Will a Magic Eraser Remove Mold? The Definitive Results

Magic erasers are often praised as miracle cleaning tools. Since mold can grow almost anywhere, you’re probably wondering if you can use a magic eraser for the job. After all, these abrasive melamine sponges are perfect for most cleaning scenarios.

A magic eraser will remove mold from grout, wood, plastic, and many other surfaces. Run the magic eraser through water for a few seconds, squeeze it to remove the excess water, then scrub the mold until it’s off. You can use white vinegar if the mold is trapped in a porous surface.

In this article, I’ll explain how you can remove mold with magic erasers, why they’re so effective, and how to prevent magic erasers from growing mold.

Does Magic Eraser Remove Mold?

Magic eraser removes mold because the abrasive melamine foam scrubs the mold out of most surfaces. Furthermore, it can get rid of the top layer of the material, such as plastic or wood. The moisture in the sponge loosens the mold and mildew as well.

Here’s an in-depth look at each of these explanations:

• Melamine is abrasive and naturally removes tough stains and spills. You don’t need to push too hard for these magic erasers to strip the mold off of your grout, counters, and other locations. However, it’s not advised to use melamine foam on granite, marble, and other soft surfaces.
• Magic erasers remove the top layer off of most surfaces. If you’re cleaning wood, plastic, sandpaper, and other surfaces, expect a thin layer to come off. This method ensures the stain or mold is removed, too. For example, you can’t use magic erasers to clean wood coasters.
• You can use a magic eraser to clean fabric and remove deep set mold. Mold finds its way into all sorts of surfaces, most of which can be reached by magic erasers. If you can’t get rid of the mold, you might need to add more water or get a sponge with Durafoam.
• You might have to use multiple magic erasers if the mold is in grout or another deep surface. Melamine foam isn’t the strongest material. It cleans very quickly, but it also falls apart faster than most other cleaning products. Always get a multi-pack for removing mold.
• Feel free to try cleaning solutions if they don’t have harsh chemicals. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar since they both naturally eliminate mold spores. Once the mold lifts off the surface, scrub it with a magic eraser to clean the stain.

The Magic Sponge Eraser comes in a 100-pack that’s much more affordable than high-end magic erasers. While they don’t last as long, you’ll get more bang for your buck on small spills and stains. You can use these foam pads to remove mold, grease, and more.

How to Remove Mold With Magic Erasers

To remove mold with magic erasers, try this method:

1. Place the magic eraser in a sink or a bucket of water, then wring it out. You can’t use a magic eraser without adding water. Moisture is the key ingredient that activates the melamine foam. Regardless of which brand you prefer, you need to run it under water before using it.
2. Scrub the mold until it’s clean. Use circular motions to get rid of the mold with a magic eraser. Don’t push too hard or you’ll damage the foam and break it apart. The surface is abrasive enough to remove most stains, mold, and mildew without excessive amounts of pressure.
3. Rinse and clean the magic eraser to get rid of as much mold as possible. Never let the mold spores stay in the melamine foam. Even a couple of mold spores can grow and ruin the magic eraser. You can use a drop of dish soap if necessary, but don’t soak it in too much soap.
4. Dry the magic eraser to prevent mold from growing on the porous surface. You can place it in front of a fan or let it air dry. Squeeze the magic eraser to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Place it on a towel, but don’t put it in a hot space or it’ll get too dry.
5. Get rid of the magic eraser if it crumbles or falls apart. You can’t use a crumbled magic eraser. Whether or not it’s stained, these porous foam pads aren’t reliable once they deteriorate. You’ll push melamine crumbs all over the place.

According to A Debt Free Stress Free Life, magic erasers need water to work. They’re practically useless without a little bit of moisture because they’ll fall apart. You don’t need cleaning products or harsh chemicals, though. That being said, you can add white vinegar if the mold is stubborn.

Here’s a quick video run-through of using magic erasers to get rid of mold:

Can Magic Erasers Get Moldy?

Melamine can get moldy, which is one of the many reasons a magic eraser falls apart. Mold develops when you store a magic eraser in a humid environment. It can also grow on the melamine foam pads if you don’t rinse and dry them after each use.

For the best results, store your magic erasers in an airtight container. You can use Tupperware, sealed bags, and other storage options that prevents the foam from getting too wet, hot, or cold. If you notice mold on a magic eraser after storing it, you’ll more than likely have to throw it away.

The good news is that melamine pads (aka magic erasers) are budget-friendly and easy to find. There’s no use spreading mold spores if you notice discoloration on the foam. Get rid of the foam and grab a new one for the next project to keep everything nice and clean.

In Conclusion

Magic erasers can remove mold, but they can also get moldy. Always thoroughly wash the foam after scrubbing mold. The spores can get trapped in the porous material and grow, which ruins the magic eraser. Don’t forget to let the magic eraser dry off before putting it away.