Many of us might be scared of cleaning with steel wool; it's seriously abrasive and can cause a lot of damage if used incorrectly.
But it's the secret weapon professional cleaners always reach for those tough tasks where grime just won't budge.
Knowing where to use steel wool makes all the difference. Here are the five things experts recommend cleaning with steel wool, and the cleaning tips to ensure you get sparkling results, not scratches.
Things To Clean With Steel Wool
When cleaning with steel wool, it is always best to opt for a fine-grade steel wool, such as #00 steel wool from Walmart, or even #0000 steel wool, also from Walmart.
This super fine cleaning tool isn't as damaging to your surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents.
1. Porcelain
Most of us assume the gentler the better when cleaning a porcelain sink, but professional cleaner Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa, says fine-grade steel wool is the best option for 'removing stubborn marks, scuffs, and light rust stains.'
He adds, however, that you should always test this on an inconspicuous area before cleaning the rest to avoid removing the enamel coating – especially on colored porcelain.
2. Removing Stickers
Ryan continues, 'Sometimes the GooGone isn't doing the trick. Steel wool is a great stand-in for getting the last pieces of that sticker off.'
When removing stickers or breaking down tough adhesive, consider pairing fine-grade steel wool with the Skin So Soft Spray from Walmart.
The Jojoba oil solution dissolves adhesive gently without damaging the surfaces beneath, making it easier for the steel wool to pick up the rest.
3. Degreasing Grates
Cleaning kitchen grease is no one's favorite task, especially when it's been baked on by the intense heat of an oven, so anything that makes cleaning an oven easier is an essential supply worth having.
Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning, says, 'People should be using steel wool on oven racks, stovetop, and outdoor grates. It makes light work of buffing away gunk and scraping layers of char without wrecking the metal.
'It’s flexible yet firm, allowing it to adapt to every curve. Just pick the right grade, #0 or #00 for kitchen metal.'
The same applies to cleaning cast iron, adds Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare.
He explains, 'For cast iron, fine grade steel wool is great for removing stuck-on residue without damaging the pan. Just follow up with a seasoning oil to protect the surface.'
4. Glass
'Cleaning glass' and 'strong abrasive' usually do not pair well together in a sentence. However, according to Ryan, fine-grade steel wool can be ideal for removing hard water stains or build-up when cleaning fireplace glass.
He explains, 'When it comes to hard water build up on shower doors, or stains on glass stoves, or fireplace glass, a #0000 steel wool with an acidic cleaner like vinegar [from Walmart] or Bar Keepers Friend [from Amazon] does wonders.'
Rhonda adds that it is also perfect for removing paint from glass. 'It works even better with a spritz of glass cleaner [such as the Ammonia-Free Method Glass Cleaner from Walmart].
'Steel wool will also polish the glass while cleaning. It’s like you cleaned and restored it in one move.'
5. Rusty Surfaces
Dealing with rust, be it removing rust from bathtubs or removing rust from stainless steel, doesn't need to be tricky.
Scott says, 'When it comes to rusty metal fixtures, like faucets, hinges, or outdoor tools, steel wool is great at buffing off the corrosion and restoring the original sheen, especially when used along with a bit of mineral oil.'
This food-grade mineral oil, from Amazon, is safe for wood, stone, and metal.
What to shop
Available in eight grade options, from super fine to super coarse, it is perfect for use all over the home, from light tasks such as cleaning porcelain, to tough scrubbing and DIY uses.
There are so many things you can clean with Bar Keepers Friend. The abrasive powder can help to remove stubborn stains and deposits with or without the help of steel wool.
Distilled white vinegar is a fantastic, non-toxic cleaning tool for any home. When used correctly, it can help to kill mold and bacteria, as well as tackle odors and lighten stains, all without harsh chemicals.
The Scrub Daddy sponge softens under hard water and toughens under cold water, allowing you to adjust the level of abrasive you need depending on the task at hand. It can be a safer alternative to steel wool if you are nervous about damage.
Made with all natural ingredients, The Pink Stuff paste is truly miraculous. It breaks down all sorts of grease and grime without damaging the surface beneath, making it ideal for glass, stoves, windows, and mirrors.
This seven-in-one steam cleaner has attachments to clean everything from hard and carpeted floors, to appliances, soft furnishings, tiles and grout, and more. It can easily break down tough deposits and melt grease without additional cleansing products.
Meet the experts
While this old-school tool is perfect for those tough tasks that need a little extra elbow grease, there are some things you should never clean with steel wool around your home, or risk irreversible damage.
