How to Keep Steel Wool Pads From Rusting

But if you know this helpful trick, you can keep your pads clean and rust-free until they're all used up.

1. When you're done using a steel wool pad for dishes or cleaning, rinse it well in clean, cold water. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can.

2. Fill a small- or medium-sized glass jar a little more than halfway with clean, cold water.

3. Sprinkle in a generous dose of baking soda. About 2 tbsp should do the trick, but there's no need to measure.

4. Close the lid tightly on the jar and shake it vigorously to mix the baking soda and water.

5. Remove the lid and put the steel wool pad inside. Make sure the steel wool is completely submerged in the solution.

6. Keep the jar near your sink so that the steel wool pad will be accessible when you need it. As long as it remains completely submerged in the solution during storage, the steel wool should never rust. Just rinse the pad thoroughly before using it. Then rinse it again and squeeze out the excess water before putting it back in the jar.