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I love old-fashioned cleaning products, and today we are sharing how to use S.O.S pads for quick cleaning around your home.

This is an item I always keep on hand because it has some unique cleaning abilities that are unlike anything else.

What I love most about this product is the history behind it!

I am so intrigued by the stories on these old-fashioned cleaning products. 

Be sure to read our old-fashioned cleaning products post too for some great ideas. 

Try These Old-Fashioned S.O.S Pads For Quick Cleaning

I had a reader recently ask me if I used S.O.S pads, and I thought it would make a great post since I had them on hand anyways. 

The History of S.O.S Pads

S.O.S pads, also known as S.O.S. Soap Pads, are abrasive cleaning pads made of steel wool saturated with soap. They were invented in 1917 by Irwin Cox, an aluminum pot salesman, as a way to help his customers clean their new cookware. Cox’s wife named the pads “S.O.S.,” which stood for “Save Our Saucepans.”

You might be wondering if these are like Brillo Pads or which came first? Brillo pads were invented just a few years before SOS pads were. They began disturbing around the same time SOS pads did.

In my personal experience, the SOS pads last longer than Brillo pads do, so I prefer to use S.O.S pads.

The Simple Science and Ingredients in S.O.S Pads

According to the S.O.S FAQ page, these pads are made of shaved steel wire and soap. The soap contains rust inhibitors, preservatives, biodegradable soaps and detergents, a pH buffer, fragrance and color. These ingredients work together to simply scrub and clean many surfaces around your home.

How To Use An S.O.S Pad:

Before we share these quick cleaning tips, it is important to note how to use the S.O.S pad properly so it works the best. Before you clean anything, run the pad under water or dip it in a bucket of water. You want the pad to be damp and softer when you use it. This allows the soap inside of it to be soft and ready for cleaning.

Clean Garden Tools

S.O.S pads are great for cleaning rusty garden tools! First, soak the S.O.S pad in water, then scrub the tools concentrating more on any rusty spots. After scrubbing, rinse with water to remove any soap residue. Make sure to dry the tools thoroughly after rinsing.

For heavy rust, soak the tools in a vinegar/salt solution first, then scrub with the S.O.S pad. You can find our rust remover in the eBook.

Clean Any Rusty Tool

This method mentioned above works for all types of tools too, not just garden tools.  You can clean any metal tool with an S.O.S pad. It is great for basic cleaning and/or rust removal.

Degrease and Clean Oven Racks

S.O.S pads do a fantastic job at cleaning oven racks. Wet the pad, scrub the racks, then rinse them. It not only removes grease, but any residue that is burnt on.

Scrub The Entire Oven

While you are at it, clean the entire oven with an S.O.S pad too! I am amazed how well it cleans burnt on food. Remember to thoroughly wet the pad to activate the soap, then gently scrub the inside of the oven. While the S.O.S pad is mildly abrasive, it can gently clean the oven surface and even the glass. Just make sure you don’t scrub too hard and follow up with a damp microfiber cloth to clean out the residue.

Clean Baked On Grease For Certain Kitchenware

The brand also says you can use these pads safely for stainless steel and aluminum cookware. Simply wet a pad and scrub. Once food particles and grease are loosened, rinse with water. Make sure you don’t use traditional S.O.S pads for non-stick or coated cookware though.

Clean Dirty Patio Furniture

One of the BEST ways to clean patio furniture is with an S.O.S pad. Soak the pad in water, then head to your patio furniture and scrub away. This is great for plastic or metal patio furniture. It cleans even rusty metal furniture that needs some TLC! They have a video of this here. I have used this one my plastic furniture, as well as my metal furniture with success.

Clean Outdoor Swings or Playground Equipment

I use an S.O.S pad to scrub dirty swings and slides. It does a great job at removing mildew and dirt! It cleans rubber, plastic, and metal surfaces.

What Kind of S.O.S Pads To Buy?

I always buy the regular pack (this is actually a 2 pack of 10, so 20 total) which contains 10 original pads you can reuse. They also have a clean and toss version which are a one time use. They also have S.O.S pads non-stick scrubbers to try for non-stick pans and surfaces. 

What Not To Use S.O.S Pads On:

Don’t use these pads on anything delicate, painted surfaces, non-stick or coated surfaces, or natural stone.  I think it is a good idea to test a small surface first just to be sure 🙂

Grab a box of these old-fashioned S.O.S pads for quick cleaning.

Now that we have covered some of these handy cleaning uses, you can keep a box in your home for these easy quick cleaning tips. 

What other old-fashioned cleaning products would you like me to cover next?

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