UPDATE: the commenters' verdict is unanimous: this is not a good idea, because it will damage the iron tip of the soldering iron. Thanks everyone!
These sort of sponges are sold for cleaning the tip of soldering irons:
Now, maybe it's an odd question -- but is there any reason not to use one of these kitchen scrubby things instead?
They are way easier to get, plus they are cheaper.
I'm wondering mainly:
- can you think of a reason why it could be dangerous to use the stainless steel one? (like, poisonous fumes or something)
- would it hurt the soldering iron tip?
it is not dangerous in any way since it is just metal and metal oxides that do not mobilize at the temps you use for soldering. it is not recommended because the protective layer on most modern soldering irons is made from iron (not steel) and iron is softer than steel.
Are you certain? I seem to recall that steel wool burns. I’m not sure how different the pictured scrubber is from steel wool pads.
https://www.livescience.com/60764-watch-steel-wool-burn.html
a spark is typically hotter than 800°C while soldering above 400°C just isnt something you see for electronics. (brazing is another matter though)