Scotch-Brite vs Steel Wool | What’s the Difference?

Sometimes there are stains and messes in our household kitchens that are almost impossible to get rid of; or you might need a cost effective way of removing paint during a woodworking project. Scotch-Brite and Steel Wool can do these jobs for you, and more. But what are the differences between these two products, and is one better than the other?

What’s the Difference Between Scotch-Brite and Steel Wool?

What’s the difference between Scotch-Brite and Steel Wool? Both products can perform the same jobs and perform them well, but Scotch-Brite is made from different fibers than Steel Wool and is capable of cleaning surfaces more gently.

Scotch-Brite

Scotch-Brite was introduced in the 1950s by the company 3M, which is an American multinational conglomerate that started in 1902. The company operates in many different scientific fields, including industry, consumer goods, worker safety, and U.S. health care. Scotch-Brite is just one of many different brands that they have; Scotch-Brite is a brand of cleaning supplies; specifically sponges and other abrasive products.

What Products Does Scotch-Brite Offer?

Scotch-Brite offers many products designed to make cleaning easier for you!

  • Scotch-Brite Griddle Cleaning
  • Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges
  • Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges
  • Scotch-Brite Scrub Dots Advanced
  • Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges
  • Scotch-Brite Soap Control Dishwand (Brush, Heavy Duty, and Non-Scratch Scrubber)
  • Scotch-Brite Swift Scrub
  • Scotch-Brite Maroon General Purpose Hand Pad
  • 3M Scotch-Brite Scuff Pads

Scotch-Brite Griddle Cleaning Scotch-Brite Griddle Polishing Pad 46-20, 4 in x 5.25 in

Scotch-Brite Griddle Cleaning pads are sturdy and designed to never rust. They will last long, even when used with detergents and other cleaning liquids, as well as hot water, so you can rest assured that the quality of these pads never deteriorates.

You can use these pads on cool griddles or throughout the day as you work, as long as the temperature is 350F or below. They can clean a griddle in just a few minutes and are officially recognized by HACCP International as Food Safe, as they don’t leave any residue behind. They rinse out easily and can be used again and again!

Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges, For Washing Dishes and Cleaning Kitchen, 9 Scrub Sponges

Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges are designed to cut through and get rid of tough, stuck messes. They are safe to use on coated cookware, tools, oven racks, concrete, and more! To clean these sponges, pop them in the dishwasher and then reuse them!

They are made with fibers that are 100% recycled so you can rest easy knowing you are using a product that is created with the environment in mind.

Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges, For Washing Dishes and Cleaning Kitchen, 9 Scrub Sponges

Scotch-Brite Non-scratch Scrub Sponges are designed for everyday use, such as washing dishes or cleaning your kitchen or bathroom without scratching! They are safe for use on non-stick cookware and countertops, as well as tubs and showers. To clean these sponges, pop them in the dishwasher and then reuse them!

They are made with fibers that are 100% recycled so you can rest easy knowing you are using a product that is created with the environment in mind.

Scotch-Brite Scrub Dots Advanced Scotch-Brite Scrub Dots Advanced Non-Scratch Scrubbers, 2 Scrub Sponges

Scotch-Brite Scrub Dots Advances are cleaning sponges designed for use on non-coated cookware, grill grates, and oven racks. These new and improved sponges clean 10 times faster than the old version and are antibacterial to fight odor-causing bacteria as you clean, while the scrubbing pad is designed to to clean food off without leaving scratches behind!

Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges, For Washing Dishes and Cleaning Kitchen, 6 Scrub Sponges

Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges are made with sustainability in mind; half of the scrubbing fibers found in these sponges are made from agave plants and 100% of the packaging is made from recycled content. They are designed to clean without scratching and are safe for use on showers, tubs, countertops, and non-stick cookware!

Scotch-Brite Soap Control Dishwand (Brush, Heavy Duty, and Non-Scratch Scrubber) Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Advanced Soap Control Dishwand, Leak-Free Guarantee, Long Lasting and Reusable

The Scotch-Brite Soap Control Dishwand is designed to last long and comes with a removable brush that you can easily replace when you need to! The design of the wand was created with you in mind, to make doing dishes easier; from the built in scraper to help get rid of food stuck on your dishes and the easy to reach button that controls when and where soap is dispensed.

Scotch-Brite Swift Scrub Scotch-Brite Swift Scrub, Bathroom Buildup, Glass Door, Shower and Bath Cleaner, Soap Scum Remover, 3X Faster Than an Eraser Pad, 6 Count

Scotch-Brite Swift Scrubs are designed for use in the bathroom, to get rid of tough stains and messes such as limescale and soap residue. These scrubbers are two-sided so you can get rid of buildup on one side and wipe your surfaces clean with the other. They are also safe to use on just about any surface in your bathroom, including floors and walls, shower doors, sinks, tubs, and tile.

Scotch-Brite Maroon General Purpose Hand Pad 3M 07447 Scotch-Brite Maroon General Purpose Hand Pad,20 Pack

The Scotch-Brite Maroon General Purpose Hand Pad was created as an alternative to wire brushes and steel wool. You can use these pads to clean and sand, and everything in between! They are safe for use on metal, ceramics, porcelain, wood, plastics, and more!

These reusable pads are made with aluminum oxide which is tough and durable, which means they never rust and will last, even after multiple uses.

3M Scotch-Brite Scuff Pads 3M Scotch-Brite Scuff Pads (3M 07445/07447/07448 (5 Pads of Each))

The 3M Scotch-Brite Scuff Pads are designed to rinse clean and will never rust, which means you are able to use them again and again.

