You have probably heard of magic erasers (ME) if you are here. Despite its notorious functions of erasing stains and messes on stuff, one can not use them without asking whether it is eligible for every material.
Today, we will try to discuss if it is a good idea to use a magic eraser on leather.
The article comprises three parts. First, we will see what a magic eraser exactly is. Second, we will try to answer if it is worth using on the material, and finally, some alternatives you can use.
What Is A Magic Eraser?
Magic Eraser is a commercial product first introduced by Mr. Clean in 2003, which has become a staple cleaning agent over the years. It gathers quite an extensive copycat collection too.
The special foam-like eraser is made from melamine, a procedure that involves the compound formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer.
Its most noticeable property is to, of course, clean otherwise non-cleanable, stubborn stains.
Not everyone knows that besides that seemingly apparent function, the melamine foam also acts as excellent sound insulation and temperature insulation material.
Thanks to its brilliant appearance, the manufacturers claim it can remove any stains on multiple surfaces without causing any damage.
How Does It Work?
The product only requires a few drops of water to wipe off any stains or smears. It doesn’t call for any soap or chemical products for the process.
So while the eraser looks and feels like some kind of sponge, it is much more potent than that.
Due to its porous structure, the magic eraser resembles a very fine and virtually non-invasive sandpaper.
It works like a charm with water to absorb stains to its tiny holes across the surface. The abrasive structure also allows it to rub off and create more friction easier.
However, just like any other regular eraser, the magic eraser is extremely easy to wear and tear.
Its porous structure wears itself down while gathering dirt and smudge from friction, so expect to buy them in large quantities if you need to use them a lot.
Can I Use A Magic Eraser On Leather?
Yes, you can absolutely use magic erasers on leather.
Still, if you consider cleaning leather seats with magic eraser and have done your research, you will realize that there are a lot of conflicting ideas on the net on how to clean your leather.
Does Magic Eraser Work On Leather?
Yes, it actually works. Some swear by their life to use the eraser thanks to its effectiveness on cleaning smudges without damaging the material.
However, others warn you should never use it because it is harmful and can cause permanent impairment.
The good news is that a clean magic eraser is exceptionally effective on leather. It will remove any stains and smudges without causing too much trouble for the material surface.
Is Magic Eraser Safe On Leather?
In general, it is safe with your know-how. However, the most important thing you need to remember is that magic erasers are not designed as a leather cleaner or a leather cleaning product.
The manufacturers do not promote the use of magic erasers on the material.
As a matter of fact, it is a finding from leather users who are desperately trying to find a satisfactory solution for their cleaning procedure.
For example, some drivers tried using a magic eraser on car seats and found out that it worked well. In that case, depending on the leather type, cleaning leather car seats with magic eraser is a decent idea.
That said, due to its abrasive nature, rubbing a clean magic eraser against your leather can remove the outer layer or the protective coating, which is essential for maintaining moisture.
Also, it can rub off your dye. Furthermore, if a stain lies deep inside the texture of the material, it will require more force, which poses more damage to the surface.
At least it is not a chemical product, so the damage can be dampened down a little. The fact that it doesn’t require any liquids or detergents other than water further backs up this aspect.
The components of the melamine foam are also very safe on leather seats and don’t cause any unwanted reactions.
In conclusion, it is not the perfect thing in the universe, but it does the job, and if you can be careful, you can yearn for great results.
But how can you use magic eraser on leather effectively?
Which Types Of Leather Can Be Used With Magic Erasers?
Generally speaking, no type of leather is particularly susceptible to the cleaning product. However, there are some cases in which we can maximize the use of ME on the surface.
Stay Away From Premium Leather
Avoid using it on premium leather products at all costs since you don’t want to risk ruining expensive stuff.
Use On Pre-Dyed Leather
It is best to use ME on products you are preparing to dye.
Over time, some leather surfaces will collect dirt, gunks, and other stains. To dye or restore your product, you need a pristinely clean surface, and that’s where a ME comes into handy.
