Scuff marks during cleaning?

[Marvel26]

Normally this is not the time of year one would ask a cleaning question, and I have not had any need for hard scrubbing of my pan as I soak it in pure vinegar for months and everything wipes away. However, this year the whitish niter build up is still stuck to the bottom and sides of the pan quite well. I started to use a scotch brite pad and it very quickly took the niter off but its leaving fine scratches/scuff marks in the stainless.

What are the experiences of others? Will this scuffing cause niter to build up more quickly? and should I switch to a less abrasive pad?

As always, the thoughts of others would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Rob