What is a metal sponge for washing dishes, how to use it correctly?
To keep your kitchenware clean, using just detergent and a cloth is not enough.
Metal sponges for washing dishes will speed up the process of removing stubborn traces of grease, burnt food, and soot.
They will also help get rid of contaminants that household chemicals, foam sponges and rubber scrapers could not cope with.
Content
What is a stainless steel sponge called?
A metal sponge or, as it is also called, a dish scraper is an indispensable thing in the kitchen. It is the scraper that will help to efficiently clean kitchen utensils from a layer of fat and carbon deposits.
Very carefully (in exceptional cases) a metal scraper is used to clean gas stoves, ovens and microwave ovens.
Benefits of use:
maximum efficiency (scrapers remove any, even very old, stubborn dirt);- durability (unlike foam sponges and microfiber cloths, metal scrapers retain their shape for more than one month of active use);
- economic benefits (scourers made of steel threads are inexpensive);
- practicality (a woven metal sponge does not tear, does not attract unpleasant odors, is very easy to clean and dries quickly);
- safety of use (metal sponges do not cause any allergic reactions upon contact with skin; also, due to the fact that scrapers can clean dishes without the use of detergents, the negative impact of household chemicals on the human body is minimized).
Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the fact that steel wool cannot be used to clean glass, painted, Teflon-coated or enamel-coated dishes. The steel thread from which the scraper is made irrevocably spoils the appearance of kitchen utensils.
What are they?
Iron sponges for dishes made from galvanized or stainless steel. This process is automated. The metal is pulled into the finest threads, after which the spools of wire are installed on special equipment, on which the dishwashers are knitted. On average, in one hour of operation the machine knits 20 kg of metal sponges.
Depending on the type of weaving, metal scrapers for dishes come in two types:
- "Network" — the scraper is a twisted sheet of intertwined steel threads.
- "Spiral" - a washcloth for washing dishes in appearance resembles a ball of steel threads twisted in a spiral.
There is an opinion that braided washcloths are more durable than sponges, the metal threads of which are twisted into a spiral and gathered into a ball. Actually this is not true.
The duration of use of metal scourers for dishes depends only on the quality of the source material (knitting from soft steel threads will disintegrate many times faster than weaving from durable threads coated with a protective layer).
How to choose?
It’s easy to buy a high-quality metal sponge that will last for months. The main thing is to follow some recommendations:
- First of all, they pay attention to goods from well-known brands (the manufacturer will not risk its name and reputation by selling low-quality goods).
- Look at what material the sponge is made of (the best sponges for dishes are made of stainless steel threads. Such sponges never rust).
Before purchasing, it is very important to check the integrity of the steel wool. It is unacceptable to have “frayed” ends or metal threads protruding from the sponge. Such products not only scratch the walls of the dishes, but also injure the skin of the hands.
TOP 5 best
A large selection of metal sponges for dishes on store shelves allows everyone to choose the best product in terms of price and quality. TOP 5 most popular metal sponges for washing dishes:
YORK
YORK sponge with impregnation, Made from special high quality low carbon steel. Additional impregnation of the sponge with a soap solution speeds up the process of cleaning stubborn, difficult-to-remove traces of grease and carbon deposits. You can purchase sponges individually or in sets of 3 or 6 pieces. The average cost is 40 rubles. (set of 3 pieces).
Eurohouse
Metal sponge with Eurohouse soap, made of galvanized steel threads, will help to quickly clean burnt food and grease from the sides of cast iron frying pans, Dutch ovens, baking sheets and saucepans.
Additionally, the sponge is impregnated with a soap solution that accelerates the process of breaking down fat particles and palm oil, which protects the delicate skin of the hands. The average cost is 105 rubles. (set of 3 pieces).
Fix Price
Metal sponge Fix Price soft and pleasant to the touch (spiral-twisted thread gathered into a ball) will help to quickly clean not only dirty surfaces of pots and pans, but also grease-covered kitchen apron tiles.
The average cost is 50 rubles. (set of 3 pieces).
VETTA
The VETTA kitchen sponge, made of thin steel thread, does an excellent job of removing burnt grease and other contaminants on the surface of cast iron cookware. Not recommended for use on products coated with a protective layer of Teflon or enamel. The average cost is 15 rubles. (for 1 piece).
Primani
Primani metal products with plastic handles - washcloths made of thin steel thread will clean dirty dishes from adhering grease in a matter of minutes, and bright, Comfortable plastic handles will protect the delicate skin of your hands from damage. The average cost is 120 rubles. (set of 3 pieces).
Before purchasing, you should pay attention to the integrity of the product packaging, as well as the product labeling and recommendations for the use of steel wool.
How to use?
A steel sponge will help you quickly clean burnt food and congealed grease from kitchen surfaces or the walls of pots and pans.
If it was not possible to get rid of the layers of fat the first time, you need to repeat the process., having previously treated contaminated surfaces with any detergent.
In special cases, when grease and dirt are firmly stuck to the walls of frying pans, pots or frying pans, before using a steel wool, soak the dishes for several hours in very hot water with the addition of detergent or soda.
After use, the metal sponge must be spilled with boiling water. This way, particles of dirt are washed out from the interweaving of steel threads and bacteria are destroyed. Store a clean sponge in a dry place.
Adviсe
Using a sponge made of steel threads You can clean not only grease from dishes, but also stubborn dirt from vegetables. (beets, potatoes, carrots).
It is enough to wipe the root crop with a scraper, and then wash off the adhering dust under running water. By placing a metal dish scourer in the place of the bathroom drain, you can forever forget about the problem of hair clogs.
If you don't have sandpaper at hand, an old metal dish sponge will help you sand painted wooden surfaces. Metal sponge for dishes will help you quickly sharpen scissors. All you need to do is cut the washcloth into several pieces.
Conclusion
A steel scrubber sponge will help you wash a fried cast-iron frying pan or barbecue grate and remove burnt food from the bottom of the pan. All you need to do is rub the dirty surfaces with force, and your kitchenware will be clean again.
