Steel wire wool

Steel wire wool, also known as steel wool or wire sponge, is a versatile material composed of fine, flexible steel filaments. It has a wide range of applications, from household cleaning to professional woodworking and metalwork. Its abrasive properties make it ideal for removing paint, varnish, and rust, polishing wood or metal objects, and even cleaning windows. In addition to its use in surface preparation and finishing, steel wire wool is also employed as a rodent deterrent, as its texture and composition are resistant to gnawing by mice and rats. The grades of steel wire wool vary from ultra-fine, which is suitable for delicate work like applying wax polishes, to coarse, which is better for heavy-duty tasks such as stripping finishes or deburring rough edges on metal. Safety precautions should be observed when using steel wire wool, as its fine strands can cause irritation, and it is flammable when in contact with flames or sparks.