Homemade Magic Erasers For Pennies

Learn how to make a DIY Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for just pennies per sponge that have the same cleaning power as the store-bought ones. 

I remember the first time I heard about Magic Erasers. I was so excited to get one and try it out. When I got home from the store I quickly started using the magic erasers on just about everything.

It took the permanent marker on the wall off, it removed scuff marks from baseboards, which now look amazing, and it cleaned my bathtub in no time at all. I thought it was the most amazing thing for the first 30 minutes. After that, I was left with almost no sponge and just some little bits. I was so happy with how it cleaned all sorts of stains, but disappointed at how quickly it disappeared.

Afterwards, I would only buy magic eraser sponges if they were on sale or with a coupon. Even then, they were still expensive. A 2 pack will set me back around $3. A $1.50 for a disappearing sponge doesn't seem like that good of a deal.

I decided in most cases I was better off spending less money and putting a little more elbow grease into cleaning.

Until recently.

I was reading an article that was talking about best cleaning products. It mentioned melamine foam, which I had never heard of. After some research, I found out it is pretty much what the brand name original magic erasers are.

So what is the catch? I will say these special sponges really came on a slow boat from China. Amazon let me know when they ordered them, but it took almost 5 weeks to get my magic erasers. If you need them to clean your house next week, then I would just buy the ones in the store. If you can wait a bit then I would!

I found that they look and work identically to the name brand magic erasers that I have bought in the past. Plus my 50 pack should last me at least 6 months to a year for just a little more cost than what a 2 pack would cost in the store. I just need to remember when I am down to the last 5-10 sponges to reorder.

What You'll Need

pack of melamine sponges - these were a little more expensive than the large sheets of melamine foam but I didn't want to cut them myself and they still came out to be about $.08 per sponge when you buy the 50 pack. 

*If you want to cut the sheets into your own magic erasers, simply use a box cutter. This is the best way to customize the sponge size that can really go in small spaces and hard-to-clean areas.

How to Use a DIY Magic Sponge 

​It's just like using a regular sponge. Simple dip it in hot water long enough so it puffs up a little bit. Wring out the excess water, and start cleaning! 

Do You Have to Use a Cleaning Solution? 

I found that the generic melamine sponges worked fine by themselves, but some like to soak it in a cleaning agent first. If that's the case, use a teaspoon of Borax, a teaspoon of baking soda, and dissolve it in a cup of warm water.

You should only use a cleaning solution when you are cleaning tubs, showers, etc. This DIY cleaning tool was originally created to not have use other agents. 

What All Can You Clean with DIY Magic Erasers? 

Melamine foam erasers can be used on just about anything, but we always say to test a small area first. Be sure to see my magic eraser hacks, as some of them are pretty mind blowing! Say goodbye to: 

• Soap scum and hard water stains - if you are cleaning shower doors that are coated, the eraser may take off the finish. I recommend using my shower spray instead. 
• Sticky residue - this is the best DIY cleaner for the inside of a really nasty oven door.
• Dirty kitchen sinks - remember if they are stainless steel, it can dull the finish, but my rosemary sink spray works on stainless and ceramic. 
• Greasy kitchen cabinets

​How Do Magic Erasers Clean? 

Spoiler alert! It's not technically magic. 

The melamine sponge has a micro-abrasive property due to its tiny air pockets that are visible on a microscopic level. It's made of melamine foam, which is soft and spongy but contains microscopic abrasive particles. When you apply the sponge to a surface, these particles help break down and remove dirt, stains, and grime.

Even though these little sponges are small and soft, they are very abrasive and cannot be used on everything. Once activated that are just as strong as super-fine sandpaper. 

When You Shouldn't Use Magic DIY Sponges?

Remember that these pieces of melamine foam are just as abrasive as very fine sandpaper. So never use them on the body of vehicles, granite, marble, or other stone countertops, high gloss wood surfaces (or any other high gloss material), or stainless steel appliances (it will dull the finish). 

Helpful Tips 

• Before cleaning an entire surface, test a small area first. The DIY version works just as well as a store-bought magic eraser and while it really gets rib of stubborn stains, we also don't want to ruin anything in the process. 

Common FAQs 

I am so glad can save tons of money with DIY magic erasers, because they are one of the best options when it comes to cleaning terrible stains, buildup of grease, and so much more! 

More Homemade Cleaners You Will Love: 

• How To Clean With Essential Oils
• ​Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
• DIY Drain Cleaner
• Homemade Jewelry Cleaner
• How To Make Dawn Powerwash

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