Daily use usually leads to tiny scratches on your phone screen, which can sometimes hinder views, plus they make your phone look a bit janky. Magic Erasers have become a popular and effective method for removing these scratches or at least making them much less visible. Not all experts agree on this method, but even proponents say it’s important to use a slightly wet Magic Eraser and apply only gentle pressure during the process.

Magic Erasers make the marks from permanent markers not so permanent. The makers of the foam sponge warn users not to scrub enameled or shiny painted surfaces or porous, natural stone surfaces like granite or marble. But a wet melamine sponge is safe and effective to use on other painted surfaces and countertops in your home.

It doesn’t take long for food splatter and overflow to coat the inside of your microwave. Magic Erasers easily clean up the debris that’s sticking to the sides and roof of your microwave’s interior. Add warm water to the sponge, then wipe down the surfaces, including the glass door. Use a light touch if the interior is stainless steel because the Magic Eraser can scratch it if you scrub too vigorously.

Window washing got a lot easier when the melamine sponge appeared in the household cleaning supplies aisle. Instead of having to gather together a bucket of cleaning solution, a squeegee, towels, and other supplies, all you need is the foam sponge to get the job done. A damp Magic Eraser, gently brushed across the glass, removes stains, dirt, and grime and brings back a shine to the glass.

If you’ve tried a variety of commercial oven cleaners and homemade concoctions to get your oven clean but to no avail, opt for a Magic Eraser instead. Adding water activates the tough cleaning power of all the tiny, triangular air pockets built into the sponge, making them as hard as glass. Scrub the oven’s surfaces and the stove top using a circular motion over stains and baked-on foods. The powerful micro-scrubbers in the sponge clean them right off.

No matter how hard you scrub, getting rid of those brown stains on your glass casseroles, bakeware, and loaf pans seems next to impossible. To make them look shiny and new again, soak the dish and the melamine sponge in water, then rub off any cooked-on debris and stains. You won’t even need to use all of your strength to scrub them clean.

Anyone who’s ever used nail polish has likely experienced an accidental spill, splash, or dribble. Before the invention of the Magic Eraser, those spills became a permanent part of the surface on which they fell. Now, you can get rid of the mishap with little effort using light strokes of the foam sponge. Unlike nail polish remover, the Magic Eraser method removes the stain without damaging the surface.

If you’ve stopped using a hair appliance because it’s covered in a gross residue from hair products like gels, hairsprays, and mousse, a Magic Eraser can make it usable again. Moisten the sponge in warm water and run it over the metal surfaces of the appliance to get rid of the gunk.

Stains and blemishes on leather and microfiber are no longer a reason to get rid of furniture. A melamine sponge works well on both types of materials. However, before trying this hack, it’s important to spot test an area first, preferably on the bottom. Magic erasers have an abrasive quality similar to fine-grit sandpaper and can damage some types of upholstery, especially if you use too much force when cleaning.

Outdoor furniture is a big investment, so performing regular maintenance and thorough cleanings is important. Spray plastic furniture with a hose to remove excess dirt. Then, wipe all surfaces with a Magic Eraser. You can use the same process with metal furniture, but remember to scrub gently to avoid scratching the surface.

If you stored marinara sauce in a plastic storage container and it left behind a red stain that you can’t get rid of, use a Magic Eraser to make the problem disappear. Add baking soda to the plastic container along with some warm water. Use a Magic Eraser to scrub the sides and bottom of the container until the stain is gone. Make sure you rinse out the foam sponge to remove any traces of the baking soda.

Vinyl fencing may be durable, but it still gets dirty and needs a good cleaning. Some chemical cleaning solutions and concentrated cleaners can erode the vinyl exterior, but a melamine sponge is safe to use. Spray off any debris with a hose, then use the wet sponge to clean off any mold, mildew, or stains.

If you’re standing across the room and can see scuff marks, stains, or dirt on your baseboards, it’s time to give them a good cleaning. Instead of scrubbing for hours using a bucket of cleaner and a scrub brush, put your knees through a shorter trial and try an easier method: a moistened Magic Eraser.

The Magic Eraser quickly removes mold and mildew stains between tiles on walls and floors alike. Avoid using it on natural stone surfaces, though. Once the green gunk is gone, you’ll not only notice a fresher smell in the air but you’ll be amazed by the like-new, shiny-clean finish on your tile.

Poor visibility at night can lead to a collision and dirty headlights can contribute to the problem. First, remove any bug or dirt residue from the headlight cover. Then, use a moist melamine sponge to brighten up the lens and clean off any remaining gunk. You’ll see an immediate difference.

The white rubber surrounding the sole of your sneakers may seem like a lost cause, but don’t toss them out until you try a Magic Eraser to clean them up. Scrub the rubber gently with a moistened eraser sponge. The stains and dirt seem to magically disappear. Spruce up other shoes as well, from work boots to flip-flops.

If you carry a leather handbag, briefcase, waist bag, fanny pack, or satchel, you know it can lose its luster after a while due to dirt buildup. Bring back that like-new shine using a lightly moistened Magic Eraser. Remember to do a surface test first on a hidden part of the item before starting the cleaning process.

Sooner or later, all silverware starts to tarnish. Most people use silver polish and a soft cloth to get rid of the black stains, but it can be a time-consuming job. Make things easier on yourself by substituting a damp melamine sponge for the polish-and-cloth method. It’s much faster and it’s easier on your hands because it requires less scrubbing. It works on other silver heirlooms and jewelry, too.

Adding a Magic Eraser to a skimmer basket is a safe and efficient way to rid your swimming pool of dirt, mold, mildew, and stains. Just place the foam eraser sponge in the basket and turn it loose. The sponge attracts all the accumulated muck, leaving behind crystal-clear, cloud-free pool water.