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It’s a chaos of information out there about using steel wool on cast iron. Some are saying it’s a disaster, while others are advocating in favor of it. So, how do you know which is correct?
The truth is, there is truth in both opinions. You can use steel wool to clean cast iron as long as you’re doing it right. I have explained what ‘doing it right’ means in another section. For now, I will recommend the best steel wool for cast iron. So, let’s get started.
Best Steel Wool For Cast Iron Cleaning – Top 5 Picks
You have guessed it right, you can’t use all types of steel wool for cleaning cast iron. Only a few of them are suitable. So, I’ve found out the best ones that you can use, given that you’re following the rules.
Quick Decision-making chart –
| Key Features | Steel Wool Cleaning Pads | Steel Wool Scrubber Pad | Steel Wool Scrubber Sponge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Scrub-It | SCRUBIT | EleQit |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel, Metal | Stainless Steel |
| Quantity | 20 Pack | 12 Pack | 6 Pack |
| Weight | 0.634 ounces | 10.8 ounces | 0.28 Pounds |
| The Hallmarks | Reusable, Versatility, Pre-Soaped, High absorbency & Durable enough | Premium quality, Flexible design, Makes cleaning easier, Durability & Unique coil design | Impressive endurance, Odor resistant, Budget-friendly, Easy cleaning & Versatile use |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Scrub-It Steel Versatile Wool For Cast Iron
If you want an all-in-want scouring pad, you will want to take a look at this one from Scrub-It. It’s not only extremely efficient on cast iron but can be also used with other materials too.
In addition, it’s a pre-soaped product that lessens the hassle of cleaning. If you’re struggling with stubborn stains and residues on your pots and pans, this will certainly solve that issue for you.
Besides, you’re getting a great deal out of it too. You won’t have to empty your pocket to get this thing.
Top Features
- Pack of 20 pads
- Affordable price
- Comes pre-soaped
- Smells fresh and clean
- Removes stubborn messes
| Specifications | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Brand | Scrub-It |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Quantity | 20 Pack |
You will find this pack of steel wool perfect for cleaning cast iron. They are not only effective for removing stubborn mess from utensils but also come pre-soaped.
The pre-soaped feature works great for anyone looking for added convenience. It reduces your work by removing a few steps from the cleaning procedure.
No matter how messy your cast iron got, you can easily get rid of it without much effort. In addition, these pads are extremely affordable. There are 20 pads in a pack, so you can expect to keep using them for a long time.
Another reason that makes the scouring pads reasonably priced is the reusability. You don’t need to throw it away after a single use. If you can use one pad multiple times, imagine how long twenty pads will last.
The pads also come with a pleasant smell. So, using these to clean your cast iron will remove any bad odor from the crockeries and replace it with a clean and fresh smell.
One thing most users forget to consider is how versatile steel wools are. The use of these pads isn’t limited to indoor utensils. You can also use them to clean outdoor. For instance, if your grill needs cleaning, these pads will come in handy.
If you’re searching for flaws in this product, let me tell you one. These are not suitable to use on Teflon. Even though you can use these pads on a variety of utensils, they can remove Teflon from a pot or pan.
Pros:
- Customer service is satisfactory
- Removes grease without much pressure
- Perfect for both indoor and outdoor cleaning
- Reusable pads make one pack last for a long time
Cons:
- Not suitable on non-stick cookware
Also Read: Best Cast Iron Griddle For Gas Stove (My Top 4 Picks)
Premium Quality Multipurpose Steel Wool
When you’re searching for steel wool that will clean cast iron without damaging it, you need to find something special. A product that can be both harsh and gentle is rare.
With this multipurpose steel wool from Scrub It, you’re bound to fall in love. You can keep using them continuously and they won’t fall apart like ordinary steel wool.
In addition, they’re not expensive either. Once you try these steel wools out, you will never think of using any other scouring pads for your cast iron.
Top Features
- Premium quality
- Doesn’t fall apart
- Gentle on your hands
- Doesn’t rust or smell bad
- Can remove stubborn messes
| Specifications | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Brand | SCRUBIT |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Stainless Steel, Metal |
Scrub It certainly has a way of reaching its customers’ hearts. The brand has won over thousands of users with its steel wool and rightfully so. You will be surprised to see how effective they are, especially when used on cast iron.
It’s a 12-pack scouring pad that you can put your trust on. The first reason for trusting these pads is the quality. These are made of premium quality material.
Even with multiple uses, the pads won’t fall apart like other pads. So, you can keep using them day after day without any issues.
The reason why I have kept this particular steel wool on this list is because of its hybrid quality. It’s surprisingly gentle on your hands.
However, that doesn’t stop it from being harsh on grease and dirt. What I am saying is, it’s a perfect product for using on cast iron.
Another thing people hate is rust on their steel wool. You remove that possibility when you choose this one. It doesn’t rust or build up bacteria inside of it.
