What is in Bar Keepers Friend powder?

Author: Donnell Kutch  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

According to the 2015 material safety data sheet (MSDS), the ingredients are feldspar, linear sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (DDBSA) and oxalic acid. The 2020 MSDS now gives the abrasive as glass oxide CAS 65997–17–3, although this could still cover natural feldspars.

What is the active ingredient in Bar Keepers Friend?

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

Is Bar Keepers Friend just baking soda?

What are Bar Keepers Friend ingredients and are they safe? Is Bar Keepers Friend natural? We take a closer look at BKF as it's affectionately called. Unlike Comet and baking soda BKF is an acid based cleaner. It's inexpensive and cleans a lot of things!

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)

Is Bar Keepers Friend the same as Ajax powder?

They are different products. I use the BKF for anything involving rust, but the bleach in the Comet/Ajax would set that in. I use the Comet/Ajax (actually, Ajax, unless I find a deal on Comet) to remove food stains from countertops. Nothing touches grape juice like those do.

Bar Keepers Friend Powder VS Soft Cleanser (What's the Difference?)

Are Comet and Bar Keepers friends the same?

While Comet, Ajax, and other household cleaners are bleach-based and alkaline, Bar Keepers Friend isn't.

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.

What is an alternative to Bar Keepers Friend?

Bon Ami is eco friendly and made with entirely different ingredients as BKF. Bon Ami Powder received the highest grade from EWG which is an "A".

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).

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).

Can Bar Keepers Friend be used 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 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.

Should I wear a mask when using Bar Keepers Friend?

Should a mask be worn when using BKF? You do not need to wear a mask as there aren't any harmful fumes, but if you're sensitive to smells, feel free to wear a mask. Bar Keepers Friend does not have bleach, so you wouldn't have fumes like you would from a product containing bleach or ammonia.

Can I use Bar Keepers Friend on an electric stove top?

It works on any smooth stovetop surface, including glass and ceramic. You can also apply it to other kitchen fixtures, such as porcelain sinks, brass, stainless steel, and chrome.

How do you make your own Bar Keepers Friend?

Ingredients 1 cup baking soda ½ cups salt ½ cup borax powder 15 drops Lemon Essential Oil * *Lemon Essential oil - Lemon is a powerful cleansing agent that purifies the air, disinfects surfaces…

Can I use Bar Keepers Friend on my toilet?

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.

What is a substitute for oxalic acid?

Substitutes of Oxalic Acid

Nitric acid in low concentration can be used to replace oxalic acid. It helps to give a gold surface to aging surfaces. Sulfuric acid is also used to replace oxalic acid in the cleansing of metals.

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.

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!

Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on shower doors?

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 Walmart sell Bar Keepers Friend?

Bar Keepers Friend Kitchen Cleanser Powder, 21oz - Walmart.com.

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 stain clothes?

For instance, Bar Keepers Friend is an acid. Mixed with bleach, which could happen in the laundry process, it creates chlorine gas. Another reason you shouldn't use Bar Keepers Friend on fabric is that it can fade bright colors or damage delicates, both of which would ruin the fabric.

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