Failure to plan ahead has come home to roost for me, I'm afraid. Due to a shipping snafu I don't care to bore you with, I'm only holding a 6" steel bristled brush and my stainless chimney is overdue for a sweep. I'd usually not care too much if I waited, but the prediction is snow tonight, and kids out of school tomorrow. Sure would be nice to burn. I was on the roof this morning and I think that my residue has put me past the critical point and I shut it down. So, I'm really wanting to hear from anyone who has strong opinions about the advisability of using a steel brush on stainless.....and I'm talking about only doing it this one time.