Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap with a Magic Eraser. The combination of the two can be an effective cleaning solution for tackling tough stains and buildup. Using Dawn helps boost the cleaning power of the Magic Eraser.
What is a Magic Eraser?
A Magic Eraser is a cleaning tool made by Mr. Clean. It is a white, porous, melamine foam pad that can be used to scrub and clean many different surfaces. Magic Erasers work through a process called mechanical cleaning – the texture of the pad helps lift and scrape away dirt and grime when you rub it against a surface.
Magic Erasers are very effective at cleaning and removing stains because:
- The melamine material is slightly abrasive, which helps scrub away stuck-on messes.
- The foam has open pores that can help trap dirt, grease, and grime in the pad.
- The pad is absorbent so it can soak up some liquid messes while you clean.
However, Magic Erasers work best when used with water. The water helps activate the melamine foam so it can penetrate and lift away messes. Using Magic Erasers dry or without enough water will make them less effective at cleaning.
Why use Dawn with a Magic Eraser?
Adding a small amount of Dawn dish soap to a Magic Eraser can boost its cleaning power. Here’s why Dawn and Magic Erasers work well together:
- Extra cleaning ingredients – Dawn contains detergents and degreasers that can help cut through oil, grease, and other tough messes.
- Penetrates stains – The detergents allow Dawn and water to soak into stains better than just water alone.
- Emollients – Ingredients like glycerin in Dawn help moisturize the melamine foam for better cleaning action.
- Low-sudsing – Dawn won’t create a ton of extra suds that make it harder to see the area you’re cleaning.
Overall, the degreasing power of Dawn boosts what the Magic Eraser pad can already do, making it easier to tackle stuck-on, oily, or greasy messes.
How to Use Dawn and Magic Eraser
Using Dawn and Magic Eraser together is easy!
- Get your supplies – Magic Eraser, Dawn dish soap, water, cleaning cloths.
- Wet the Magic Eraser under running water and wring out excess water. You want it damp, not soaked.
- Add a small squirt of Dawn directly onto the Magic Eraser. Usually a teaspoon or a bit more is enough.
- Use your fingers to work the Dawn into the pores of the Magic Eraser until it’s fully incorporated.
- Rub the Dawn-infused Magic Eraser on the dirty or stained area using gentle circular motions. Apply light pressure.
- Scrub back and forth for 30-60 seconds on tougher spots to give the Dawn time to penetrate.
- Rinse the area with clean water and dry with a cloth or paper towel.
- Re-wet and add more Dawn to the Eraser as needed for ongoing cleaning.
Tips for using Dawn and Magic Eraser:
- Use cold water – hot water can damage the melamine foam.
- Don’t press too hard – gentle pressure is best to avoid scratching.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
- Wring it out before adding more Dawn – a dripping wet Eraser will cause excessive suds.
What Can You Clean with Dawn and Magic Eraser?
Dawn and Magic Eraser together can be used to clean many different household surfaces and tackle tough cleaning jobs like:
Kitchen Cleaning
- Stovetops
- Ovens
- Microwaves
- Refrigerators
- Sinks
- Countertops
- Backsplashes
- Tiles
- Appliances
- Grills
In the kitchen, the duo can power through greasy buildup, food spills, and stains from cooking oils, sauces, and more. The extra scrubbing power also helps remove burned or baked-on food residue.
Bathroom Cleaning
- Toilets
- Sinks
- Bathtubs and showers
- Grout
- Tiles
- Chrome and metal fixtures
- Shower doors and tracks
For bathrooms, Dawn and Magic Eraser can eliminate soap scum, hard water stains, mildew, and grime that builds up over time. The abrasiveness helps scrub tile grout and remove rust stains from fixtures.
Other Uses
- Walls
- Baseboards
- Floors
- Furniture
- Outdoor furniture
- Garage floors
- Siding
- Outdoor grills
- Sports gear
- Pet items
Almost any washable surface in your home can benefit from the cleaning power boost of Dawn and Magic Eraser. The duo tackles scuffs on walls, sticky residue on tables, grease spots on garages, and more.
Benefits of Using Dawn and Magic Eraser Together
Here are some of the top benefits of using Dawn and Magic Eraser as a dynamic cleaning duo:
- Enhanced cleaning power – The combination tackles seriously stuck-on messes better than either product alone.
- Convenient – No need to buy special cleaners; you likely already have these products at home.
- Versatile – Use on many different surfaces throughout your home and outdoor areas.
- Scrubbing action – The texture of the Magic Eraser provides satisfying scrubbing ability.
- Money saving – Get excellent cleaning results without expensive specialty products.
- Easy rinse – The low-sudsing Dawn won’t leave lots of residue after rinsing.
- Grease cutting – Dawn is formulated to cut through greasy, oily messes with ease.
Potential Drawbacks
While Dawn and Magic Erasers work great together, there are a couple potential drawbacks to note:
- The scrubbing can damage more delicate surfaces like wood, leather, and natural stone. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
- Magic Eraser pads wear down with repeated use. They may need frequent replacing when used as your main cleaning method.
- Improper use can lead to excessive sudsing if the Eraser isn’t wrung out well.
- Overscrubbing can damage surfaces by eroding grout or dulling glossy finishes.
When used with care on appropriate surfaces, Dawn and Magic Eraser can be a economical, convenient, and effective cleaning combo.
FAQs
Can you use Dawn and Magic Eraser on finished wood?
No, avoid using the combo on finished wood surfaces. The scrubbing action can damage or dull the wood’s finish. For wood cleaning, use a mild soap and soft sponge or cloth instead.
Will the scrubbing remove paint?
It’s possible with excessive scrubbing pressure. Use a very light touch over painted surfaces to avoid accidentally stripping the paint. Test first in an inconspicuous spot.
Can I use vinegar instead of Dawn?
Yes, you can mix white vinegar with a Magic Eraser for a more natural cleaning solution. The acetic acid in vinegar helps cut through grease. Try a 50/50 vinegar and water mix.
What about hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used with a Magic Eraser for whitening and stain removal. However, peroxide may not cut through grease as well as Dawn. Use as a spot cleaner on tile or grout.
How do you clean a Magic Eraser after use?
Rinse thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear. Allow it to air dry before storing so it doesn’t get musty. To disinfect, soak for 5 minutes in a vinegar and water solution.
Can Magic Eraser be used on car exterior?
Yes, a damp Magic Eraser with Dawn can remove bugs, bird droppings, grease, and road tar from car paint. Gently scrub affected areas and rinse. Be careful on faded or oxidized paint.
The Bottom Line
Dawn dish soap helps activate the cleaning powers of Magic Eraser pads. Together, they can tackle some of the toughest cleaning challenges all around your home. By boosting the Magic Eraser’s cleaning capacity, Dawn helps provide an economical, simple, and effective cleaning solution for dirty and stained surfaces.