Using steel wool soap pads to wash dishes, there are a few tips and tricks. Keeping  the used ones in the same box as the new ones. The trick to doing that is not to soak the pad. If the pads are soaked, most of the soap is washed out and the steel wool will rust easily. They can be used many times if they are completely dried. Usually they can be scraped out the big pieces and rinse the pan without wiping. The little bit of water left in the pan will be enough to clean it. You can always add a little more water.

Another tip when using the used pads, fold a paper towel or rag to hold and press it to the pan. Sometimes the small steel wool fibers act as splinters and they are hard to see to remove.

Used pads, even ones that are slightly rusted can be used to stuff in small holes or cracks around the house where insects or mice may gain entrance. You can pull apart the pad, use gloves, and use a small knife to poke it in the spaces. You don’t want to use these in a place where the pads will get wet or you will have a rusted area.

Have a great day and happy scrubbing.