Cleaning stubborn grime from stainless steel pans can often feel frustrating, as traditional cleaners sometimes only make minimal progress. Based on the tips shared in the pan cleaning method you described, I found that combining a soak with baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and hot water is a game-changer. First, soaking the pan allows the grime to loosen without the need for aggressive scrubbing right away. I let my pan soak for about an hour with those ingredients, which prepared the surface well for the next step. Then simmering the pan with the solution further helped break down stuck-on residue. When it came time to scrub, using steel wool pads like SOS brand proved incredibly effective. Many people hesitate to use steel wool on stainless steel for fear of scratching, but when done gently, it delivers satisfying results by restoring the pan's original shine. From my experience, this three-step approach—soak, simmer, then scrub—is way more powerful than relying on commercial cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend alone. The key is patience and following the sequence correctly. After completing these steps, my pan looked almost brand new, which was shocking considering how grimy it had been. If you’re dealing with stubborn grime, I encourage trying this home remedy before tossing your pans or buying expensive products. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and you might be surprised at how your stainless steel cookware can shine again with just a little extra effort.