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Using a Magic Eraser On Your Car - Detailing Secret Sauce or a Disaster?

When it comes to cleaning our cars, we all want the best and easiest solution. For some people, that means using a magic eraser. But are they really safe to use on cars? In this blog post, we will explore the truth about magic erasers and whether or not you can use them on vehicles. We will also recommend some alternatives that may be better suited for this purpose.

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Get 2+ Years of Protection With This Scratch & Chemical Resistant Coating

★★★★★ 

6k+ Verified Customer Reviews

Redline Shine is a 7H hardness polysiloxane ceramic coating that protects your vehicle from grime, contaminants & chemicals. You’ll get up to 2 years of protection even in the harshest conditions.

What is a Magic Eraser?

So, what are magic erasers? They are essentially a type of cleaning sponge that is made from melamine foam. This material is very effective at scrubbing away dirt, grime, and other types of build-up. It is also gentle enough to use on delicate surfaces like painted walls or glass.

The name “magic eraser” comes from the fact that it seems to erase dirt and stains with little effort. All you need to do is dampen the sponge and then start scrubbing. The dirt and grime will literally disappear before your eyes!

Why Should I Use a Magic Eraser on My Car?

The main reason why people use magic erasers on their cars is that they are so easy to use. You don’t need any special cleaning products or solutions – just a damp sponge. This makes them perfect for quick and easy polish in between washes.

Magic erasers are also very effective at removing stubborn stains and build-up. So if you have a scuffs on your car that just won’t come out, then a magic eraser may help.

Are Magic Erasers Safe to Use on Cars?

So, now that we know what magic erasers are and how they work, the question remains: are they safe to use on cars? Unfortunately, the answer is a little bit complicated.

On the one hand, magic erasers effectively remove dirt, grime, and other surface build-ups. This includes the paint on your car. So, if you use a magic eraser on your vehicle, it will probably come out with high gloss look and new.

On the other hand, magic erasers are also quite harsh. This is because they are made from melamine foam, a type of abrasive material. As such, it can remove not only dirt and grime, but also some of the protective wax coating on your car’s paint job.

In addition, magic erasers can also be quite drying. This means they can strip away the natural oils from your car’s paint, leaving it dull and lifeless.

To properly answer the question, Let’s take a look at where to use the magic eraser and where you should use another method like the Torque Detail Clay Kit.

Where to Use a Magic Eraser on a Car

Despite the potential risks, there are still some instances where using a magic eraser on your car is safe.

Glass, Including the Windshield

A magic eraser is a safe and effective cleaning tool to clean car glass. It won’t scratch the glass and only removes dirt, such as insects, debris, haze, and smoke films.

A clean windshield and windows are essential for a driver’s safety and visibility. However, many individuals have difficulty cleaning these surfaces effectively. A magic eraser is a safe and easy way to clean your windshield without worrying about scratching the glass.

👑 What Does This Better Than a Magic Eraser:

Torque Detail Clay Kit. Our clay block glides safely across your glass thanks to the clay lubricant included. It works similarly on glass to a magic eraser but does a much deeper clean and does not leave streaks. Take your glass to the next level by also applying Graphene Burst. This will protect your glass for up to one year and bead off water. This can greatly increase visibility when it is raining.

Pedals

Your car pedals see a lot of wear and tear and can become quite dirty over time. You can use a magic eraser to clean these surfaces and make them look new again. Just be sure not to use too much pressure when scrubbing, as this can wear down the pedal’s surface.

👑 What Does This Better Than a Magic Eraser:

Intra Clean: The 2-step interior cleaning kit

Carpet

The carpets in your car can become stained and matted over time. You can use a magic eraser to clean these surfaces and remove any dirt or grime that has built up. Just be sure to vacuum the area first to remove any loose dirt.

Use a carpet cleaning solution and scrub the dirt away with a wet magic eraser. This will loosen up any caked-on residue. Then, to have your carpets looking spotless, vacuum the entire area again afterward.

👑 What Does This Better Than a Magic Eraser:

Intra Clean: The 2-step interior cleaning kit

Headlights

Over time, your car’s headlights might get foggy and yellow. You may use a magic eraser to clean these surfaces and restore clarity. To a certain extent, you may clean foggy, hazy, or dirty headlights with a magic eraser. The abrasiveness of the magical eraser can eliminate insects, grime, and fog to a certain degree. For those looking to restore the headlight’s clarity completely, we recommend using a headlight restoration kit.

