Steel Wool or Scouring PadsThis one might seem obvious, but steel wool and metal scouring pads are just way too rough to be using to clean pots and pans. Unless you’re using them to spot clean stuck-on food or grime, they shouldn’t be used in daily cleaning or washing. Alicia Sokolowski, a cleaning expert and co-owner of AspenClean, says that steel wool and scouring pads can scratch nonstick pans and even damage the enamel on your pans. Tatyana Dimitrova with U.K. cleaning company Fantastic Services adds that these cleaning products can also create microscopic scratches where food and bacteria can build up over time. As an alternative, Sokolowski recommends sticking to soft tools like microfiber cloths or soft sponges to clean the surface of your pots and pans.