From kids’ crayons to can you use a magic eraser on glass kitchen grease, there seems to be little a magic eraser can’t do. But how do these white sponges work so well, seemingly effortlessly erasing stains that other cleaning products can’t? To unlock the mystery of this next-generation cleaning tool, we spoke to Mr. Clean’s senior scientist Morgan Brashear.

Unlike most cleaning products that require chemicals, Magic Erasers use melamine foam to effectively clean stains with only water. Like super-fine sandpaper, melamine foam digs into hard dirt particles and pulls them away, making it an effective, chemical-free way to get rid of stains on a variety of surfaces.

Is a Magic Eraser Safe for Glass? Tips to Avoid Scratches

The secret to their power lies in the material’s hard, microscopic pores that reach deep into surface grooves. This enables the eraser to remove hard-water deposits and soap scum with just one wipe, as well as stains on a variety of surfaces.

But while a Magic Eraser is very effective, it can also be too effective on surfaces that are softer or easily scratched. For example, if you were to rub a Magic Eraser over a shiny paint job or smooth stainless steel cooktop, you could cause abrasions that dull the sheen or even strip off the finish.

To avoid damaging your glass, always test a small area with a Magic Eraser before diving in. And remember to rinse it often, to prevent the buildup of gritty residue and prevent it from getting too damp, which can lead to unsightly water streaks.