Like we mentioned in our shower scum soap hack post, we’re loving the Versa tool that Dremel was kind enough to send us to try out. As an added bonus, it also taught us how to clean stainless steel pans without any scrubbing. Thanks for the awesome tool, Dremel! This post contains affiliate links which may lead to a commission if purchased. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
How To Clean Stainless Steel Pans Easily
We switched to these stainless steel pots and pans months ago, and we’re so glad we did. We even wrote a blog post about why we’ll never go back to “nonstick” cookware again. So. Many. Reasons. While we’re loving the health and safety benefits of using stainless steel cookware (as well as better tasting food), we’re noticing a bit of scum buildup. Most of you know by now that I look for lazy hacks for just about any chore, and this was no different. When I figured out how to clean stainless steel pans without any scrubbing, I was even more sold than before.
Here are my key items for knowing how to clean stainless steel pans without any scrubbing at all.
- Bar Keeper’s Friend
- Dremel Versa
- Drying towel (I think these ones are cute)
That’s it! For the most part, it’s not really possible to clean cookware without scrubbing without both. I have cleaned stainless steel cookware with Bar Keeper’s Friend and steel wool before, but there was way too much elbow grease involved. The nice thing about the Dremel Versa is that it removes sweat & scrubbing from the process.
How To Clean Stainless Steel Pans Without Scrubbing
- (Optional) Soak the pan in soapy water to loosen up any recent food scum.
- Dump out water from pan. Use Dremel Versa to remove any fresh food scum.
- Lightly wet the pan again. Liberally sprinkle Bar Keeper’s Friend onto pan.
- Use Dremel Versa tool to remove any blemishes & polish the pan. (Multiple attachments can be used with stainless steel cookware – sometimes I’ll experiment with various options depending on the kind of grime I’m dealing with.)
- Dry & admire!
Now, let’s break down the steps a little more with images.
Soak
If I recently used the cookware, I always soak it and remove any food particles first. If it was already “cleaned” and was just sitting in the cabinets waiting for a shine, I’ll start right away with “step 3” of how to clean stainless steel.
Add Bar Keeper’s Friend
If you’re wondering how to clean stainless steel pans and make them look like new, Bar Keeper’s Friend is going to be your best bud. It has gritty properties to really help lift the toughest gunk off the cookware. I like to just sprinkle it on like this.
Deploy The Dremel Versa
The Dremel Versa is going to be your best friend if you want to learn how to clean stainless steel pans without any elbow grease whatsoever. The Versa does the hard physical work for you, and works much more quickly than manual scrubbing, too. I recommend using the splash guard, since the spray can get a tad rogue at times.
Good As New Cookware
I never thought making my cookware shiny and new would be possible without any elbow grease on my part. This tool has changed my life in terms of how to clean stainless steel pans, as well as how often I clean them. Since there is so little effort involved, I’m much more willing to give them a shine, which makes for a much “newer” feeling cooking experience.
Do you have stainless steel cookware? How do you like to make yours shiny and bright?
Don’t forget to watch our YouTube video to see this technique in action!