A surprisingly effective toilet bowl cleaner The liquid version of Bar Keepers Friend is just as effective as the original powdered version, but it's easier to squeeze up into the rim of a toilet.
Apply approximately six ounces of Bar Keepers Friend Toilet Bowl Cleaner to all sides and surfaces of the toilet bowl, including under the rim. Replace bottle cap securely and allow product to sit in the toilet bowl for at least five minutes.
Simply pour a kettle of almost boiling water into the bowl, follow up with 250ml of citric acid, and leave it for some hours – preferably overnight. The next day, scrub and flush. What's good for those caked-on pots and pans after cooking dinner is also good for removing a brown stain on the bottom of the toilet bowl.
All that said, Bar Keepers Friend isn't for everything, namely anything that will scratch easily. According to the brand, it's safe for pretty much any non-porous surface, such as stainless steel, ceramic, and porcelain.
Bowl cleaner: A cleanser specifically made for toilet bowls will do the majority of the work to remove bacteria and hard-water buildup. The experts we talked to recommended any cleaner with some form of bleach, but you can find plenty of bleach alternatives, as well.
Our favorite, editor-approved toilet bowl cleaner is the Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It's an easy-to-find cleaner that works great on tough stains, has a clean scent, and lasts for a long time.
A surprisingly effective toilet bowl cleaner
The liquid version of Bar Keepers Friend is just as effective as the original powdered version, but it's easier to squeeze up into the rim of a toilet.
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.
BKF is totally septic system safe when used in normal daily applications.
The following tips can help remove brown deposits: Get started with cleaning vinegar. Pour it on the spot where the tarnish occurs and leave for a few hours. Afterwards, rinse again with water.
Who knew that dishwasher tablets could help keep your toilet sparkling clean? Just drop a dishwasher tablet in toilet bowl and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl and flush it. The tablet will help to break down any stains or buildup in the bowl, leaving it fresh and clean.
Pour white vinegar into the bowl to cover the stained areas. Let the vinegar soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Scrub the stained areas with a toilet brush. If the stains persist, sprinkle baking soda on the remaining stains and let it sit for up to 10 minutes, then scrub again with the toilet brush.
Don't Leave It on for 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.
BKF cleans and polishes most hard, nonporous surfaces. However, never use BKF on the following: cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces. Although many of our fans have used BKF on mirrors, gold, and silver (sterling silver is OK), we advise against it.
Who is the Bar Keepers Friend Powder Cleanser best for? Ultimately, if it's good enough for the pros, it's certainly good enough for me. It cleans tough stains, rust, tarnish and everything in-between, so anyone looking to tackle all of the above will want to add this to their cleaning supplies.
Do I need to wear gloves when cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend? Yes, we recommend using gloves to protect your hands. It's a good idea anytime, but especially for prolonged use or if you have sensitive skin.
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.
Bon Ami, Bar Keepers Friend, and The Pink Stuff are mild abrasives that are particularly effective at removing mineral and rust stains from hard, nonporous surfaces. While mineral deposits are usually the culprit when unsightly rings form in a toilet bowl, bacterial formation is also common.
Simply squeeze a cup of lemon juice and use a cloth to buff the juice into the toilet seat. Let the lemon juice sit for 10 to 20 minutes and then take a damp cloth to remove the mixture. Peter assured: “The stains should easily wipe off but if not a quick scrub should lift any remaining stains.”
Sanitary Bar: Found on two-piece models, the sanitary bar blocks liquid from collecting under the tank at the back of the bowl.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda is also a mild abrasive, so it will remove stains and grime from your toilet bowl. To clean your toilet, use one cup of baking soda with two cups of white vinegar. Brush it into the bowl, let it sit for five minutes, then flush again with the water on full force.
There is only one Drano® product recommended for use in slow-running toilets: Drano® Max Build-Up Remover. It contains microorganisms that break down organic matter in pipes that can slow water flow.
Pour one cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by two cups of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble – a sign that the cleaning magic is happening. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to break down stains and kill germs.