7 places around the house you should never use a magic eraser

Read before you scrub.

Few cleaning products have earned cult status quite like the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Made from melamine foam, these polymer sponges have the ability to lift stubborn scuffs and marks with ease. "I love foam cleaning pads!" shares cleaning expert Vanessa Garcia, a professional Tasker on Taskrabbit. "They can actually be incredibly helpful on tough scratches or stains where other methods fall short. You just have to be careful not to damage the material." Some are just plain too delicate for the sponge's surprisingly abrasive nature.  

Knowing where not to use a melamine sponge is just as important as knowing where it shines. Here are the places to avoid using a Magic Eraser and other similar melamine sponges.

Related: How to Clean Baseboards the Right Way

Painted Walls

Think of melamine sponges less like a traditional sponge and more like an ultra-fine sandpaper. Used in the wrong place or with too much pressure, they can permanently scratch, dull, or otherwise damage surfaces—and that includes painted walls. "On painted walls, they essentially act like a sander and can remove paint," Garcia says.

Before reaching for a melamine sponge, try wiping marks away with a damp microfiber cloth first. A Magic Eraser can dull the finish or remove part of the paint altogether, leaving behind faded patches that can be especially noticeable on matte finishes. 

Granite or Marble Counters and Fixtures

While it may seem intuitive to reach for a Magic Eraser to remedy a stained countertop, you should think twice if yours is made of granite, marble, or another raw material. You may accidentally remove the sealant, resulting in a duller or scratched appearance. 

Glass Cooktops

Burnt-on grease and grime can be stubborn, but glass cooktops still aren't suitable for Magic Erasers. Instead, stick to milder abrasive agents, like baking soda. Melamine foam may permanently etch the glass. 

Related: The Right Way to Clean an Induction Cooktop

Phone, Computers, Television Screens

It's tempting to reach for a melamine sponge to wipe away fingerprints and smudges, but because melamine foam is abrasive, it can damage delicate screen coatings that help reduce glare and fingerprints. “Never use them on phone screens,” Garcia says. They can leave them cloudy or scratched. The same goes for computer and television screens and other tech products, too. 

Instead, use a clean microfiber cloth specifically designated for electronics to safely remove dust and fingerprints.

Leather Upholstery and Products

Leather furniture, handbags, and accessories can quickly lose their finish if cleaned improperly or too aggressively. The abrasive foam can strip protective coatings, dull the finish, or leave visible wear on natural leather. For routine cleaning, stick with products specifically formulated for leather care and use soft cloths whenever possible.

Nonstick Cookware

Not all sponges perform the same or are suitable for all types of cookware. When it comes to nonstick pots and pans in particular, melamine sponges are a no-go. Like steel wool and other abrasive scrubbers, a Magic Eraser can strip them of their specialized coating. 

Certain Furniture Finishes

Painted wood, lacquered pieces, and furniture with delicate protective coatings are especially vulnerable to melamine foam. “It can scratch surfaces or strip paint from certain finishes," Garcia notes.

If you're unsure how a finish will react, it's better to choose a gentler cleaning method first and to always perform a spot test. "My approach is usually to test a tiny, inconspicuous corner first to see if there's any reaction," Garcia says.

It's a quick step that can reveal whether the sponge will dull, scratch, or remove a finish before any noticeable damage occurs. Starting with the lightest possible pressure also helps minimize the risk of abrasion.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart