In 1917 San Francisco, a Wear-Ever Aluminum cooking utensil salesman by the name of Irwin Cox was seeking a way for consumers to keep their new pans shining bright.
His invention: a pre-soaped steel wool pad. The idea was born in the basement of Cox's home by dipping steel wool balls into a hand-grade liquid soap, and then allowing the pads to air dry.
Cox’s wife called the pads S.O.S for Save Our Saucepans. The S.O.S pads were so popular that Cox found himself with a hot new product line.
A U.S. patent was issued for the concept in 1918. The following year an investor group was formed in California to manufacture and sell the product.
More than 90 years later, S.O.S remains the number one problem-solver for Americas greasiest, grimiest, grungiest jobs.
S.O.S Through the Years
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