Try brands like Sculpey or Creatibles for easy-to-find eraser clay in a variety of colors, and even some that come with sculpting tools. Eraser clay is made with a special type of polymer clay, which doesn’t harden completely when cooked. While some have discovered methods like rubbing an eraser on the sticky part of a post-it note will create a similar substance, it is easiest and most consistent to buy the premade clay.
Make the clay into any fun shapes you like, including animals, foods, or geometrical shapes. You might find that very thin shapes are too brittle to use, and the shape that traditional pink rubber erasers come in is easiest to hold and use when erasing pencil marks. [1] X Research source Try blending colors together to create one that’s not already included in the eraser clay kit that you buy. To do this, simply roll and knead two colors together until they are fully blended. You may want to test two very small pieces first to make sure you get the color you expect. [2] X Research source Note that if you make shapes using more than one piece stuck together, you should make sure that they connect very well to one another, or they may become detached during cooking.
Try using popsicle sticks, toothpicks, butter knives, and cylindrical objects to cut, poke, roll, and shape your eraser clay. You can even find objects with interesting texture to press into the clay to make a unique pattern. If you want to make an eraser that fits on the top of a pencil, use the end of a pencil to make an indentation in your eraser clay design, or shape the clay right onto the pencil. Then slide the eraser off the pencil carefully to keep its shape before putting in the oven or hot water to set. Try a silicone mold if you want to make your erasers into clearly defined shapes. You can even make your own silicone mold of any object using mold putty. Pack the clay into a mold evenly, then pop it out of the mold and trim any unwanted excess. [3] X Research source
For most eraser clay, preheat the oven to 250° F (130° C). Bake erasers for 20 minutes per ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. You may want to bake smaller eraser designs separate from larger ones, as they will likely have different cooking times. Use a piece of aluminum foil or wax paper on the baking sheet to keep the erasers from sticking. Make sure children have adult supervision during this step.
Make sure you have enough water in the pot to completely cover your eraser clay designs. For most eraser clay that uses this method, leave the erasers in the boiling water for 5 minutes, then turn off the burner and allow them to sit in the water as it cools. [4] X Research source Remove the erasers from the water safely using a slotted spoon and set them to dry on a paper towel or napkin. Use caution and have an adult present for this entire step.
Test your erasers out when they’ve cooled down. If they are too soft, you may need to set them for longer. If they are too hard, you may need to try again and set them for less time. If they are too brittle, you may want to try again with thicker shapes. Store your erasers in a container that seals tightly to make your erasers last as long as possible. They may become too dry and brittle for proper use if exposed to the air over a long period of time.
You may also be able to find this material in stores that specialize in soundproofing or insulation, as melamine foam is also used for these purposes. If your melamine comes in larger sheets or blocks, cut it into an easy-to-handle size, as in a rectangle that is 6 inches (15. 24 cm) long, 4 inches (10. 16 cm) wide, and 1 inch (2. 54 cm) thick, or whatever you prefer. Use heavy-duty scissors or a utility knife.
Try a combination of baking soda and Borax cleaner for a simple solution. Put 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of Borax and 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of baking soda into a bowl with ½ cup (118 milliliters) of water to soak one sponge-sized piece of foam. [5] X Research source You can also create a more natural solution with lemon juice and baking soda, or you can simply wet your eraser sponge in plain water and apply your favorite spray cleaner separately.
Try your new “magic eraser” on wall scuffs and stains, bathroom faucets and shower walls, and other common areas that are difficult to clean with other products. [6] X Research source Store your “magic eraser” in a place where it can dry after use, then re-wet it every time you want to use it. Discard the sponge when it becomes very discolored or deformed.
