In daily home and business cleaning, there are tools that never go out of style. One of them is the stainless steel scouring pad , also known as the Nana scouring pad .
Its effectiveness, durability, and versatility make it an ally for removing tough dirt. In this guide, you'll learn what it's used for, precautions, and what alternatives to choose when it's not the right choice.
What is a stainless steel scouring pad?
The stainless steel scouring pad is made of fine, intertwined metal strands that form a strong, flexible mesh. This structure allows for vigorous scrubbing without easily breaking down, which differentiates it from conventional fiber or sponge scouring pads.
Unlike other scouring pads, stainless steel scouring pads have a longer lifespan and are more resistant to frequent washing, making them an economical and sustainable option.
Main uses of stainless steel scouring pad
1) Cleaning pots and pans (steel, iron, aluminum)
The stainless steel scouring pad is ideal for removing stuck-on food residue and stubborn grease from steel, iron, or aluminum pots, pans, and skillets.
In busy professional kitchens, it's often combined with degreasers or dishwashing detergents , which help soften grease and make scrubbing easier.
2) Griddles and grills
Carbon buildup and grease on grills and griddles require more abrasive action. The Nano Scourer allows for a deep, quick clean.
For best results, many hospitality businesses use gel or foam iron cleaners that reduce rubbing time and protect the surface.
3) Hospitality and catering (HORECA)
In bars, restaurants, and dining rooms, it is often used on trays, ovens, or extractor hoods, where grease easily builds up.
It's recommended to include it in a hygiene protocol along with professional products such as specific degreasers and surface disinfectants to ensure safe cleaning.
4) Maintenance of tools and metal surfaces
Beyond the kitchen, it is also used in workshops and factories to remove surface rust and prepare metal parts before painting.
In these cases, it is usually accompanied by acid descalers or stainless steel cleaners , which leave the surface ready for an optimal finish.
Precautions for use (very important)
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Do not use on delicate surfaces : Teflon/non-stick , glass ceramic , glass , enamelled steel or mirror polished stainless steel— may scratch .
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Avoid glassware and non-stick surfaces : opt for soft sponges or microfiber.
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Pre-test on a hidden area if in doubt.
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After use: rinse and drain well, let dry to prolong shelf life.
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In professional kitchens, frequent renewal and dry storage to avoid cross-contamination.
When should you choose steel wool instead of nana scouring pad?
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Fine finishes (e.g., wood between coats of varnish or satin stainless steel): Use fine steel wool (0000–0) .
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More aggressive stripping on metal: medium to coarse steel wool (1–4) .
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Always accompany with the right chemical to reduce time and effort.
Safe alternatives when you can't use metal
A stainless steel scouring pad is not recommended for delicate surfaces such as Teflon , glass , or enameled steel , as it can scratch them. In these cases, it's best to use other tools:
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Non-abrasive pads (white or blue): perfect for non-stick cookware and delicate stainless steel. They work well with a mild dishwashing detergent , which cleans without damaging the surface.
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Green fiber: Recommended only for very resistant surfaces, where extra abrasion is necessary. It is often combined with a multipurpose degreaser in professional kitchens.
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Melamine sponge: practical for stains on walls and plastics. In hospitality settings, it's reinforced with descaling products to remove more persistent marks.
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Microfiber: The most versatile option for daily maintenance, both at home and in business. A mild detergent or surface disinfectant is all it takes to maintain hygiene.
In areas such as swimming pools or facilities with a high limescale content, the best alternative is not a scouring pad, but a good chemical treatment program: pH regulators, anti-algae, flocculants or descalers that keep surfaces clean and free of scale.
Quick guide: surface, tool and recommended chemical
| Surface/use | Recommended tool | Suggested Chemist La Corberana* |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy duty grills and griddles | Stainless steel scouring pad | Alkaline degreaser / iron cleaner |
| Steel or iron pots/pans | Steel wool or medium wool | Degreaser + dishwashing detergent |
| Industrial ovens | Scourer + scraper (if applicable) | Oven descaling/degreasing gel |
| Satin stainless steel (delicate finish) | Very fine steel wool (0000) | Specific stainless steel cleaner |
| Non-stick/Teflon, glass, vitro | Non-abrasive pad or microfiber | Neutral detergent |
| Workshop/surface rust | Medium-thick wool or scouring pad | Descaler/metal cleaner |
Frequently Asked Questions about Scourer
Is stainless steel scouring pad the same as steel wool?
Not exactly. Both are metallic and abrasive, but steel wool comes in grades (from very fine to coarse) and allows for a more controlled finish . The "nana" scouring pad is a very durable metal skein designed for fast scale removal .
Can I use steel wool on non-stick pans?
No. You can scratch the coating. Use non-abrasive pads and mild detergent.
Does it work for glass or ceramic hob?
Neither. Opt for microfiber or non-abrasive cleaners .
How do I disinfect it in a professional setting?
Rinse residue, wash with detergent, and apply a food-safe surface disinfectant following the contact time and rinsing instructions as per the label.
Which La Corberana products do I combine it with?
For grease: alkaline degreaser . For limescale: descaler . For subsequent washing: dishwashing detergent . For pool areas: pool line to prevent scaling.
Conclusion
The stainless steel scouring pad (Nana scouring pad) is a simple and powerful tool for working on tough surfaces. Use it with caution , choosing steel wool when you need a finer finish and using non-abrasive alternatives for delicate surfaces.
If you want to optimize time and results , combine it with professional cleaners from La Corberana, available in our online store. We are the leading professional cleaning product manufacturer in Spain .