Steel wool is a material made from thin steel filaments that are either matted together or woven into a pad. Consumers are often familiar with steel wool in the form of a dish scouring pad; it is also used by woodworkers as a replacement for sandpaper, and it has a number of other uses as well. Many hardware stores and markets sell steel wool, and sometimes multiple grades are available for different tasks, ranging from coarse to fine.

This product was originally developed in the 19th century, and it was originally produced from a waste product known as swarf. Swarf appears when metal is turned on a lathe; metalworkers noted that the fine fibers of the swarf appeared to have interesting properties, not least of which was their ability to behave almost like a textile. They presumably started using steel wool at home, and other people picked up the habit, creating a demand for commercially produced steel wool.

The common name for this product is a reference to the fact that the fibers look like matted wool which has not been combed or carded. The multiple fine filaments create an excellent abrasive surface; the coarseness of steel can be adjusted with the use of differently sized fibers, ensuring that the product can be used on everything from fine woodworking projects to pots and pans. Many companies produce individual steel wool pads along with large rolls which can be cut to size as needed, for people who go through a lot of steel wool.

Grading standards for steel wool vary; if you're not sure about which grade to purchase, you may want to buy a piece with a label which indicates it is appropriate for your needs. Be aware that steel wool can be hard on your hands; while you don't need gloves to use it, you may want to use it carefully to ensure that you do not end up with small cuts and scratches.

Steel wool is also a potential fire hazard, because the fine filaments are highly flammable. You can use this to your advantage; some people like to take steel wool on camping trips, for example, because it will light even when wet. Be careful when using steel wool around open flames, and avoid exposing it to electrical currents, as it can throw off sparks or catch fire unexpectedly.