Make a non-toxic magic eraser recipe - LAurenrdaniels - Skip the ickies (2024)

It wasn’t too long ago when a certain product was disappearing from shelves, and no, it wasn’t due to a global pandemic! A certain product that contains formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer had everyone shook. The verdict: Magic Eraser is non-toxic despite formaldehyde possibly being present in trace amounts. Regardless of what they say, I am not going near the stuff. I’ve decided to dupe it and remove the offensive component. My version uses an all-natural sponge made of natural cellulose, which still manages to get the job done. Watch the vid (linked above) and see for yourself! Scroll down to make a non-toxic magic eraser recipe.

About the ingredients and supplies

Make a non-toxic magic eraser recipe - LAurenrdaniels - Skip the ickies (1)
Make a non-toxic magic eraser recipe - LAurenrdaniels - Skip the ickies (2)
Make a non-toxic magic eraser recipe - LAurenrdaniels - Skip the ickies (3)
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Borax

  • A naturally occurring compound produced by the evaporation of salt lakes
  • Borax is a cleaning powerhouse and has many household uses
  • I have to address the elephant in the room here. As natural as Borax is, it needs to be used with caution. In small amounts, I find it poses no risk. But please keep away from children and pets

Baking soda

  • This all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer is pure, safe and natural
  • Has many uses around the house, including for personal care

doTERRA Purify essential oil

  • An exclusive combination of essential oils that purify and eradicate odors naturally and safely
  • Contains Lemon, Lime and Pine essential oils (known for their powerful cleansing properties), along with Siberian and Austrian Firs (to purify the air and protect against environmental threats), as well as Citronella, Melaleuca and Cilantro
  • The recipe still works if you omit the essential oil, but this is highly recommended for best results

Distilled water

  • Best option for the cleanest non-toxic magic eraser possible
  • If you don’t have distilled water on hand, filtered water is a close second
  • But, distilled water doesn’t have any of the nasty chemicals found in tap water

Sponge

  • NOTE: I chose this sponge because it is 100% plant-based, made of natural cellulose, hand-sewn and dye free, however, after using a few of them, I concluded they aren’t the most durable. Please use what you have, but if you have a more natural alternative to recommend, please comment below!
  • Traditional magic erasers use the melamine foam sponge, which is at the root of the whole controversy, so if you’re worried about keeping this recipe non-toxic, use anything but
  • I use this sponge as my dedicated magic eraser sponge. I don’t use it to wash dishes (or for any other tasks) in order to prevent cross-contamination

Heat-safe container

  • I used a glass food-storage container (linked here)
  • But, feel free to use anything you may have already
Make a non-toxic magic eraser recipe - LAurenrdaniels - Skip the ickies (13)

How to make

  1. Boil water
  2. Meanwhile, grab your heat-safe container and get ready to add:
  3. 1 tbsp of Baking soda, 1 tsp of Borax and 3 drops of Purify essential oil
  4. Once the water is ready, add 1/2 cup to the heat-safe container and stir until everything has dissolved
  5. Be careful, the mixture will be hot!
  6. Now, add your sponge and press down until it has absorbed the mixture
  7. That’s it! Your non-toxic magic eraser is ready to use!

How to use

  • To use your non-toxic magic eraser, grab the sponge from the mixture and wring out any excess liquid
  • Now, scrub away at any areas that need erasing!
  • In between tasks, rinse your non-toxic magic eraser under the faucet with water, re-dunk into the liquid mixture, and wring out any excess liquid
  • This mixture lasted me one days-worth of tasks, and I re-make it on a day I know I can attack multiple areas of my house
  • When I’m done for the day, I’ll rinse my sponge under the faucet and allow my sponge to dry completely
  • Re-make or double (or even triple) this recipe as needed
  • I use my non-toxic magic eraser to whiten the soles of my sneakers, to get rid of scuff marks on floors and stains on walls. The possibilities are truly endless though!
  • Let me know below how you plan on using your magic eraser, and while you’re on a cleaning kick, add a bit of this for those extra sticky places.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @LAurenrdaniels on Instagram and hashtag it #LAurenrdaniels

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Make a non-toxic magic eraser recipe - LAurenrdaniels - Skip the ickies (2024)

FAQs

What is a non toxic magic eraser alternative? ›

Add 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of Borax and 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of baking soda to a bowl. Add the water to the mixture and stir. Place a sponge in the bowl and allow it to soak up the solution. Squeeze out some of the excess and begin scrubbing.

What is the secret ingredient in Magic eraser? ›

No wand-waving here: The “magic” of the eraser is simply melamine, a nitrogen-rich organic base that, in its solid state, is a powerful-yet-delicate abrasive. Melamine is a widespread chemical compound used in everything from dry erase boards to sound insulation on bullet trains to your grandparents' Formica table.

Is magic eraser toxic? ›

Sucking or chewing on it can cause minor irritation to the mouth and it may also cause stomach irritation if swallowed. After leaving the stomach, the sponge will travel through the intestines and come out in the stool. It does not break down or absorb in the body, so no serious or long-term effects are expected.

Can you mix vinegar with magic eraser? ›

In general, using Magic Eraser with vinegar can be a powerful cleaning combination for tackling tough grout in your home. As a leading brand in the household cleaning industry, Topeco Clean recommends this cleaning method for its effectiveness and natural cleaning properties.

What is the cheap version of Magic Eraser? ›

Get high-quality Eraser Sponges at a significant price discount when compared to Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser®. Like the Magic Eraser®, our brand of eraser sponges called Instant Erase®, can be used for cleaning jobs in the home, car, and office.

What is the generic version of Magic Eraser? ›

If Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are too expensive just buy generic melamine foam, it's the same thing.

Are the ingredients in magic eraser safe? ›

It's pretty much only dangerous if “a large amount is swallowed” or it gets in your eyes. And that ingredient doesn't have the same effect as normal Formaldehyde because it's mixed with other chemicals. The chemical engineering group Technical Foam Services explains further the mixture is called Melamine Foam.

How to make your own Mr. clean? ›

Make your own Mister Clean. Clean Freak spray. All you need is a misting bottle, one cup of water, 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol, a few drops of Salsads. Then just fill the rest of the bottle.

Why is magic eraser so good? ›

What is in Magic Erasers that makes them work so well? Melamine is the active ingredient in Magic Erasers®. It's a type of hard plastic, and when it is made into a foam a fine porous surface is created. The foam is made of super-fine fibers that lift and trap dirt and rub out marks.

Can I use a magic eraser on my teeth? ›

That's a no, according to Maha Yakob, Ph. D., oral healthcare expert and Quip's senior director of professional and scientific affairs. "Melamine foam (the main ingredient in a Magic Eraser) is made of formaldehyde, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer considers to be carcinogenic.

Where can I not use magic eraser? ›

Don't Use Them On Your Car

Or any other delicate surface, for that matter, like silverware, glass, or metal surfaces. Dry erasers have the abrasiveness of a 3000 grit sandpaper – very fine, but can still mar shiny surfaces – like your stainless steel appliances!

Is Magic eraser toxic and teeth? ›

Melamine foam is the main ingredient in a Magic Eraser, and it contains a chemical called formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer. Although this chemical isn't known to cause any serious health complications on its own, it's an abrasive ingredient and not something you want to ingest or place near your gums.

Is a magic eraser just sandpaper? ›

It's a type of hard plastic, and when it is made into a foam a fine porous surface is created. The foam is made of super-fine fibers that lift and trap dirt and rub out marks. These thin, glass-like fibers are abrasive, so Magic Erasers® can be thought of as a cross between a sponge and fine sandpaper.

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