They can be used for a variety of different jobs and tasks; for instance, the 3M 07447 pad, which is the maroon colored one, can be used to scuff surfaces before you paint them; and then the 3M 07445 pad, which is the white one, can be used to clean porcelain and stainless steel; and last but certainly not least, the 3M 07448 pad can be used for the finishing of certain surfaces such as wood, plastic, and metals.

What Are Scotch-Brite Pads Made Of?

Scotch-Brite pads are made of recycled fibers and in the case of the Greener Clean Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges, they are made in part, all naturally, from plants. Specifically, 3M uses a variety of common abrasive materials in Scotch-Brite pads, such as aluminum oxide and titanium dioxide.

What Are Scotch-Brite Pads Designed for?

Scotch-Brite Pads are designed for a number of uses, from cleaning household items such as ovens, bathtubs, and countertops to sanding down wood and cleaning the upholstery in your car.

Can You Use Scotch-Brite on Wooden Surfaces?

You can use certain Scotch-Brite products on wood surfaces, such as the 3M 07448 and 3M 07447 pads, both of which are made from fine materials designed to sand down and clean wood surfaces, respectively. With other pads and scrubbers, you run the risk of scratching the wood.

What Grit are Scotch-Brite Pads?

Depending on the product, the grit of Scotch-Brite pads ranges from about 100 grit to 1,000. Below is a chart that tells you the grit of each of the pads they offer!

7445 Pad, White 1000
7448 Pad, Light Gray 600-800
6448 Pad, Gray 600
Heavy Duty Scouring Pad 86, Green 600
7447 Pad, Maroon 320-400
6444 Pad, Brown 280-320
7446 Pad, Gray 180-220
7440 Pad, Tan 120-150

Can You Use Scotch-Brite to Apply Wood Stain?

You can use Scotch-Brite to get rid of stains on wood surfaces, but it is recommended to only use them on water-based stains.

Will Scotch Brite Remove Paint off Wood?

You can use Scotch-Brite to remove paint from wood surfaces but without paint stripper it will take a while and, often, Scotch-Brite pads will only scuff the paint off and leave flakes remaining. With the help of paint stripper, though, Scotch-Brite pads perform as well as steel wool and can get the job done!

What is Steel Wool?

Steel Wool is a bundle, often cut into easy to use pads or balls, of fine, pliable steel filaments. It is usually made from low-grade stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, or carbon steel wire and you can use it for cleaning!

What Grades of Steel Wool Are Available?

There are many different grades of steel wool available to you, and each of them can be used for different projects and on different things! We’ve compiled a handy list for you down below. Homax 10120000 Steel Wool, 12 pad, Super Fine Grade 0000, Rhodes American, Final Finish , Gray

What Does the Grade Mean on Steel Wool?

You might be wondering why steel wool has grades and what they mean. The different grades given to steel wool depend on the thickness of the wire the wool is made from, since pads with varying thickness can be used for different projects.

What is Steel Wool Designed for?

Steel Wool is designed for a number of things, from cleaning tough stains and messes from cookware to removing rust from old tools and sanding down surfaces.

Comparison Questions

Is Scotch-Brite or Steel Wool Better for Cleaning Dishes?

Scotch-Brite sponges and steel wool both perform the same job and clean dishes well; the only difference between them is that Scotch-Brite sponges and pads are often softer than steel wool and won’t leave scratches behind.

Is Scotch-Brite or Steel Wool a Better Choice for Woodworking Projects?

Scotch-Brite and steel wool are both good tools to have for woodworking projects but they will often do different things.

For instance, if you wanted to use Scotch-Brite to remove paint from wood you would need to use paint stripper to help get the job done, whereas a simple ball of steel wool should suffice. However, certain Scotch-Brite products are designed with woodworking in mind and can be used to sand and even gently clean wooden surfaces without scratching.

Which is the More Affordable Option?

Steel wool is more affordable than Scotch-Brite, however Scotch-Brite offers more products with varying features that a ball of steel wool may not match.

Which Lasts Longer?

Steel wool often lasts longer than Scotch-Brite, if stored correctly. However, it runs the risk of rusting whereas Scotch-Brite doesn’t.

FAQs

Can Scotch-Brite or Steel Wool Be Used on Stainless Steel?

Certain Scotch-Brite products can be used on stainless steel and won’t leave behind scratches, such as the Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges. It is not recommended to use steel wool on stainless steel because it will scratch.

Can You Use Steel Wool or Scotch-Brite on a Car?

You can use both steel wool and Scotch-Brite on a car, depending on what you want each product to do!

To strip paint from a car, steel wool can be your go-to tool. With that in mind, if you use it to clean the body of your car, it will scratch. Certain Scotch-Brite products can be used to clean instead–any delicate sponge or scrubber will do–and they won’t leave any scratches behind.

Can Steel Wool Damage Your Skin?

Steel wool can damage your skin if left to rust, and then used to clean with; it can break the skin and even cause tetanus if left untreated.

Can You Use Scotch-Brite on Glass?

You can use Scotch-Brite on glass but it will probably leave scratches behind.

Can You Microwave Scotch-Brite Pads?

You cannot microwave Scotch-Brite pads.

The Verdict – Which Should I Choose?

There are many reasons why you might be considering purchasing Scotch-Brite or steel wool; they are both well-known for their cleaning capabilities and their abrasive qualities.

But if you’re looking for more than an abrasive cleaner, you might want to choose Scotch-Brite, as 3M and its line of products offers more choices than steel wool, and many of these choices do the same job as steel wool while being made of gentler, environmentally-friendly materials.

However, if you’re on the hunt for something affordable and sturdy, look no further than steel wool. Some sacrifices might have to be made in terms of the chance of rusting or scratching certain materials, but steel wool is good at the job it does.

No matter which product you choose in the end, you can rest assured knowing that you are choosing a capable and sturdy product, which will be able to tackle even the toughest of messes.