Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on hard-anodized cookware?

Author: Prof. Verona Wyman MD  |  Last update: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Best Cleansers for Stainless Steel, Nonstick, and Hard-Anodized Aluminum. We found Bar Keepers Friend and Cameo to be the most effective in removing stubborn messes from most of the cookware in the test kitchen.

Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on hard anodized aluminum?

Bar Keepers Friend should not be used on anodized aluminum. Anodized aluminum is often colored or has a decorative finish. Under no circumstances use Bar Keepers Friend on such aluminum finishes. However, Bar Keepers Friend can be used on aluminum doors, windows, pans, etc., which is usually not anodized.

What is the best cleaner for hard anodized pans?

Calphalon has an anodized aluminum cleaner. Also Barkeeper's Friend (in the squeeze bottle) might help. Good luck!

Are there surfaces you should not use Bar Keepers Friend on?

Don't Use on Everything
  • Non-stick Cookware (Ruins the coating)
  • Cast Iron (Strips seasoning, can lead to rusting)
  • Granite, Marble (Dulls and etches)
  • Wood (Scratches finish)
  • Painted Surfaces (Removes/dulls paint)
  • Fabric (Damages fibers)
  • Leather (Dries and cracks)

What can you not use on anodized aluminum?

Not that it is any help to your present situation, Ted, but, anodized aluminum should never be cleaned with a metal polish type product or scotch brite pads. The anodizing is a coating and can be harmed/removed by using metal polishes or abrasives. Silicon based treatments, such as Rupp's, are best.

This Is The Biggest Mistake You're Making With Bar Keepers Friend

What is the best cleaner for anodized aluminum?

Use an abrasive cleaning technique with a gentle soap. An abrasive cleaning sponge with mild dish washing liquid can work well. Do not use harsh acidic or alkaline cleansers because they may destroy the finish. Use solvents with care as they may stain the finish.

What is the downside of anodized aluminum?

Using anodized aluminum comes with a set of disadvantages to consider. This type of cookware is typically pricier than other nonstick pans. It also absorbs heat very quickly so it is not ideal when cooking items that require high heat.

Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on coated pans?

No. Though Bar Keepers Friend can be used on a variety of hard, non-porous surfaces (like stainless steel, glass, and enamel), it will strip the coating on nonstick pots and pans. The same goes for cast iron without an enamel coating.

Is Bar Keepers Friend just baking soda?

Is Bar Keepers Friend just baking soda? Despite its similar appearance, Bar Keepers Friend is not the same as baking soda. Bark Keepers Friend is made from oxalic acid, a powerful cleaning chemical that can break down hard-to-move marks, grime, and dirt with ease.

What happens if you leave Bar Keepers Friend on too long?

While Bar Keepers Friend is powerful, it's essential not to leave it on surfaces for extended periods. If left for too long, it can etch surfaces. Apply the product, let it sit for only one minute, scrub as needed, and rinse promptly. Repeat if necessary.

Is vinegar safe on anodized aluminum?

Preparing to Clean Aluminium

Always use distilled white vinegar as it is more acidic than other types. Avoid using undiluted vinegar as it can be too harsh and damage the surface. Test a small area first to ensure that the vinegar does not cause any damage or discoloration.

What is hard anodized cookware disadvantages?

Are There Any Drawbacks to Hard Anodized Cookware? While hard anodized cookware is generally safe, there are a few considerations: Avoid High-Temperature Cooking: Though durable, hard anodized cookware may not be ideal for very high temperatures, such as oven-broiling, which can damage the anodized layer.

Is it safe to use Bar Keepers Friend on stainless steel pans?

DO use a non-abrasive cleaner. Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser, Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser, and Bar Keepers Friend MORE Spray+Foam are perfect for regularly cleaning stainless steel sinks and cookware. Each of these products is non-abrasive and won't harm the chrome oxide barrier when used properly.

Can you use cooking spray on hard anodized cookware?

When cared for properly, hard-anodized nonstick cookware can be long-lasting. For better cooking results, first preheat the pan at your desired cooking setting before adding butter or oil. It's best to avoid using aerosol cooking sprays since they contain chemical propellant that can be difficult to remove.

What can't you use Bar Keepers Friend on?

Don't use BKF on concrete, wood, or any other porous surface

Bar Keepers Friend is formulated to work on non-porous surfaces like glass, stainless steel, ceramic, porcelain, brass, and aluminum.

Why is Bar Keepers Friend better than Comet?

Bar Keepers Friend Doesn't Use Bleach

Bleach fumes will sometimes cause me to wheeze, if not start a full-fledged asthma attack. While Comet, Ajax, and other household cleaners are bleach-based and alkaline, Bar Keepers Friend isn't.

Does Bar Keepers Friend scratch?

“The key is to use as small an amount of BKF as the project allows and rinse thoroughly. The micro-abrasive particles may temporarily leave a white film if not rinsed completely. The abrasive used in BKF will not scratch glass or porcelain when properly used.” — Bar Keepers Friend FAQ.

Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on anodized aluminum?

To restore the hard-anodized interior or exterior to like-new appearance, use Calphalon Dormónd™ cleanser, which was specially developed for this cookware. For stubborn spots, use Bar Keeper's Friend® cleanser and a mildly abrasive sponge such as Scotch Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge.

Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on calphalon pans?

For more instructions and detailed recipes, visit Calphalon.com. Cookware Use and Care: Before first use, hand wash cookware with Bar Keepers Friend® and warm, sudsy water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly.

Can you mix Dawn and Bar Keepers friends?

Mixing Bar Keepers Friend with a bit of dish soap works wonders and has the perfect amount of suds and scrubbing power! Just don't ever mix with other cleaners (especially bleach).

Which is better, hard anodized or nonstick?

Hard anodized cookware has many of the same benefits as non stick pans, but can be more durable and scratch-resistant than some brands of non stick. That means you don't have to worry about your pots and pans getting scratched up when you're using them every day.

Is it safe to use scratched hard anodized cookware?

Well-made anodized aluminum cookware that doesn't have any scratches is probably okay as well, but when cooking in ordinary aluminum pots and pans (or scratched anodized cookware), be aware that acidic liquids will react with the metal, which can then get into food.

What is the safest cookware for your health?

ceramic is among the safest material for pans

From dishes, to glasses, bakeware and cookware, ceramic bakeware is our pick for the best cookware material for health thanks to its non-reactive nature and resistance to high temperatures and acidic foods. Plus it's so pretty!

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