Does Bar Keepers Friend work better than Comet?

Author: Vallie Jakubowski Sr.  |  Last update: Friday, May 23, 2025

Barkeepers Friend works much better in our ceramic sink than comet. Takes away the dark marks from pots and pans easily. Although the liquid doesn't work as well as powder. Been using BKF solely for years.

Can you mix Comet and Bar Keepers Friend?

As BKF is acidic you could get an exotherm (heat kick) by mixing it with a base (baking soda, comet, washing soda...) but I wouldn't call this all that dangerous. It will kill the effectiveness of both products though. You probably shouldn't mix with peroxide either, but it won't make any toxic gases.

Does Bar Keepers Friend actually clean?

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.

What should you 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)

Which is better, Bar Keepers Friend or Ajax?

I have used both. Barkeepers Friend seems finer, and doesn't scratch surfaces like Ajax does. I can use BKF to clean brass surfaces. That would never work with Ajax.

Baking Soda and White Vinegar mixture versus store-bought Bar Keepers Friend

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.

What is Ajax best for?

AJAX enables web pages to update content dynamically without requiring a full page reload. This results in a smoother and more responsive user experience, similar to desktop applications.

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.

Does Bar Keepers Friend work on headlights?

Clear headlights are crucial to safe driving, especially in snowy conditions! Luckily, Bar Keepers Friend can help with that!

What is a good alternative to Bar Keepers Friend?

#2 Bon Ami

The best part is that it's non-abrasive, so it won't scratch surfaces the way some harsher cleaners can. If you're looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative to Bar Keepers Friend, Bon Ami is definitely worth considering.

What are the side effects of Bar Keepers Friend?

Ingestion: May cause irritation of the mouth and intestinal tract. Skin corrosion/irritation: Not a skin corrosive. Eye damage/ irritation: Causes eye damage. Respiratory irritation: Dust may be irritating to the respiratory system.

Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on a shower pan?

No problem! Looking for the best way to clean glass shower doors, sinks, toilets, and other bathroom surfaces? Look no further than Bar Keepers Friend.

Does Comet scratch porcelain?

Harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive cleaners like comet will eventually ruin the finish of all porcelain sinks. Bleach and comet remove the protective glaze, which is how stains form on a tub.

Does Bar Keepers Friend make your hands peel?

Prolonged use and extended skin contact may cause irritation, peeling and contact dermatitis, which is avoided by wearing gloves. The product can also be an eye irritant.

Is Comet a base or acid?

Barskeepersfriend is an acid cleaner with a ph of around 2. While comet is alkaline with around 10-11.

What not to use Bar Keepers Friend?

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.

Is Bar Keepers Friend borax?

Unlike some other abrasive cleaning products, such as Comet and Ajax, Bar Keepers Friend uses oxalic acid as its primary active ingredient.

Does Bar Keepers Friend wear down stainless steel?

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.

Why does Bar Keepers Friend work so well?

There are, of course, other abrasive cleaners, but what sets Bar Keepers Friend apart is its super-fine texture, attributed to the ground feldspar that it's made from, which breaks down stains and makes them easier to scour away.

Should you wear gloves when using Bar Keepers Friend?

BKF is not harmful to the skin during casual use. However, gloves are recommended for prolonged use or sensitive skin. The oxalic acid in BKF is mild, but it may irritate sensitive skin and will sting in any open wound (similar to lemon juice on a cut).

Is Bar Keepers Friend safe on glass?

Bar Keepers Friend is recommended for surfaces including stainless steel, copper, brass, ceramic tile and glass. The company does not recommend using it on gold, silver, pewter, anodized aluminum, mirrored surfaces, wood or cast iron.

What is the disadvantage of Ajax?

Reliance on JavaScript: If disabled, Ajax functionality breaks. Bookmarking issues: Dynamic content makes bookmarking specific page states difficult. SEO Challenges: Search engines may struggle to index dynamic content. Performance Concerns: Processing Ajax data on low-end devices can be slow.

What not to use Ajax on?

It's not supposed to be used on carpet and rug stains. And please, never think about using it for bathing or shampooing. Also, don't use it as a replacement for Laundry Detergent.

What can I use instead of Comet cleaner?

Homemade All-natural Simple Scrub {My Comet Cleaner Replacement}
  • Baking soda. Helps to scrub and break down spots or stains as well as deodorize.
  • Baby Oxiclean. Sterilizes and whitens.
  • Epsom salt. Adds scrubbing power.
  • Citric acid. Helps to break down more stubborn spots.

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