Question from Barbara
I have been using SOS pads and Bar Keepers Friend for cleaning my pans. I want to use the safe and ecological way to clean my pans. Have I opened the door to the leaching of metals into my food by using SOS pads ? Is it bad to use Bar Keepers Friend because of residue on the pans and/or down the drain and into the environment ?
Thank you for your time and this great site. I appreciate you very much !
Debra’s Answer
Yes, you have opened the door for metals to leach from your pans by using SOS pads, as they scratch the surface, allowing the metals to escape into the food. And the toxicity of Bar Keeper’s Friend is covered in Is This Scouring Powder Toxic?.
At our house we minimize the use of scouring powder and scrubbing by soaking pots and pans with water before attempting to clean them. After several hours of soaking, the food usually wipes right out with soap and a sponge.
We also use Bon Ami or baking soda as a scouring powder.
Readers, your suggestions?
