I touched a SOS pad to an aluminum platter and now it smells funny. Why?

Question

I can't wash it off with any amount of soap. Why did this happen and how to i get rid of that smell?

Answer 1

There must have been a reaction between the steel wool, the aluminum and the cleanser. My guess is that the surface has reacted but no deeper than that, so try an aluminum polish--to combat whatever is on the surface. Soap won't wash off something chemical or mineral. Such polishes are available at the supermarket in the cleaner section.