That black stuff doesn't look like ScotchBrite. Looks more like the filter for an air conditioner.
As Laitch said, vinegar won't hurt the level sender, might even clean it up, just be gentle with it. There are some very fragile resistance wires in it. They're not cheap to replace. When the rest of the tank is clean, you can remove the sender and give it a soak and a very careful cleaning with a soft paint brush.