Use it gently to remove any debris and stains. It is good to use this method as you don’t introduce any chemicals to the vulnerable material.
Use On Glossy Leather
Another type of leather you can use is glossy-finished. Some new products come with a coat from the oil or a treated coat during production.
While this will wear over time and leave your product a more natural look, it is still quite unpleasant to look at, if not to say it is a relatively cheap appearance.
To deal with this, use your ME to rub off this outer layer to make it appear more natural.
More importantly, the leather looks better when they are aged, so using an abrasive tool to scrub a fresh new surface will make it appear more distressed.
Use On Light-Toned Leather
Finally, the ME works exceptionally well on light-colored products.
Like pre-dyed leather, they don’t have too much color to lose, so you can rub them a little more aggressively to clean without worrying about destroying the paint.
Warnings When Using Magic Erasers On Leather
If you want to use a magic eraser on leather couch or car interior, you have some things to remember.
You have to keep in mind that the ME is very abrasive, so scrub it very lightly on any surface, not only leather.
Use a slow, gentle movement to remove dirt and stains, but don’t rub it outside the affected areas.
You can use back and forth or circular motion, but you should pay attention to the rhythm to make sure you are not creating a mess.
Then, there are some inevitable problems with using a magic eraser on leather seats.
Though some products have a glossy, cheap look at the beginning, sometimes they are supposed to protect them against moisture, stress, temperature, and other hazardous factors.
If you decide to rub it off with ME, expect the underlayer to expose to the environment and be more susceptible.
If the protection coating has worn out, you may have to bring it to a professional and consider restoration; at least that way, your leather won’t crack or have damage in the long run.
Other than protectants and colors, as mentioned above, rubbing your products with an abrasive tool can also be harmful to the patina. Patina is a must for its personal and longevity values to any leather lover.
It is a naturally-occurring coat formed from sweat, dust, wear and tear, temperature, etc., which is unique to every product.
So, damaging the patina will cause a significant loss to the users.
Alternatives To Magic Erasers For Cleaning Leather
Believe it or not, there are better or safer ways to clean your products without introducing them to the potential harms of using a ME.
Vinegar And Water
Vinegar is a very traditional yet effective and safe way to treat your leather. Due to its acidic nature, vinegar is a powerful detergent. However, using it alone can also erode the outer layer.
That’s why you should dilute it. This way, it is still very effective to treat stains yet is less damaging, and the mixture of vinegar and water can also get the job done well on yellow spots on car paint.
Remember to use a soft, clean cloth to soak lightly in the mixture and rub gently on the product’s surface.
Then, use a clean towel to dry the excess liquid and treat your leather with a layer of olive oil. The oil acts as a leather conditioner and protectant as it will make the material more supple and softer.
Use other leather care products if you like to.
Rubbing Alcohol
This is an excellent chemical method to remove hard, resistant stains, not only on leather but rubbing alcohol also works on car paint.
Generally, this method is more dangerous and is only suitable for some types of leather, especially those of the smoother side.
Consult with a professional or your seller before using this method.
To effectively perform the cleaning with alcohol, use a soft cotton ball and dip it into a mixture of water and alcohol.
Then, gently apply it to the affected area and lightly touch it. Avoid damp cloth since a cotton ball is much softer.
Finally, use a dry towel to remove excess liquid and use moisturizer since alcohol can cause the material to be drier.
Cold Method
Shoes and couches are susceptible to sticky gum and candy due to kids. If you have children, you know this.
This is an effective way to remove messes like candy or chewing gum if you don’t want to use a magic eraser on couch. Wrap ice in a sealable bag to prevent leaking, then rub it over the chewing gum.
The low temperature will harden the gum, making it easier to scrape off.
To Wrap Things Up
To conclude, you can use a magic eraser on leather, but there are some catches here and there you need to remember to keep the products safe and fresh.
Though there are better and safer methods, one can always argue that a ME is the most convenient one.
Just remember to make sure that your material is suitable for its use, and consult a professional if needed.