👑 What Does This Better Than a Magic Eraser:

There’s only so much a Magic Eraser can do in this situation. Read our headlight cleaning guide to learn more.

Console

The console in your car can become stained and sticky over time. You can use a magic eraser to clean this surface and remove any dirt or grime that has built up. Add some dish soap to the eraser and scrub away the dirt.

What Does This Better Than a Magic Eraser:

Intra Clean: The 2-step interior cleaning kit

Door Jams

An often overlooked area of the car, door jams can become quite dirty over time. You can use a magic eraser to clean these surfaces and remove any dirt or grime that has built up. Just be sure to use a gentle scrubbing motion to avoid scratching the paint.

What Does This Better Than a Magic Eraser:

Torque Detail Clay Kit. Our clay block glides safely across your paint thanks to the clay lubricant included. The clay block will be both safer and more effective than the magic eraser.

Where to  NEVER  Use Magic Erasers on Cars

Sometimes, it is best to avoid using magic erasers on your car.

Delicate Interior Locations

Some car interior surfaces, such as the control panel, navigation screen, and leather car seats, can be delicate and easily scratched. You should not use a magic eraser on these surfaces as it may cause damage. Instead, use a soft or microfiber cloth.

For Removing Scratches

Magic erasers will not remove scratches from your car’s paint. In fact, they may even make the scratches worse. If you have scratches on your vehicle, we recommend using the Torque Detail Reverse: Car Scratch Remover, Water Spot Remover & Swirl Repair.

Learn how to repair scratches here.

Cleaning the Exterior of the Car

You should not clean the exterior of your car with a magic eraser as it can strip away the protective wax coating. Instead, use a mild soap, a dedicated car shampoo and do car wash. For those looking for an easy way to clean their car’s exterior, we recommend using the Torque Detail Clay Kit. Not only will it clean all exterior surfaces of the vehicle, but it also removes the contaminants people try to remove with a magic eraser. 

On Leather Seats

Like with other delicate interior surfaces, it is best to avoid using a magic eraser on leather seats. The harsh chemicals in the eraser can damage the upholstery of the car and cause it to crack and fade over time. Instead, use a mild soap and water solution or a dedicated leather cleaner. 

Anywhere without Wetting it First

You should always use magic erasers with water to avoid damaging the surface you’re cleaning. When dry, a magic eraser has the same properties as sandpaper, specifically about 500-800 grit sandpaper. This means that it can easily scratch and damage surfaces. Therefore, always wet the eraser before using it to clean any surface in your car. Wetting the eraser can change the 500 grit to closer to 5000.

So, Where Should I Use a Magic Eraser? (And Where Shouldn’t I!?)

Now that you know where you can use magic erasers on cars, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Best Uses for a Magic Eraser on Cars:

  • Use on glass, pedals, carpets, headlights, consoles, and door jams.
  • Add dish soap to the eraser for extra cleaning power.
  • Vacuum the area after using the magic eraser to remove any loose dirt.
  • Use a carpet cleaning solution for extra tough stains.

Worst Uses for a Magic Eraser on Cars:

  • Use on delicate interior surfaces or to remove scratches.
  • Use on the exterior of the car.
  • Use the magic eraser dry.
  • Use the magic eraser without gloves.
  • Use only a magic eraser for car detailing.

How to REALLY Clean a Car (Inside and Out)

Below is a video showing how to clean your car, interior and exterior, using our suite of easy to use products.

Read the full guide on cleaning the interior and exterior of your car here.

FAQs

How does a magic eraser work?

The Magic Erasers are sponges made of melamine foam that has long been used as soundproofing and insulation. More recently, researchers discovered the cleaning advantages of the magic eraser. It works because when melamine resin hardens into foam, its microstructure becomes almost as hard as glass, attracting dirt and grime and trapping it in the open structure. The abrasive foam loosens filth and grime away, while the porous open structure absorbs it and keeps it trapped there.

Are magic erasers safe on car paint?

No. Magic erasers are too abrasive for car paint and can cause scratches. If you have scratches on your car, we recommend using the Torque Detail Reverse: Car Scratch Remover, Water Spot Remover & Swirl Repair.

