If you’ve ever used a pumice stone to scrub away grime, you know they can be pretty effective.

But sometimes you just want to try something else, right? Maybe you’re out of pumice stones, or you’re looking for something a bit more gentle—or more powerful.

Whatever your reason, there are plenty of other options to help you tackle tough cleaning jobs.

In this post, I’ll show you seven great pumice stone alternatives for cleaning, and I promise, these will get the job done just as well, if not better.

#1 Magic Erasers

Magic Erasers are the best pumice stone alternative.

You’ve probably heard of them, and if you haven’t tried one yet, you’re in for a treat. These little sponges are packed with a special cleaning compound that can cut through all sorts of grime, dirt, and stains.

They work by using a combination of pressure and a mild abrasive material.

What makes Magic Erasers so great is that they’re gentle on surfaces but tough on stains.

Magic Eraser can work wonders for things like scuff marks on your walls, soap scum in the shower, or grime on kitchen appliances. You can even clean your toilet bowl!

The best part? No scrubbing too hard. Just wet the sponge, and let it do the hard work for you.

#2 Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is another classic cleaning ingredient that’s safe, effective, and super affordable. It’s one of those multi-tasking products you probably already have in your kitchen.

Baking soda is great at getting rid of tough stains, grime, or buildup.

To use it, all you need to do is mix some baking soda with a little water to create a thick paste. Then, apply it directly to the area you want to clean and let it sit for a bit.

Once it’s had time to work its magic, use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away the mess.

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it’ll clean without scratching most surfaces. Plus, it’s natural and doesn’t have any harsh chemicals.

#3 Borax

Borax might sound like something from a science class, but it’s actually a great pumice stone substitute.

It's a natural mineral compound, and you can find it in most grocery stores in the laundry aisle.

Borax is excellent for scrubbing away tough stains, soap scum, and even mold. It's also a great deodorizer.

To use borax, you can mix it with a little water to form a paste, similar to baking soda. Or, you can simply sprinkle it directly onto the surface you want to clean, then scrub it away with a sponge or brush.

Borax is strong, but just like with other abrasives, you’ll want to be careful on delicate surfaces.

It’s super effective on tough jobs like cleaning grout, tubs, or sinks, though!

#4 White Vinegar

White vinegar is probably one of the most versatile cleaning products out there.

It’s a little stinky on its own, but once it’s diluted with water and used for cleaning, it’s amazing. Vinegar can break down mineral deposits, soap scum, and grease with ease.

It’s particularly useful in bathrooms and kitchens, where you deal with a lot of soap scum and buildup.

To clean with vinegar, just mix it with water in a spray bottle (about a 1:1 ratio) and spray it directly onto the surface. Let it sit for a bit, and then use a cloth or a sponge to wipe it away.

Vinegar’s acidity helps dissolve all the grime without needing to scrub too much.

#5 Scrubbing Pads

Scrubbing pads are also a good pumice stone alternative.

They come in all sorts of shapes and materials, from soft sponges to more abrasive versions, like Scotch-Brite pads. They’re super handy for cleaning almost anything, from pots and pans to countertops and bathroom tiles.

The best part about scrubbing pads is their versatility. You can find one that’s just the right level of abrasive for the job at hand.

If you need to clean something delicate, like a non-stick pan, you can grab a softer, gentler pad. If you're dealing with tougher messes, like grease or grime in the kitchen, you can go for a more abrasive one.

They’re also easy to use—just scrub away and rinse!

#6 Steel Wool

Steel wool is definitely on the more abrasive side of the spectrum, so it’s not for every surface.

But if you’re dealing with heavy-duty cleaning, like getting rust off metal, or scrubbing away stuck-on food from pots and pans, steel wool is awesome.

It's strong enough to tackle really tough messes without giving up, and it works fast.

That being said, be cautious with steel wool. It can scratch softer surfaces like glass or stainless steel, so you want to use it only where it’s safe. But if you need something that will eat through the gunk, steel wool is a solid option.

Just make sure to clean it properly after use, so it doesn’t rust!

#7 Cream Of Tartar

Cream of tartar is probably something you’re more used to seeing in your baking pantry, but did you know it’s also a fantastic cleaning agent?

It’s a naturally occurring acid, and it can be used to clean tough stains, like those from rust or hard water deposits.

It’s very gentle, so you don’t have to worry about scratching surfaces.

To use it, mix cream of tartar with a little water to make a paste. Apply it to the stained area and let it sit for a while. Then, scrub it away with a damp cloth or sponge.

It’s particularly great on porcelain, stainless steel, and other smooth surfaces.

Bottom Line

So, there you have it—seven fantastic pumice stone alternatives for cleaning.

Next time you’re tackling a big cleaning job, don’t be afraid to reach for one of these alternatives instead of the pumice stone. They’re all effective, easy to use, and will leave your space sparkling clean!

7 Great Pumice Stone Alternatives For Cleaning