An Abrasive Cleaner is a type of mechanical cleaner that physically removes dirt, stains and tarnish the surface. They are made up of particles or physical abraders and use friction to remove the dirt stains etc. Physical abraders include sandpaper, steel wool, scrubbing pads, etc. Abrasiveness usually depends or coerciveness of the used material.
Depending on the harshness, there are three types of Abrasive Cleaners.
Mild Abrasives such as fine plastic mesh pads, soft brass wool, nylon coated sponges, rotten-stone and whiting are often used to clean pots and pans, interiors of ovens, and drip pans.
Examples of Moderate Abrasive Cleaners are fine pumice and fine steel wool. Steel wool has grades from 0000-super fine, 000-extra fine, 00-very fine, 0-fine, 1-medium, 2-medium coarse and 3-0 coarse.
Strong Abrasives are the strongest among abrasives. Examples include medium and coarse steel wool, metallic mesh cloths and balls, metallic brushes, coarse pumice, and sand/silica etc.