Can I use a magic eraser on my car windows?

Yes, magic erasers are safe to use on glass. In fact, they work great for removing stubborn stains and fingerprints. Just be sure to wet the eraser before using it to avoid scratching the glass.

Do you have to rinse after using a Magic Eraser?

No, there’s no need to rinse after using a magic eraser. The foam is porous and will trap the dirt and grime it comes in contact with. If there is any remaining residue or cleaner left on the surface, you can wipe it away with a damp cloth.

Will Magic Eraser scratch glass?

No, Magic Erasers do not scratch glass. A magic eraser is made up of Melamine foam which is not abrasive but only agitates more embedded surfaces very effectively. We use magic erasers to remove spots on windows and other surfaces without scratching.

I accidentally used a magic eraser on my car paint; what should I do?

If you accidentally use a magic eraser on your car paint, we recommend using the Torque Detail Reverse: Car Scratch Remover, Water Spot Remover & Swirl Repair. Magic erasers are too abrasive for car paint and can cause scratches. The Torque Detail Reverse will remove any scratches caused by the magic eraser and restore your car’s paint to its original condition.

How many times can you use a magic eraser?

You can use a magic eraser until it disintegrates. Once it starts breaking down, it becomes less effective and can scratch surfaces. When this happens, it’s time to get a new one.

Should I wax my car after using a magic eraser?

While it is not required, we recommend waxing your car after using a magic eraser. This will help protect the paint and keep it looking shiny and new. Torque Detail’s Mirror Shine – Ceramic Car Wax Spray & Sealant is a great choice. If you do not have time to wax, simply rinse the area with water and dry it off. Do not let the area air dry, as this can cause water spots.

How often should I use a magic eraser on my car?

Use a magic eraser as often as needed to keep your car clean. For example, if you are using it on the interior, we recommend using it once a week to keep things looking fresh. For the exterior, we recommend using it every other week or as needed.

Do magic erasers work well on tire rims?

Yes, magic erasers are excellent for removing brake dust and grime from the tire rims. They can swiftly and simply remove stubborn brake dust and dirt build-up. Before using it, wet the eraser to avoid damaging the surface. If you have any remaining residue or cleaner on the surface, clean it away with a damp cloth. There’s no need to rinse a magic eraser after usage. The foam is porous and captures particles of dirt and grime that come into contact with it.

Can a magic eraser clean oil from the garage floor?

A magic eraser can remove oil stains from concrete. Just be sure to wet the eraser before using it to avoid scratching the surface. You may need to scrub the area a bit more than usual, but the eraser should lift the stain easily.

Will a magic eraser damage my tires?

No, magic erasers will not damage your tires. They are safe to use on all surfaces, including rubber. Just be sure to wet the eraser before using it to avoid damaging the surface. You may need to scrub the area a bit more than usual, but the eraser should lift the stain easily.

Can I use a magic eraser to clean my rag top?

We don’t recommend using a magic eraser on your car’s rag top. The abrasiveness of the foam can damage the delicate fabric. Instead, we recommend a DIY, using a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or stains gently. If you must use a magic eraser, wet it before using it and use gentle pressure. Test a small area first to be sure the eraser won’t damage the fabric.

Glowing Radiant Shine With Deep Depth

Get 2+ Years of Protection With This Scratch & Chemical Resistant Coating

★★★★★ 

6k+ Verified Customer Reviews

Redline Shine is a 7H hardness polysiloxane ceramic coating that protects your vehicle from grime, contaminants & chemicals. You’ll get up to 2 years of protection even in the harshest conditions.

Summary

A magic eraser is a cleaning pad that you can use to remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants from various surfaces. While they are safe to use on glass, pedals, carpets, headlights, and the console, you should not use them to clean the car’s exterior. You can use them to remove scratches on the car’s paint, but only if an alternative, such as the Torque Detail Clay Kit, is not available. 

You should use magic erasers until they disintegrate and should then be replaced. Waxing the car after using a magic eraser is not required but is recommended. You can use them on tire rims and in the garage to clean oil stains from concrete. 

Magic erasers will not damage your tires but can damage the fabric on a car’s rag top. When using a magic eraser, be sure to wet it before using it and use gentle pressure. Test a small area first to be sure the eraser won’t damage the surface.

  • Published on Jan 02, 2023