Trying to decide between Brillo pads and steel wool?

Both are tough scrubbers, but they’re not exactly the same. One comes packed with soap, the other is pure metal fibers, and they each have their own strengths.

If you’re dealing with baked-on grease, rust, or stubborn grime, picking the right one can make cleaning a whole lot easier.

In this post, I’ll compare Brillo Pads vs steel wool to help you decide which one to get.

#1 Material Composition And Abrasiveness

Brillo pads and steel wool might look alike, but they’re not made the same.

Steel wool is exactly what it sounds like—thin strands of steel woven together. No soap, no extras. Just straight-up metal fibers.

Brillo pads, on the other hand, are made from fine steel wool but come packed with soap.

That means you’re getting a built-in cleaning agent, usually with some grease-cutting power. The soap also helps reduce scratching on certain surfaces.

In terms of abrasiveness, steel wool has the edge.

It comes in different grades, from super fine to extra coarse. The finer ones can buff and polish, while the rougher ones are good for heavy-duty scrubbing.

#2 Cleaning Power

Both can scrub off grime, but their cleaning power depends on what you’re tackling.

Steel wool, especially the coarser grades, is fantastic for tough messes. It can strip paint, remove rust, and even sand wood. The finer grades are great for polishing metal or buffing out small scratches.

Brillo pads, thanks to the built-in soap, are perfect for everyday cleaning. They cut through grease on pots and pans and make short work of food residue.

But they aren’t quite as aggressive as straight steel wool, so they won’t be your go-to for stripping surfaces or hardcore restoration projects.

#3 Best For

Brillo pads are great for light cleaning tasks.

If you’re scrubbing pots, pans, or wiping down surfaces in the kitchen, Brillo pads work great.

They’re gentle enough not to scratch up your non-stick pans but still strong enough to clean away grease and grime. They’re also useful for general surface cleaning, especially when there’s a little grease or food residue involved.

Steel wool is perfect for the heavy-duty jobs.

If you're trying to get rid of rust, or if you’ve got something like a grill that’s been collecting grease for months, steel wool is the best option.

It's also great for scrubbing away tough stains on durable surfaces like cast iron. Steel wool is the tool you want when you need something to really dig into a problem.

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#4 Durability

Durability is another area where these two differ.

Steel wool is tough, no doubt about it. But it doesn’t last forever. Once it gets wet, it starts to wear down quickly. That’s especially true if you’re using it on something super greasy or sticky.

It’ll do the job, but you might need to replace it after one or two uses.

Brillo pads hold up a little better. The added soap helps them glide over surfaces, reducing wear and tear. Plus, they’re less likely to fall apart mid-use.

You can usually get a few cleaning sessions out of a single pad before it gives up the ghost.

Neither option is designed to last forever, but Brillo pads tend to stretch their lifespan just a bit longer.

#5 Rust Resistance

Steel wool can rust pretty quickly if it’s not dried properly.

Since it’s made from pure steel, moisture can cause the metal to rust. Leave it sitting around after getting it wet, and you’ll find it covered in orange spots faster than you can say “cleaning supplies.”

That’s why it’s smart to store it in a dry place or toss it after use.

It’s not the end of the world, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Brillo pads fare a little better in this department. The soap coating acts as a barrier, slowing down the rusting process. You’ll still need to dry them off after use, but they won’t corrode as quickly as plain steel wool.

If you live in a humid area or just hate dealing with rusty tools, Brillo pads might save you some headaches.

Also Read: Can You Use Steel Wool On Porcelain?

#6 Surface Safety

No one wants to scratch up their favorite cookware, so it’s important to think about how each tool behaves on different surfaces.

Brillo pads are generally safe to use on most surfaces, including non-stick cookware. Because of the soap that’s infused into them, they’re a little gentler.

They’re still abrasive, but not as much as steel wool.

You can use Brillo pads on ceramic, glass, and even some stainless steel without worrying about scratches.

Steel wool, on the other hand, is rougher and can cause damage to more delicate surfaces. If you use it on non-stick pans or shiny metals, you will end up scratching them.

Steel wool is great for surfaces that are more durable, like cast iron, but you have to be more cautious with other materials.

#7 Prices

Steel wool is usually cheaper. You can grab a pack for just a few bucks, and it’ll last you a while if you use it sparingly. It’s a great option if you’re looking to save cash.

Brillo pads cost a bit more because of the added soap and packaging.

But when you think about it, you’re getting two products in one—a scrubber and a cleaner. So, while they’re pricier upfront, they might save you money in the long run by cutting down on the need for separate cleaning agents.

In the end, both are affordable, but steel wool wins if you’re pinching pennies.

Should I Get Steel Wool Or Brillo Pads?

So, should you get steel wool or Brillo pads?

The answer really depends on what you’re cleaning.

If you’re tackling everyday tasks, like washing dishes or wiping down counters, Brillo pads are a great option. They’re gentle, effective, and last a decent amount of time for light cleaning.

On the other hand, if you’ve got tougher jobs—like removing rust or scrubbing a dirty grill—steel wool is your best bet.

It’s a bit harsher, but it gets the job done when things get tough.

At the end of the day, neither option is wrong. Both Brillo pads and steel wool are awesome in their own ways.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Brillo pads and steel wool is that Brillo pads are better for everyday cleaning tasks, especially in the kitchen, thanks to their built-in soap that cuts through grease and grime without being too harsh.

Steel wool is stronger and more abrasive so it's suited for heavy-duty scrubbing, like removing rust, stripping paint, or tackling tough messes.

Brillo Pad Vs Steel Wool (Compared)