scouring pad
Definition
Noun: A small, abrasive pad, typically made from materials like steel wool, plastic mesh, or abrasive fibers, used for scrubbing and cleaning hard surfaces, especially to remove stuck-on food, grease, or stains from pots, pans, and other kitchenware.
Usage
A scouring pad is a hand-held cleaning tool. It is used by applying it to a dirty, wet surface, often with soap or detergent, and scrubbing with pressure to remove residue. It is designed for tasks requiring more abrasion than a regular sponge.
Examples
- Noun:
- I need a new scouring pad to clean this burnt saucepan.
- For tough grease, use a scouring pad and some hot, soapy water.
- Be careful not to use a metal scouring pad on non-stick cookware, as it will scratch the surface.
Advanced Usage
- "To go at something with a scouring pad": This phrase implies scrubbing something very vigorously or aggressively, often to remove something extremely stubborn.
- You'll have to go at that baked-on cheese with a scouring pad.
Variants and Related Words
- Scour (verb): The action of cleaning or polishing a surface by rubbing it hard with an abrasive pad or substance.
- She had to scour the old grill to remove the rust.
- Steel wool (noun): A specific type of scouring pad made from fine, sharp steel filaments. It is a very abrasive variant.
- Abrasive pad (noun): A more general term for any pad used for scrubbing.
Synonyms
- Scrubbing pad
- Abrasive pad
Related Phrases
- "Like a scouring pad": A simile used to describe something that feels very rough or abrasive to the touch.
- His unshaven face felt like a scouring pad.
Noun
-
a small abrasive cleaning pad used for scouring pots and pans
