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.

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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This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and 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. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08. Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact strausc@msu.edu .