Why Steel Wool Might Be the Best Window Tool You’re Not Using

For years, I swore I’d never use steel wool on glass. Too risky, too harsh, too unnecessary.

I was wrong.

After twenty years cleaning glass, I’ve learned that 0000-grade steel wool is one of the best tools you can have. It gets marks off that no scraper, detergent, or secret mix will touch. Used properly, it doesn’t scratch. It burnishes. It smooths and polishes the surface so the glass looks clearer than ever before. It achieves perfection!

Real-World Results

If you clean glass near a BBQ, kitchen sink, or skylight, you already know the type of grime that won’t budge. Here’s the method that works:

1. Quickly wet the glass.

2. Scrub it with 0000 steel wool while still wet.

3. Squeegee. Done.

It saves time on the soapy scrub step and leaves the glass perfect. For lighter jobs, clean normally with mop/squeegee, then use dry steel wool to touch up any leftover marks. The finish is next-level.

Buying the Right Stuff

Not all steel wool is equal. I once bought a pack on eBay that said “0000,” but it looked like someone had drawn the extra zero with a marker. It didn’t feel right either. Genuine 0000 wool should be fine and soft, not gritty or coarse. Get it from a proper supplier.

Wet vs Dry Use

Wet steel wool is easier on your scrubbing arm and glides smoothly across the glass. But it goes rusty quickly, so it doesn’t last long once wet. Tip: never use rusty steel wool on glass — that will scratch.

Rust steel wool - do not use on glass!

Dry steel wool gives a stronger, more aggressive clean. The trade-off is friction. It takes more effort to scrub and can be exhausting on large areas. The best approach is to use wet for heavy cleaning and dry for final touch-ups.

About Scratches

Now, about the “scratching” accusation — yes, you’ll hear that from some window cleaners. My experience says otherwise. On standard glass, 0000 steel wool doesn’t scratch. Of course, on tinted or low-E glass, you’ve got to be careful or avoid it altogether. But as pros, we’re paid to get the hard marks off safely, and steel wool is often the best tool for that job.

Let me know what you think...

Do you use 0000 steel wool when cleaning windows?

• 0%Yes, almost every job
• 0%Sometimes, for tough marks
• 0%Never, too risky

Coming Soon

I’ve been working on a new tool that makes using steel wool more ergonomic and lets you reach awkward spots easily. It’ll make this kind of sparkling finish quicker and easier.

If you care about perfect glass, this one’s for you.