That means no smelly steel wool in your kitchen. As long as you clean it with soap water after each use, it will stay intact and fresh.
Pros:
- Great packaging
- Feels soft to the hands
- Doesn’t get torned or tangled
- Tough on stains and gentle to cookwares
- Flexible enough to clean narrow lines and corners
Cons:
- Not reusable, hence costs more than other steel wools
Also Read: Best Utensils For All Clad Cookware - Top 6 Picks
Budget-Friendly Steel Wool For Cleaning Cast Iron
EleQit steel wool is popular for its budget-friendly feature. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be enjoying premium qualities by choosing this steel wool.
It’s a high-end product designed to offer you the durability and strength you want in a piece of steel wool. It’s a diverse pad that you can use on kitchenware, bakeware, countertop, stovetops, and more.
Before jumping into the detailed review, I would like to mention the top features you can expect from this product.
Top Features
- Convenient to use
- Durable endurance
- Under budget option
- Odor and rust-resistant
- Tough on grease, dirt, and stubborn particles
| Specifications | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Brand | EleQit |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 10.12 x 7.32 x 1.69 inches |
| Weight | 0.28 Pounds |
The design of this steel wool is so amazing that it will make you wonder how something can be so efficient yet affordable.
Unlike a lot of other products that come at expensive price ranges for offering high-end features, this one is comparatively budget-friendly.
If you’re getting started with using steel wool and don’t want to spend a lot, then this is the best steel wool for cast iron cleaning.
There are 6 balls of steel wool made of stainless steel in this pack. The coils are tight enough to endure harsh abuse. So, no matter how rough the grease is, you can clean it using these pads.
Besides, they are also a great option for your hand. You won’t hurt your hands while scrubbing with these steel wools.
The material is rust and odor resistant, which makes it more durable. The mesh keeps the food particles from getting stuck inside and prevents building up an odor.
You can say goodbye to the old smelly kitchen when these steel wools are on your hands. Besides, the pad stays wet for an extended period without building up rust.
Overall, it can be a great option for someone who doesn’t need a large pack of steel wool.
A 6-pack will be perfect for getting started. It’s within budget so that you can try it out at first before getting used to it and keep purchasing bulk amounts.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- One pad lasts for many uses
- Easy maintenance of the steel wool
- Stays free of odor and food particles
Cons:
- Harmful to non-stick cast irons
Also Read: How To Make A Cast Iron Skillet Non Stick (Easy 5 Steps)
Supply Guru Finest Grade All-Purpose Steel Wool
Getting fine-grade steel wool will certainly keep your mind at peace when you’re cleaning your cast iron. Even though it’s all-purpose steel wool that you can use for a variety of cookware, it will do excellent on cast iron.
You will notice your cast iron cookware gets cleaned without getting damaged at all. Let’s take a look at the top features below.
Top Features
- Easy to use
- Multipurpose
- Alloy steel material
- Finest grade steel wool
- Specifically compatible with cast iron
| Specifications | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Brand | Supply Guru |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Quantity | 16 |
| Grit Type | Very Fine |
| Compatible Material | Cast Iron |
The significant feature of this steel wool is its abrasiveness. Unlike most other steel wools, it features the finest grade, which is perfect for use on cast iron.
It’s a gentle option yet strong enough to remove any food particle or build-up that you don’t want on your utensils.
The shape of this steel wool is also different from most others, which allows you to reach the difficult corners of a utensil.
You can use this product for woodwork, DIY projects, and even on glasses because of its versatile features. It comes in handy for woodworking when you need a coarse surface before the final finishing.
As for the primary reason why I’m reviewing this, it’s a perfect option for cast iron. It’s soft enough to be gentle in your hand and on your cast iron, yet effective enough to remove any stubborn grease and grime.
There are 16 pads in this pack and the price is surprisingly affordable. You will hardly get another option within this price range, especially when you’re getting a fine-grade scouring pad.
So, if you’re searching for an affordable yet effective option to clean your cast iron, make sure to check this one out. It’s one of the best steel wool for cast iron that you will find in the market.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Ideal for long-term usage
- Easily removes greasiness and odors
- Gentle enough to not leave scratch marks on glasses
Cons:
- Cannot be used on utensils that have a coating of Teflon
Also Read: Cuisinel Vs Lodge Cast Iron Including My Top Picks
High-Quality Multipurpose Steel Wood By OVWO
The last steel wool that I’m about to review is from Ovwo. It’s a premium-quality stainless steel product that offers you the best cleaning experience ever. The coils are stretchy, tight, and soft to combine multiple features at once. They won’t hurt your hand or get loose.
In addition, they’re extremely effective when it comes to cleaning a variety of cookware. I will talk more about this steel wool in detail. But first, let’s take a look at the top features.
