If you’ve ever stood at your kitchen sink, scrubbing away at a stubborn stain on your favourite saucepan or wondering if it’s finally time to say goodbye to that trusty old frying pan, you’re not alone.
For many Australians, especially those who’ve spent decades perfecting our culinary skills (and collecting a few battle-scarred pots along the way), keeping cookware sparkling clean can feel like a never-ending battle.
But what if we told you there’s a $4 product at Woolworths that’s taking the hard work out of kitchen cleaning—and winning rave reviews from everyday Aussies and professional cleaners alike?
The Miracle Cleaner Making Waves
Enter Bar Keepers Friend—a cleaning powder with a cult following in the US, now available at Woolies for just $4.35 (down from $8.70).
This humble canister has been around since 1882, originally designed to keep brass bar rails gleaming.
Fast forward to today, and it’s become a go-to for anyone looking to banish rust, mineral deposits, baked-on food, and stains from a range of hard surfaces.
What sets Bar Keepers Friend apart? Unlike many harsh cleaners, it’s bleach-free, making it ideal for stainless steel and other sensitive surfaces.
It’s also incredibly versatile, with users reporting success on everything from glass shower doors to kitchen sinks.
Real Results: A Frying Pan Transformation
One Aussie home cook, Brooke, recently put Bar Keepers Friend to the test on a 10-year-old frying pan that was on its last legs.
After picking up the cleaner at half price, she shared her results online—and the transformation was nothing short of jaw-dropping.
‘This stuff is amazing,’ Brooke enthused. Her method? Sprinkle the powder on, add a splash of warm water to make a paste, let it sit, then scrub with a scourer or steel wool.
While she admits it took a bit of elbow grease, the end result was a pan that looked ‘good as new’.
Brooke’s top tip: ‘With regular use of Bar Keepers Friend, cleaning your stainless steel cookware will be a walk in the park. I recommend using it every 5–10 uses to avoid heavy buildup.’
How to Use Bar Keepers Friend for Best Results
- Make a paste: Sprinkle the powder onto the surface, add just enough warm water, and mix.
- Let it sit: Give it a few minutes to work its magic on tough stains.
Scrub: Use a scourer or steel wool for stubborn spots (but avoid these on delicate surfaces). - Rinse thoroughly: Make sure to wash away all residue.
What Can (and Can’t) You Clean With It?
Bar Keepers Friend is a true multitasker, but it’s not suitable for every surface. Here’s a quick guide:
Great for:
- Stainless steel pots, pans, and sinks
- Glass and ceramic cooktops
- Porcelain and tile
- Brass, copper, and chrome fixtures
Avoid using on:
- Non-stick cookware (it can damage the coating)
- Cast iron (may cause rust)
- Granite, marble, or natural stone
- Wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces
When in doubt, always check the manufacturer’s instructions or do a quick Google search before using it on a new surface.
Why Are So Many Aussies Raving About It?
For many, Bar Keepers Friend is a nostalgic nod to the cleaning products of yesteryear—simple, effective, and affordable.
But it’s also a modern marvel, helping us keep our kitchens (and bathrooms) looking their best without resorting to harsh chemicals or endless scrubbing.
And with the cost of living on the rise, a $4 solution that can extend the life of your cookware is a win in anyone’s book.
Other Budget-Friendly Cleaning Hacks
If you’re on a mission to keep your home sparkling without breaking the bank, here are a few more tried-and-true tips:
- Baking soda and vinegar: Great for deodorising and removing stains.
- Lemon juice: Naturally cuts through grease and leaves a fresh scent.
- Microfibre cloths: Reusable and effective for dusting and polishing.
Have you tried Bar Keepers Friend or another cleaning hack that’s changed your kitchen routine? Do you have a family secret for keeping pots and pans spotless? We’d love to hear your stories and tips—share them in the comments below!
Also read: Banish bathroom dust forever with this unbelievable cleaning hack
