let it air-dry.

Great places to use it

• Scuff marks, crayon and pencil on washable matte walls (spot-test first)
• Grey finger marks on switchboards, door frames and handles
• Soap scum on bathroom tiles, buckets and mugs
• Grimy kitchen tiles and the sink
• White sneakers and rubber shoe soles
• Plastic chairs, tables and skirting boards

Where NOT to use it

• Skin: never use it on your face, hands or body. It can cause friction burns.
• Car paint and glossy finishes: it can dull the shine or scratch the clear coat.
• Non-stick cookware: it can wear away the coating.
• Screens and lenses: phones, TVs, laptops, spectacles.
• Polished wood, lacquer, high-gloss steel and stone: it can leave dull patches.

When in doubt, test a small hidden spot first.

How long does one last?

It wears down as it cleans, just like a pencil eraser. How long it lasts depends on the surface. Rough surfaces like tile grout wear it faster than smooth walls. Cutting it into smaller pieces stretches each sponge across many cleaning jobs.

Safety

• Wear gloves for long cleaning sessions.
• Rinse surfaces that touch food after cleaning them.
• Keep sponges away from children and pets. It is not a toy and must not be chewed.

Ready to try it? The Hello Tidy magic cleaning sponge comes in packs for small and big homes.