Transparent background instead of white - Photoshop Elements 12

[Mateusz36989279m7g5]

Hello,
I use Adobe Photoshop Elements 12. Can I turn the white background in product photos into a transparent one? I'm currently using a magic eraser, but it doesn't always remove the background perfectly (especially when there are shadows). 

Thank you in advance for your help!

[Peru Bob]

Try different levels of tolerance, but you will likely need to manually touch it up using another selection tool(s) and/or clone and healing tools.

Later versions of Photoshop Elements have better algorithms for that.

[Jeff Arola]

Can you post an example image?

[Mateusz36989279m7g5]

below is an example photo:

The problem is that I often have shadows on wheels next to round elements (baby stroller wheels) and the magic wand doesn't mark correctly...

[Greg_S.]

As Bob suggests, I recommend using the Magic Wand selection tool.  Use a fairly low tolerance level, and if it is a low resolution product image, turn off the Anti-aliasing box. 

Click on the white background to select it and then press the delete button.

[Greg_S.]

With respect to the shadows, you may need a higher tolerance to add to the selection, and/or make several clicks to add to the selection, but make sure that the Contiguous box is checked in order to separate the shadow from the product.

[Mateusz36989279m7g5]

I posted an example photo in one of my posts. It's not easy to do this with a magic wand

[Greg_S.]

Nine or ten clicks to select the white areas and shadows (and maintain the white wheels), using the magic wand tool with the contiguous box checked: