Steel scrubber, scrub pad or sponge: which for which kitchen job

Nylon scrub pads for everyday pots and pans

A nylon scrub pad has an abrasive surface that lifts cooked-on food from everyday cookware. Scrub Xpert offers a green 100% nylon pad with double coating, single, twin and bulk packs, and a 3 x 3 pad. Always check the cookware maker’s care advice first, especially for coated pans.

Steel scrubbers for heavy, baked-on residue

Steel and stainless steel scrubbers cut through burnt-on residue on stainless steel and other uncoated, hard-wearing cookware. Avoid them on non-stick coatings, glass and delicate surfaces, where they can scratch.

The range includes stainless steel scrubbers in 15, 20, 25 and 30 g, a 430 grade heavy duty scrubber, a steel wool scrubber and blister sheets for retail. A heavier scrubber simply contains more steel, which suits tougher jobs.

Sponges for dishes, glassware and wiping

Foam sponges are gentler. They suit plates, glasses and wiping down surfaces, and many combine a soft side with a scouring side. The range includes a nylon sponge, a soft foam sponge in pink and a high rebound dish sponge block.

Looking after scrubbers

• Rinse well after use and let the scrubber dry between uses.
• Replace any scrubber that is worn out or smells.
• Keep steel scrubbers away from non-stick pans and glass.

Stocking tip for retailers

Shoppers often buy one of each type. Displaying a scrub pad, a steel scrubber and a sponge together, with the job each suits on the shelf label, makes the choice easy.