nylon can scratch stainless steel?

[Citizen_Snips]

I just picked up a set of SS mixing bowls and used what I'm pretty sure is a nylon spoon (it's black plastic) in them for the first time today. After I cleaned the bowl out, I noticed a pattern of scratch marks in the bottom of the bowl that perfectly corresponded to my stirring pattern. Just to be sure, I ran the spoon through the empty bowl in a stirring motion and sure enough, there were more scratch marks.

Does nylon always scratch stainless steel? Should I not be using nylon tools with stainless steel? Do I need a new/better spoon? This one was a cheapo from Walmart.

I realize the scratches don't affect the performance of the bowl, but is there a possibility of wearing through the bowl over time if you keep scratching it in the same place over and over through the same stirring pattern?

[cleobeach]

I have scratched stainless cookware with a nylon Scotch-Brite-type pad. After I washed the pan and noticed the scratches, I realized I bought the type that isn't labelled scratch freee so I could see how a spoon would also scratch.

[moonbeamer]

"My more general question though is: does nylon normally scratch SS?"

It was probably some hard grit that embedded itself in the nylon spoon during some previous use (that's the way nylon fishing lines can groove hardalloy fishing guides, or a soft microfiber cleaning cloth can scratch optics). Get a new spoon and be careful what you use it on.

[Citizen_Snips]

OK, it seems my question about damaging the bowl was a silly one. Nevermind that. My more general question though is: does nylon normally scratch SS?

[unprofessional_chef]

A nylon brush will scratch SS. They make silicone spoons that should be more gentle.

[Chemicalkinetics]

"I realize the scratches don't affect the performance of the bowl, but is there a possibility of wearing through the bowl over time if you keep scratching it in the same place over and over through the same stirring pattern?"

That is no way you can scratch through the bowl with a nylon spoon. It is probably as realistic that you can dig an escape tunnel from a jail using that nylon spoon.

[blondelle]

I don't know how old you are but there's a pretty good chance you will still be still be stirring in the bowl in the hereafter before you wear through the bowl by stirring in it :-).