Have you ever wondered why some people place their steel scrub pads over a flame to burn them? It might seem strange at first, but this simple trick actually has a practical purpose. When a steel scrub pad is exposed to fire, the heat effectively burns away grease, oil residue, and food particles that have built up inside the steel fibers. If your scrub pad still looks usable but feels greasy or dirty, this method can help you clean and refresh it instead of throwing it away.

Over time, as we use a steel scrub pad for washing pots, pans, and other cookware, tiny bits of food, oil, and soap residue collect inside. These residues can cause the pad to smell unpleasant or lose its scrubbing power. Instead of wasting a perfectly good pad, you can restore it with a few easy cleaning methods.

Step 1: Pre-Soak and Remove Surface Dirt

First, soak the scrub pad in a bowl of water. Sprinkle some table salt onto it—salt helps to disinfect and loosen stubborn grease. Then, pour boiling water into the bowl and let the pad soak. The hot water helps dissolve oil and kill bacteria. You’ll soon see the water turn cloudy as the dirt and oil are released.

Rice water also works surprisingly well as a natural cleaning agent. When you rinse rice before cooking, save that water and soak your scrub pad in it for a few minutes. The starch in rice water softens the grime and helps pull out trapped dirt between the steel threads.

Step 2: Deep Clean With Detergent

After soaking, pour out the dirty water and apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid to the pad. Rub and squeeze the pad several times under running water. This helps remove any remaining grease between the steel coils, leaving the pad much cleaner and shinier.

Step 3: Burn the Scrub Pad to Sterilize and Restore

Now for the interesting part—burning the steel scrub pad.
Turn on your gas stove and carefully place the scrub pad over the flame. Do not use a high flame; a medium flame works best to avoid melting the steel. Rotate the pad slowly so it heats evenly. As it burns, you may hear small crackling sounds—this is just the trapped oil and residue burning away. Usually, one to two minutes of heating is enough.

After burning, place the pad in a large bowl and pour boiling water over it again. This step removes the loosened soot, oil, and debris. Use tongs or chopsticks to handle the pad safely, as it will be hot. You can also soak it briefly in a mild cleaning solution to restore its shine and remove any burnt smell.

Finally, rinse thoroughly under running water and squeeze out the excess moisture. Your scrub pad will now look almost as good as new—clean, shiny, and ready for use again.

Why This Method Works

Fire acts as a natural sterilizer. The high temperature not only burns away organic residue but also kills bacteria that might be trapped inside the metal fibers. It’s a fast, chemical-free cleaning method that helps prolong the life of your scrub pads.

However, remember to use caution when handling fire. Always use tongs or long tools to avoid burns, and perform the process in a well-ventilated area. Avoid burning pads with plastic handles or coatings, as they can release harmful fumes.

Conclusion

Cleaning a steel scrub pad by burning and boiling it is a simple yet effective home trick. It removes grease, food residue, and odor, restoring the pad’s shine and usability. Instead of throwing away your old scrub pads, try this quick method to save money and keep your cleaning tools fresh.

It’s a small household tip—but one that truly makes your kitchen cleaning routine easier, cheaper, and more eco-friendly. 🌿