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.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with references from MSU Extension bulletin Money Saving Tips on Household Cleaners.

MSU 2003

Abrasive Cleaners

Home Improvement Articles and Remodeling Ideas