Scouring pad
Article
Taken from the verb "to scour" meaning "To clean, polish, or wash something by scrubbing it vigorously" [1] a scouring pad is a small pad (round or cube) of metal or plastic mesh used for scouring a surface. Some scouring pads have one side made of a soft sponge like material and the other is the aforementioned plastic mesh.
Brief History of Scouring Pads
The scouring pad has been reincarnated in several forms over the years. In 1928, R. B. Kingman patented the scouring ball, which was one of the first scouring pads and made of a metal mesh. [2]
In 1942, David J. Kelman patented a toroidal metal scouring pad. This was, and still is, used as an abrasive scrubbing pad, however, it is becoming less common, as it removes non-stick surfaces off pans. [2]
In 1988, the first scouring pad made of out sponge material was patented by Hans J Hartmann. This was to enable the scouring pad to float. To achieve this, he used a technique to thread the metal mesh through the sponge and wrap it around the outside. This was proposed to stop the scouring pad from dropping to the bottom of the sink or washing up bowl. [2]
In 1973, the plastic needle surface (now more commonly used) was invented by Edward Mednick, who invented the new surface as a way of reducing the damage scouring pads did to non-stick surfaces. This technology and varieties thereon are now what most scouring pads sold today are based upon. [2]