From wiping windows to scrubbing cast iron, there's no task that steel wool can't handle. It comes in eight different grades—here’s what you need to know.
Steel Wool Comes in 8 Different Grades—Here’s How to Use Each One
Many of us have a ball of steel wool lying around the house. After all, steel wool is an excellent tool for everything from scrubbing dishes to stripping paint. However, different grades of steel wool are best suited to different tasks. Here is our guide to the eight different grades of steel wool, including what each coarseness is best suited for.
Understanding Fine, Medium and Coarse Steel Wool Grades
Steel wool grades are dependent on the thickness of their filaments. You can find the superfine steel wools as well as the coarse ones. So you need to know which grade is for which purpose.
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Grade 0000: Super fine
Grade 0000 is the finest grade of steel wool. It is the best steel wool for cleaning windows and glass. Do not use any liquid cleaners when cleaning glass with 0000 super fine steel wool.
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Grade 000: Extra fine
Extra fine wool is excellent for furniture and household items. It is a fine steel wool for polishing. You can also use it in different ways. For example, when combined with soap and water, grade 000 steel wool can strip wax and polish from furniture. Additionally, it can be used to clean the metal base of an electric iron.
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Grade 00: Very fine
Very fine steel wool is appropriate for a variety of different materials, from metal to leather. It works especially well to clean golf clubs, screens, metal lawn furniture and metal wheels. It can also be used on suede or leather to remove slight burns.
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Grade 0: Fine
Fine-grade steel wool is perfect for cleaning the bathroom. It’s fine but sturdy textures are well-suited for cleaning tiles, grout, porcelain, and even shower doors. When using it on these surfaces, add a scouring powder for maximum strength.
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Grade 1: Medium
Heading into the heavier steel wools, grade 1 wool is best suited to linoleum. In addition to scrubbing linoleum floors, medium steel wool works well on grimier surfaces, like the soles of shoes or even bowling balls. Medium-grade steel wool can even be used to keep pests out of your house.
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Grade 2: Medium coarse
If you’re looking to buff your floors, grade 2 steel wool is for you! The somewhat heavy wool is great for getting the grime off, such as wax or scuff marks. Additionally, if your home has any glass block features, medium coarse steel wool can be used to clean those, too.
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Grade 3: Coarse
Grade 3 steel wool is a heavy hitter. Only whip out this coarse wool for rough metal or stone surfaces. If used on anything softer, it risks scratching your valuables. Grade 3 wool is especially useful for removing rust.
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Grade 4: Extra coarse
Extra coarse steel wool is designed for the most hardcore jobs. Use this hearty wool for sanding off paint, rust, varnish and dirt. It’s most suitable for outdoor wooden items, like patio furniture and is considered the best type of steel wool for refinishing. Only use grade 4 wool when you’re trying to fully strip an item; it’s too rough for delicate cleaning jobs or subtle scrubbing.
Safety Tips When Using Steel Wool on Delicate Surfaces
You can use steel wool for many purposes. From cleaning and refining to removing rust and paint, steel wools are used everywhere. But you need to know the proper grades for proper functionality.
- You should be very cautious when you are using steel wool on a delicate surface. If your material is made from glass or wood, you should try to use the finest grades. They are less abrasive.
- You can also take some precautionary measures before using the steel wool on delicate surfaces. According to the American Cleaning Institute, “For general surface cleaning, wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in warm water. Towel-dry immediately to prevent spots caused by minerals in the water. If dirt remains, repeat, adding a mild dish detergent to the water. Rinse thoroughly before towel-drying.”
- After that, you should start using the superfine steel wool for cleaning. It is essential that you choose and use appropriate grades for different tasks. This is how you can maintain the integrity of the surfaces.
FAQ
How do I choose the right steel wool for woodworking?
It is important to know which steel wool is perfect for woodworking. If you choose the wrong wool, it may destroy your wood. The best steel wool grades for woodworking are the super fine grade and fine grade. Use a super fine grade steel wool for polishing and refining. If you want to clean the surface deeply, you can choose the fine one.
Sources:
- ACI: “Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances”
- Wise Guy Reports: “Global Steel Wool Fibers Market Research Report”
- MIT: “Entangled structures as high cycle compression springs”
- MDPI: “Optimization of Wet Grinding Conditions of Sheets Made of Stainless Steel”
- Frontiers: “Stainless steel wool as novel bioanode for microbial electrolysis cells: A systematic study of materials”
- ResearchGate: “Effect of steel wool fibers on mechanical and induction heating response of conductive asphalt concrete”
- WILEY: “Assessing Mechanical Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt with Wire Wool Fibers”
- MDPI: “Steel Wool for Water Treatment: Intrinsic Reactivity and Defluoridation Efficiency”
