10 Ways to Use Steel Wool

Steel wool is an all-purpose material with countless applications in and around the home, from cleaning and restoration to home improvement and even survival skills. In this guide, we explore 10 innovative uses for steel wool and give tips on how to use it safely and effectively.

Steel Wool Grades

Steel wool is graded based on the thickness of its fibers, ranging from super fine to extra coarse. The grading system uses numbers, with higher numbers indicating coarse wool:

• 0000 (4/0): Ultrafine
• 000 (3/0): Extra fine
• 00 (2/0): Very fine
• 0: Fine
• 1: Medium
• 2: Medium coarse
• 3: Coarse
• 4: Extra coarse

Choosing the right grade of steel wool for your specific project helps you get the desired results without damaging the surface you’re working on. Here are some general guidelines:

• Use finer grades (#0000 through #0) for delicate surfaces and polishing tasks.
• Medium grades (#1 and #2) are suitable for general cleaning and paint preparation.
• Coarser grades (#3 and #4) are best for heavy-duty cleaning and rust removal.

Household Cleaning and Maintenance

Steel wool’s abrasive nature makes it great for various cleaning tasks around the home. Here are two common applications:

1. Reviving Aluminum Surfaces

Over time, aluminum surfaces can become dull and oxidized. Steel wool can help restore their original shine. To revive aluminum surfaces:

1. Choose a fine-grade steel wool.
2. Gently buff the aluminum surface in a circular motion.
3. Wipe away any residue with a clean cloth.
4. Polish the surface with a metal polish for added shine.

2. Removing Scuff Marks From Floors

Steel wool can effectively remove stubborn scuff marks from vinyl and linoleum flooring without damaging the surface. To remove scuff marks:

1. Dampen a piece of fine-grade steel wool with water.
2. Gently rub the scuff mark in a circular motion.
3. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
4. Dry the floor thoroughly to prevent water damage.

Woodworking and Furniture Restoration

Steel wool is a valuable tool in woodworking and furniture restoration projects. Here are two creative uses:

3. Creating an Ebonizing Wood Stain

You can create a natural, ebony-like stain for wood using steel wool and vinegar. This technique is popular among woodworkers, including This Old House contributor Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk, for achieving a rich and dark finish. To make the stain:

1. Place steel wool in a glass jar.
2. Cover the steel wool with white vinegar.
3. Let the mixture sit for 24–48 hours.
4. Apply the resulting liquid to the wood using a brush or cloth.

4. Deglossing Paint for a Matte Finish

You can use steel wool to reduce the sheen of glossy paint, creating a more matte finish. This technique is useful when you want to change the appearance of a painted surface without repainting. To degloss paint:

1. Choose the finest grade of steel wool.
2. Gently buff the painted surface in a circular motion.
3. Wipe away any residue with a tack cloth.
4. Clean the surface with a damp cloth and let it dry.

Home Improvement and Repairs

Steel wool can be a handy tool for various home improvement tasks and quick fixes. Here are two practical applications:

5. Securing Loose Screws

TOH master carpenter Norm Abram finds that steel wool tucked into an oversize hole can keep its screw secure after that last turn. To secure a loose screw:

1. Remove the screw from the hole.
2. Pack a small amount of steel wool into the hole.
3. Reinsert the screw, turning it slowly.
4. The steel wool will compress and grip the screw, holding it securely in place.

6. Blocking Rodent Entry Points

Steel wool is an effective barrier against rodents since they can’t chew through the metal fibers. To use steel wool for pest control:

1. Identify potential entry points around pipes, vents, or small gaps.
2. Cut a piece of coarse steel wool slightly larger than the opening.
3. Pack the steel wool tightly into the gap.
4. Seal the area with caulk or expanding foam for added protection.

Outdoor and Survival Skills

Steel wool’s unique properties make it useful in outdoor and survival situations. Here are two unconventional uses:

7. Starting a Campfire With Steel Wool

In emergencies, you can use steel wool to start a fire when traditional methods aren’t available. To start a fire with steel wool:

1. Stretch out a small amount of fine-grade steel wool.
2. Touch the terminals of a 9-volt battery to the steel wool.
3. The electrical current will cause the steel wool to spark and ignite.
4. Quickly transfer the burning steel wool to your tinder bundle.

8. Rust Removal on Outdoor Equipment

Steel wool is excellent for removing rust from metal surfaces, making it useful for maintaining outdoor equipment. To remove rust:

1. Choose a coarse grade of steel wool.
2. Rub the rusted area vigorously with the steel wool.
3. For stubborn rust, use a rust remover solution in conjunction with the steel wool.
4. Clean the surface with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
5. Apply a rust-inhibiting primer or paint to prevent future corrosion.

Unconventional Uses for Steel Wool

Steel wool’s versatility extends to some surprising applications. Here are two unique uses:

9. Muffling Motorcycle Noise

Some motorcycle enthusiasts use steel wool to reduce exhaust noise. While this isn’t a recommended long-term solution, it can be effective for temporary noise reduction. International Steel Wool’s Eric Bonn tells auto-buff clients to try these steps to muffle motorcycle noise:

1. Use stainless steel wool to avoid rusting.
2. Carefully pack the steel wool into the muffler can.
3. Make sure the steel wool is secure and won’t be expelled during motorcycle operation.

10. Preventing Pet Hair Clogs in Drains

You can even use steel wool as a temporary hair catcher when bathing your pets. To prevent clogs:

1. Loosely stuff a small amount of steel wool into the drain.
2. Bathe your pet as usual.
3. Remove the steel wool after bathing, along with any trapped hair.
4. Dispose of the used steel wool properly.