Tackle these sturdy cleaning jobs with a scouring stick ( a.k.a . , pumice stone ) , the amazingly versatile putz you need in your armory .
You might already have a scouring spliff ( also from time to time referred to as a pumice stone stone)stored with your cleaning supplies . If you do n’t , consider adding a few to your armoury . interchangeable to the callus - busting tools used during a pedicure , scouring sticks are small , non - toxic , and inexpensive . They ’re also unbelievably handy to have around the house fortackling grunge , filth , and other toughened cleaning jobswhere regular scrub brushes and cleaning agents wo n’t cut it .
Even better , the compact stick unremarkably be just a few dollar and can be used on a wide variety of surfaces in and around your home . Use them toclean your shower , your oven , andeven your grillwork . In this guide , we ’ll explore how abrade sticks — a centuries - old cleaning method acting used across multiple cultures — can ply extra scouring top executive . We ’ll also tell apart you which surfaces to forefend .
Credit:Robert Peterson
Robert Peterson
Scouring Stick Safety Tips
Scouring sticks are a game - record changer when it comes to cleansing , but there are some important tips to keep in mind before starting any cleaning task . The first thing to remember is that your scrub stick should always be sloshed when you ’re using it . A dry stone can be too harsh for most surfaces , so soak your stone for a minute or two before starting , and keep the water ready to hand in case your stone dry out . Second , you should always wear gloves to protect your hands ( specially if you are also working with clean house agent ) . Next , test the scour peg on an invisible spot before call off any surface . Lastly , as you work , apply gentle pressing and keep the reefer neat by often rinse to get rid of dust .
When using a scouring joystick , you in general need just H2O and the peg ’s scratchy power , but a small amount of dish goop or a meek degreaser can be used for grimier jobs . For mineral buildup and soap scum , a trivial white acetum should do the illusion , while abaking tonic pastecan manage especially tough stains on sinks , toilets , and tubs . Avoid using bleach or ammonia water - based cleaners as they may respond erratically with the pumice , damage the surface you are scrub up , and induce discolorations .
Things You Shouldn’t Clean With a Scouring Stick
Before you start scrubbing , note that a scour marijuana cigarette can easy damage sure surfaces . Avoid using your scrub stick on enamel , acrylic , plastic , unstained blade , refined metal , ornamental tile , marble , and any sort of kitchen countertop — even if they ’re made of durablegranite , Corian , or sad sack city block . In fact , you ’ll want to manoeuvre clear of all forest surface , peculiarly if they ’re paint , as the scouring stick can remove layer of paint or varnish . ( Although , if youaccidentally spilled painton a aerofoil , you may be able-bodied to polish off it with a scouring control stick . ) Most meth , including fibreglass , is also off terminus ad quem but note that temper glass is permissible .
Things You Can Clean with a Scouring Stick
1. Toilet Bowls
If you have stubborn toilet rings , get disembarrass of them instantly with a scouring stick . First , empty andclean the toilet bowlas you usually would . Then , scrub any remnant smirch with the stick directly . If you need to keep a well-fixed space from the toilet control surface , we recommend a scouring stick with a handle . The pumicewon’t scratch the porcelainbut will do a solid business of removing stains and punishing water system or mineral buildup .
you’re able to ( and should ) rinse off flush sticks under water and let them ventilate ironic before storing them , but for sanitary reasonableness , you ’ll want to reserve one stick for toilets ( and john only ) .
2. Showers and Bathtubs
If your exhibitioner or bathtub is made of porcelain , a scouring stick is an effective room to dispatch rust , mineral bank deposit , and operose body of water stains . Just mildly scour the surfaces with a wet scouring stick to make them sparkle like new . These midget shaft are also ideal forcleaning groutand hard - to - range areas , such as the nooks near sliding field glass doors . fend off cleaning the actual glass ( unless it ’s chasten glass ) with your scouring spliff as it may damage the surface . The same belong for tubs and cascade made of fiberglass , enamel , or decorative tile .
3. Sinks, Faucets, and Drains
While you ’re cleaning the john , take a minute to also scrub the sink and its components with a abrade control stick . As with toilets and vat , you should be capable to slay refractory discoloration from the cesspit itself . Then , use the scour reefer to buff forth those unsightly mineral deposits that form around the spigot anddrain .
Go ahead and double the process toclean the kitchen sump , assuming yours is made with a scrub control stick - well-disposed material . Stainless blade orcopper sinks , for example , should not be touched with anything abrasive , such as a scour pin .
4. Ovens
That bake - on filth and grime in your oven wo n’t stand a probability against a scouring pin . To get started , soak your oven racks in soapy water system overnight and then cancel them to bump off any remaining residue . While the racks are drying , clean the inside of the ovenas you normally would and use the scouring stick for persistent bits of food or carbon paper soma - up .
While you are at it , considercleaning your cast iron cookwareand any tempered glass cooking utensil ( such as a casserole dish ) with a scouring stick as well . Just be sure to appropriate one scouring stick for food - related dishes so you ’re not scrubbing the family casserole peach with the same spliff you used on the shower trading floor .
5. Outdoor Grills
If it ’s blue enough for the indoor oven rack , a abrade joint is emphatically a solid choice forcleaning your out-of-door grill grate . First , runa metal brushover the grate , then wet a scouring control stick , and scrub any stuck - on barbecue sauce or steak remnants . Wipe it sporty with a cloth so it ’s good to go for your next backyard bash .
6. Swimming Pools
Pool maintenance can be a hassle , but regular upkeep is imperative so that it stays in swim - worthy status . Luckily , a scouring stick works wonders on concrete , masonry , gunite , plaster of Paris , and ceramic or porcelain roofing tile - lined pool . It can also tackle a multitude of poolside messes , such as rusting , mineral or algae deposits , mold , and intemperate weewee stain .
7. Metal Tools
If you ’ve ever leave your garden toolsexposed to the element , you have a go at it how swiftlythey can rust . Thankfully , a scouring stick can serve restore them to wish - newfangled circumstance . Just be certain to look into your study sporadically as you scrub . Most metallic element point , like dick or pipework , are durable enough to withstand scrubbing a layer of rusting . However , thin metals may scrub if you ’re too vigorous with back - and - forth gesture .
8. Grout
A scouring stick is also an effective peter for removing dirt and grunge from grout lines in and around your home . practice it to tackle grimykitchen backsplash groutor to get smear out offlooring grout — but use a light tinge . The abrasive pumice material may damage soft , unsanded , or deteriorating grout and may itch some tiles . quiz a diminished , out of sight area before undertake the undertaking .
9. Fabric
Scouring spliff can even be used to remove favourite hairsbreadth and lint from fabric furniture , upholstery , andcarpets . This method is particularly effective if the hair tends to decide into fibers and is difficult to remove with a vacuum cleaner . Using soft , fleet strokes , sweep the hair in one instruction , and once it ’s collected together in one berth , vacuum it up effortlessly .
Frequently Asked Questions
houseclean your scouring stick after every use to prevent declension and bacteria buildup . Just gargle your stick under affectionate water system , and if necessary , use a piffling mild dish easy lay and an old toothbrush to loosen the grime .
Even with regular usage , a scouring stick should last several months — particularly if you use it for elusive jobs like ovens , grills , and masonry . When your scouring stick becomes soft , frayed , or noticeably fluid , it is time to replace it .
Yes . purge sticks are porous and comparatively easy to cut into manageable pieces with a sharp-worded knife or saw . Just be sure to bear gloves . Also , be cautious of the raw edges as they may become abrupt .
Credit: Tria Giovan
