Stainless steel and nonstick cookware are among the most common kitchen materials—and also two of the easiest to accidentally damage with the wrong cleaning tool.
Scouring Pads vary widely in abrasiveness, fiber type, and density, so choosing the correct grade is essential to avoid scratches while still removing grease and stuck-on food.
Manufacturers like PINCO produce pads in multiple strengths to ensure safe cleaning for both delicate and durable surfaces.
Yes, the wrong scouring pad can scratch stainless steel.
Stainless steel has a polished or Brushed surface finish. Heavy-duty pads—especially green pads containing coarse abrasive minerals—can cut into this finish, leaving visible marks.
White non-scratch pads
Blue medium-duty pads (for light stains)
Soft nylon pads without abrasive minerals
These pads clean without removing surface polish.
Green heavy-duty pads
Industrial abrasive pads (black, brown, very coarse)
Pads with dense fibers and high mineral content
Even though stainless steel is durable, its finish can be damaged if abrasive force is too strong.
PINCO recommends choosing non-scratch or medium-duty pads for routine stainless steel maintenance to protect the surface shine.
Absolutely yes. Nonstick coatings are highly sensitive to abrasion.
Nonstick pans have a coated surface that can be damaged when exposed to:
Coarse abrasives
High-friction scrubbing
Hard fiber materials
Once scratched, the coating loses effectiveness and becomes unsafe or unusable.
White non-scratch pads
Soft nylon pads
Low-density, non-abrasive pads
These remove food residue without harming the protective coating.
Green heavy-duty scouring pads
Black or brown industrial pads
Any pad with abrasive minerals
Steel wool or metal-based pads
Using these pads even once can permanently damage the nonstick surface.
Soft, flexible, and safe for delicate surfaces. Ideal for nonstick and polished cookware.
Stronger and more abrasive. Better suited for stainless steel only when using medium-duty grades.
PINCO uses both fiber types to offer pads tailored to specific surface requirements.
Use white or blue pads
Scrub in the direction of the grain
Avoid excessive pressure
Apply soaking or detergent before scrubbing
Use only non-scratch pads
Let warm water soften residue before cleaning
Avoid scraping motions
Replace pads regularly to ensure softness
Before using a new scouring pad on cookware:
Test it on a small, hidden area
Apply light pressure
Check for visible marks
If the surface looks duller or scratched, switch to a softer pad.
Color coding helps prevent incorrect pad selection:
White: non-scratch
Blue: medium-duty
Green: heavy-duty
Black/Brown: industrial-level
PINCO maintains consistent color-grading to ensure buyers always know the abrasiveness they’re using.
Scouring pads can scratch both stainless steel and nonstick cookware if the wrong abrasive grade is used.
Stainless steel requires moderate abrasiveness.
Nonstick cookware requires gentle, non-abrasive cleaning tools.
By selecting the correct pad type—white for nonstick, blue or white for stainless steel—users protect their cookware while maintaining effective cleaning power.
With a full range of abrasive strengths, PINCO provides safe solutions for every kitchen surface.
