Is toilet bowl cleaner safe for stainless steel?

Author: Roscoe Fisher  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Note: Bar Keepers Friend Toilet Bowl Cleaner works on stainless steel and porcelain toilets. However, it's not recommended for plastic, including plastic toilet seats and lids.

Can I use toilet bowl cleaner on stainless steel?

Note: Bar Keepers Friend Toilet Bowl Cleaner works on stainless steel and porcelain toilets. However, it's not recommended for plastic, including plastic toilet seats and lids.

What cleaners are safe to use on stainless steel?

Diluted vinegar with a little dish soap is my go to for stainless steel. Barkeepers friend for the tough stains (careful not to stub too hard or can cause scratches), however be sure to follow instructions and DO NOT let it sit long.

Does toilet bowl cleaner corrode metal?

Some cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can corrode and wear away at the metal components of your toilet. Avoid using these products and opt for gentler, more natural cleaning solutions instead. Are you tired of constantly seeing that unsightly rust in your toilet bowl?

What is not recommended to clean stainless steel?

Be careful not to use any of the following on your stainless steel appliances as they can scratch or damage the finish: products containing bleach, abrasive or grainy cleaners, glass cleaner, oven cleaner, ammonia or abrasive cloths or pads like steel wool.

5 Common Toilet Cleaning Mistakes People Make When Cleaning and How To Fix Them

What ruins stainless steel?

Never use the following products on stainless steel surfaces:
  • Chloride cleaners.
  • Abrasive cleaners.
  • All-purpose cleaners.
  • Chloride bleach.

Is Dawn dish soap safe on stainless steel?

Use a microfiber or soft cloth when wiping down your appliances. Avoid cleaners that can damage steel and finishes. Instead, clean your stainless steel appliances with a dish soap like Dawn® Platinum. Its unique formula is tough enough to break up grease and grime while staying gentle on stainless steel surfaces.

Is toilet bowl cleaner corrosive?

Highly corrosive. May be fatal if swallowed.

Does Bar Keepers Friend polish stainless steel?

Stainless steel appliances, in particular, will benefit from our Stainless Steel Cleanser & Polish. Many manufacturers, including GE Appliances, recommend Bar Keepers Friend for cleaning their products.

Does anything corrode stainless steel?

Will stainless steel rust? Stainless steel is naturally corrosion-resistant, but it is not immune to rust. While it is less prone to rusting than conventional steels, exposure to damaging chemicals, saline, grease, moisture, or heat for extended periods of time can cause corrosion.

Can I use Clorox wipes on stainless steel?

Using any cleaner containing bleach, such as Clorox wipes, should not be used on metal surfaces like stainless steel, as this could result in corrosion or rust.

How long can you leave bar keepers friend on stainless steel?

We recommend you leave BKF on for no longer than ONE MINUTE. This is especially important for metal surfaces as it could cause discoloration. For surfaces such as plastic or porcelain, contact for longer than a minute may be necessary, but test in an inconspicuous area first.

Can I use Windex on stainless steel?

Avoid using regular Windex on stainless steel, as the ammonia content can damage the material. Although it is possible to clean stainless steel with ammonia-free Windex, it is best not to take the chance because it is difficult to tell how a cleaner will react with stainless steel.

What is the best safe cleaner for stainless steel?

You can clean stainless steel naturally with various nonabrasive techniques like microfiber cloths, sponges, and cleaning solutions like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, mild soaps, and more.

Can you use toilet bowl cleaner in a kitchen sink?

Toilet Bowl Cleaner Used on Other Fixtures

Like drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaner contains highly corrosive chemicals. The strong chemicals could damage or destroy the finish on your bathtub or other fixtures such as a sink, and can also damage grout.

Does Mr clean work on stainless steel?

Not recommended for the following surfaces: high gloss, polished, dark, brushed, satin, faux, bare/polished wood, copper, stainless steel appliances, non-stick coating or vehicle body.

Does toothpaste polish stainless steel?

This method can be used on light to semi-deep scratches. Before you apply your toothpaste, you will need to ensure your stainless steel surface is clean and ready to go. Apply the toothpaste to the scratched area and rub it in with your finger or a toothbrush.

What should you not use Bar Keepers Friend on?

Don't Use Bar Keepers Friend on Non-Recommended Surfaces
  • Marble and other natural stones: BKF original powder can scratch and damage the polished surface.
  • Non-stick cookware: The coating can be worn away, compromising its effectiveness and safety.
  • Gold or silver-plated items: It can strip away the plating.

How do you keep stainless steel clean and shiny?

Many people swear by the simple combination of vinegar and olive oil for keeping their stainless steel appliances clean.
  1. Add white vinegar to a clean spray bottle.
  2. Spray down your stainless steel appliance.
  3. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
  4. Once clean, dip your cloth into a small amount of olive oil.

Does toilet bowl cleaner damage stainless steel?

“Caustic chemicals are not okay, not on stainless steel,” she said. “Not even bleach.” Elkay even warns against storing open containers of household cleaners and chemicals containing chloride such as bleach, acid, drain cleaner and toilet bowl cleaner beneath the sink.

Is it bad to get toilet bowl cleaner on your hands?

If the product is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If the person swallowed the product, give them water or milk right away, unless a provider tells you not to. DO NOT give anything to drink if the person has symptoms that make it hard to swallow.

Can you use toilet bowl cleaner for other things?

You may use a toilet bowl cleaner like Clorox to remove shower grout mold. These cleaners contain all the components needed to remove stubborn stains from showers, from mild acids to specifically developed abrasives.

What does vinegar do to stainless steel?

Vinegar is a quick fix for removing fingerprints and greasy smudges on your stainless steel appliances. These appliances need cleaning after every use. Frequent cleaning will sanitize a stainless steel sink or countertop surface and prevent the build-up of grease or grime that can be more difficult to remove later.

What should you not use to clean stainless steel appliances?

7 Cleaning Products You Should Never Use on Stainless Steel
  • Harsh abrasives.
  • Scouring powders.
  • Steel wool.
  • Bleach and other chlorine products.
  • Glass cleaners that contain ammonia, such as Windex.
  • Tap water, especially if yours tends to be hard water (use clean distilled or filtered H2O instead)
  • Oven cleaners.

Can I use Murphy's soap on stainless steel?

Murphy's oil soap is said to have miraculous effects on stainless steel appliances. If you want to say goodbye to those annoying streaks and drips, this is the way to go. Head to the hardware store and start browsing.

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