Top Features
- Multipurpose steel wool
- Prompt customer service
- Soft and stretchy structure
- Individually wrapped packages
- Can perform the toughest cleaning jobs
| Specifications | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ovwo |
| Color | Silver |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 7.5 x 3.1 inches |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
So, what makes this steel wool so special? Well, for starters, it’s great for cast iron. The spirals are so tight, stretchy, and soft that they can provide an all-in-one experience.
What I mean is, you can get rid of all kinds of dirt, food build-up, residues, and grease, yet not damage the utensils.
In addition, the pads are also gentle on your hand. So, no matter how rough your cleaning procedure is, you can keep your hands safe.
Another feature I would like to mention about this 14-pack product is the packaging. The steel wools are individually packed to prevent interaction with each other.
So, the coils don’t get tangled and each of them stays in perfect condition. You can unpack each of them right before using. Until then, keep them inside the packet for easy storage.
You will be surprised to discover how versatile the steel wools are. You can use them for cleaning almost anything. As long as you’re not using them on coated cookware, you will be fine.
These work great for outdoor uses too. For instance, you can clean your grill with these. Besides, you can use them for cleaning your bathroom too.
Overall, it’s a great option for any type of cookware, bakeware, and kitchen and bathroom cleanup. The price range is within reach too.
Pros:
- Reusable pads last for many days
- Leaves the utensils fresh and shining
- Pre-soaped pads make cleaning faster and easier
- Individual packaging prevents rusting and tangling
Cons:
- Starts to get thinner with every use
What Makes The Best Steel Wool For Cast Iron?
Let’s say you don’t want any of the steel wools I reviewed. How do you determine the best steel wool for cast iron? Well, there are always some attributes to look out for.
Gentle On Hands
The steel wool you’re selecting, especially for cleaning cast iron, should be gentle on your hands. Products that are too coarse for your hand can damage your cast iron’s seasoning, along with your hands.
Effective On Messes
People only turn to steel wool when the utensils can’t be cleaned using gentle methods. So, the steel wool has to be effective enough to remove all kinds of food particles, grease, and grime.
Make sure that you can use the scouring pads for other purposes too. Most steel wools are not recommended to use on nonstick and other coated surfaces. Other than that, you should be able to use them for almost all types of cleaning.
Reasonably Priced
No matter how high-quality the steel wool is, it’s still a mere cleaning tool. So, don’t go wild and spend a huge amount of money by trusting marketing fluff. If you’re careful enough, you’ll notice that almost all steel wool has a general price range.
No need to go above that to do experiments. If a product is too expensive, search for cheaper alternatives with similar features.
Reusable
The steel wool should be reusable. Look for features like high-quality coils that won’t fall apart, prevents food from getting stuck inside, etc. You can use the same steel wool many times without any issues. However, make sure that you’re keeping it clean after each use.
Customer Feedback
If you like one particular steel wool, check the feedback. Customers leave their reviews and you can get honest insights from these. You will be surprised to know how often people end up being disappointed, especially when shopping online.
Can You Use Steel Wool On Cast Iron
Now for the significant issue that I have been putting off. Can you use steel wool on cast iron? Well, I have been recommending steel wools through the entire article, so yes. It’s very much possible to clean cast iron using steel wool without damaging it. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Frequency
You can’t use steel wool on your cast iron regularly. Each time you clean the cast iron cookware with steel wool, it loses some of its seasonings. So, make sure that you’re allowing the utensil enough time to rebuild the seasoning.
The key to cast iron is to use it repeatedly. The more you cook on it, the more seasoned it gets. This way, when you occasionally use steel wool to clean tough spots, the loss of seasoning doesn’t make much difference.
- Pressure
Just because you are removing stubborn buildup doesn’t mean you have to be harsh. Avoid putting too much pressure on cast iron when using steel wool. However, there is an exception to this.
When you’re stripping the cast iron off seasoning intentionally, it’s okay to rub a little harder. But if you’re removing any food particles or rust, don’t forget to be gentle with the cookware to save the seasoning.
Another thing to keep in mind is to clean your cast iron with steel wool right before you’re about to re-season the cookware.
- When To Use
Avoid using steel wool on cast iron unless extremely necessary. People usually go for steel wool when removing rust, stripping off the seasoning, and cleaning stubborn mess. In all other cases, you can use a soft sponge.
- The Steel Wool
Last but not least, be careful while choosing steel wool. Don’t go for something extremely coarse that will damage the cast iron. The gentler, the better. Even though people choose steel wool for its abrasive features, it still needs to be gentle in the case of cast iron.
Conclusion
So, that was everything you needed to know about the best wool for cast iron. The truth is, people have different opinions about this issue. The same goes for using soap on cast iron. Everyone has unique cooking styles and they love taking care of their cookware in their own way. So, no matter what method you’re going for, make sure that you’re comfortable with it.
