Michigan
State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500298
06/24/03
Abrasive Cleaners
Uses
Wear off dirt, stains, tarnish and hard water deposits by rubbing; fine
particles are less abrasive, coarse particles are more abrasive.
Cautions- Can scratch and
damage surfaces, making smooth surfaces rough and thus harder to remove
dirt from, in future cleaning.
Mild Abrasive Cleaners
Plastic or Nylon Mesh
Reinforced Sponges
Rottenstone
Whiting
Uses
Scour pots and pans, oven interiors, and drip pans. Use as directed to
remove stains on surfaces as furniture, countertops, etc.
Cautions- May scratch fine,
hard, smooth surfaces if used too vigorously.
Moderate Abrasive Cleaners
Fine Steel Wool
Medium Grain Pumice
Feldspar
Uses
Use sparingly on pots and pans when needed to remove burned-on foods
and grease; use on burned-on spills on oven interiors when they will
not come off with other milder ways. Use sparingly to remove stains
that will not come off by milder means, if stain removal is more
important than scratching the surface.
Cautions- Do not use regularly
for cleaning; use only for stubborn spots; will scratch fine, hard,
smooth surfaces.
Strong Abrasive Cleaners
Coarse Steel Wool
Metal Grit Cloths
Metal Mesh Balls
Metal Brushes
Coarse Pumice
Silica Particles (often an
ingredient in scouring powders)
Uses
Scour barbecue grills. Use only when removal of a stubborn deposit is
necessary and damage to surface is not important.
Cautions- Will quickly scratch
hard, surfaces making them rough, and thus harder to remove dirt from
and more easily stained. Do NOT use regularly for cleaning.
References
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus,
with references from MSU Extension bulletin Money Saving Tips on
Household Cleaners.
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June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This
information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial
products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or
bias against those not mentioned.
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