Experience with magic eraser?

[cfmistry]

I've read the threads on this, but almost none of them are on Z3 interiors.

I'm looking to detail my whole interior - leather seats, steering wheel, plastic trims, door sills, etc. I'm wondering what I can use the magic eraser for, and what I can't. I read that it's best used on dyed seats and not painted ones, and it seems that on my '99 M Roadster the Nappa is painted (?). Of all things, my door sills, steering wheel, and seats could use it the most. Anybody used it on these items with success?

Thanks,
Cyrus

[BenFenner]

I've heard it works great on steering wheels (not suede stuff though) and have always wanted to give it a try on my leather wheels and knobs. I've not tried it yet though.

It is basically a very fine polishing pad (silicate lattice) that also crumbles as you remove stuff with it. It works wonders on polished metal surfaces which is all I've used it for so far.

[BenFenner]

Silly server.

[cfmistry]

Thanks Ben. I've used it extensively on various things, including many old cars, and you're right it's absolutely awesome. However I've found it's best to learn what it does and doesn't work on from others' experiences, rather than ruin expensive surfaces for no reason!

[cfmistry]

Cleaned my steering wheel stitching with Palmolive/water and a soft toothbrush - it made me very happy!

Left side (before):


Right side (after):

[BMWBergy]

This is a product that REALLY does need to be tested on an inconspicuous surface first... and you need to allow whatever surface you use it on to DRY completely to see the effect.

Make no mistake, these pads ARE ABRASIVE. I have used them on plastic interior parts that have rubbed down to the point of glossiness (like old center armrest parts), and the end result is dulled, matte finish - which is great if that is your aim (good thing it was, and that it matched the factory-fresh finish!). These could work on the matte plastic of the dash, but I'd be very reluctant to try them on any leather - including the steering wheel.

If you use them on wheels, you can dull the finish, even if you don't overdo it (as in, rub too hard). Do NOT use them on exterior paint.

[hexagone]

Works great on your steering wheel horn button to give it a nice matte finish.

[amancuso]

Use it only on door panels and hard plastic surfaces. Also believe it or not WINDEX is fantastic at removing dirt and stains. Do NOT use [magic eraser] on steering wheel rim, or on leather unless you use it with a very soft touch. To clean a steering wheel properly, use VERY VERY HOT water and a microfiber cloth. No detergent is necessary, but if you want to use some use a mild one like woolite. Here are results of interior cleaning as mentioned on a 2002 330i I had with 150k+ miles.

[BenFenner]

Found this in the manifesto. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is AWESOME!!!!!!!

That's where I remember hearing good things about it on leather. *shrug*

[dougmcintyre]

Yea, but in the same AWSOME!!!! thread

Magic Erasers work by cutting through the top coating of finish on the leather which is why they always appear to have such great results. This is fine if you are going to replace the finish (ie. during restoration) but for general cleaning will only cause long term damage.
Magic Erasers are very fine melamine resin that act like a very fine sandpaper.

[amancuso]

Found this in the manifesto. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is AWESOME!!!!!!!

That's where I remember hearing good things about it on leather. *shrug*

Yea, but in the same AWSOME!!!! thread

Yeah I heard and read that too. Unfortunately it destroyed the leather on my Mom's 2004 325Ci steering wheel. We had to buy another wheel the damage was so bad.

[BenFenner]

Yah, I was never really comfortable with the idea which is why I've held off. I figure maybe once every 5-10 years on the wheel to get rid of grime might be all right. It sounds like there are much better options regardless.

[SloanZ]

Here is some good advice from Mr. Todd Cooperider on where you can and where you definitely should not use the Magic Eraser...

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...aser-on-paint/

[cfmistry]

Thanks for all the replies guys! Sounds like its best to limit it to hard plastics like the door sills. Some people have used it on steering wheels with success but others have had disasters so it seems best to stay away. I will try the scalding water / microfiber method on my wheel today.

[Kyle Anderson]

For leather, I use an extremely worn out green scotch-brite pad... it almost just looks like a piece of green cloth at this point. I spray the surface with water and very lightly scrub it down. The amount of dirt that came out of my 235k miles steering wheel was incredible. Again, it is an abrasive though, so it's important to not be too harsh with it.

[BMWBergy]

Here is some good advice from Mr. Todd Cooperider on where you can and where you definitely should not use the Magic Eraser...

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...aser-on-paint/

Yep. Most important quote from that:
"So while the Magic Eraser works wonders around the house, you should not, under any circumstances, use them on any painted, shiny, or delicate surfaces of your car!"
- Todd Cooperider
Esoteric Auto Detail

[felonious monk]

Cheapest way to clean the steering wheel and stitching... go to your local grocery chain grab a sanitizing hand wipe usually found at the entrances and use that to wipe your steering wheel and stitching. Quick and free.