They’re called ‘life changers’ in many households, inspiring others to devote entire Facebook posts to their (cleaning) virtues.
It’s true that there are few things that magic erasers can’t clean, from shower screens and shoes to car interiors and grout.
However, not everything looks better once it’s been cleaned with a magic eraser.
In fact, a magic eraser can do real damage to some surfaces. Here are four things you definitely want to avoid cleaning.
1. Your car
A magic eraser can feel soft when it’s wet, but according to Apartment Therapy, it has the abrasiveness of 3000 grit sandpaper. That’s why you should never use one to clean a car, which can scratch the highly polished surface.
2. Stone benchtops
Magic erasers can scratch delicate surfaces such as granite and marble benchtops and make them appear dull.
3. Nonstick pots and pans
Cleaning a non-stick pot or pan with a magic eraser will damage the coating and scratch the surface, rendering it less effective and possibly toxic.
4. Stainless steel
Proceed carefully before using a magic eraser on a stainless steel surface as it could dull and scratch the high gloss finish.
This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.
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