Which bar keeper's friend for stainless steel?

Author: Kathryn Altenwerth Sr.  |  Last update: Thursday, October 30, 2025

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 I use Bar Keepers Friend on stainless steel?

Bar Keepers Friend is a bleach-free, oxalic-acid based powdered cleaning product, ideal for stainless steel items (though it can be used on lots of other things too -- it's great for cleaning enameled cast iron!). It can easily remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and tough stains from most surfaces.

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)

What is the best cleaner to use on stainless steel?

7 Best Stainless Steel Cleaning Methods
  1. Olive Oil and Vinegar. Vinegar is all-natural, non-abrasive, and acts as an effective sanitizer. ...
  2. Dish Soap and Baby Oil. You can combine dish soap and baby oil to restore your appliance's luster. ...
  3. Club Soda. ...
  4. Steam. ...
  5. Baking Soda. ...
  6. Powder Cleanser. ...
  7. Stainless Steel Cleaner.

Does Bar Keepers Friend get scratches out of stainless steel?

Don't worry, Bar Keepers Friend and steel wool are great for stainless-steel - no worries about scratches!

The Pink Stuff vs. Bar Keepers Friend: The Clear Winner Based on My Tests

Does toothpaste really remove scratches on stainless steel?

Toothpaste is an abrasive product which you can use to lightly polish a surface. To reduce scratches on stainless steel, apply a fine layer of toothpaste with a soft cloth in the direction that your custom stainless steel panel has been brushed.

How to clean a stainless steel refrigerator with a Bar Keepers Friend?

To remove fingerprints, smudges, spills and oily grime from stainless steel surfaces, just spray BKF Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish on the surface, wipe in the direction of the grain with a soft cloth, then buff the surface to a brilliant shine using the dry side of the cloth.

What not to clean stainless steel with?

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.

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".

What cleaner doesn't leave streaks on stainless steel?

Many people swear by the simple combination of vinegar and olive oil for keeping their stainless steel appliances clean. Add white vinegar to a clean spray bottle. Spray down your stainless steel appliance. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

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 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.

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).

What should you not put in stainless steel?

Do not put in any of the following things:
  • Dry ice, carbonated beverages, etc. (These may increase the pressure, causing the contents to blow out.)
  • Milk, dairy-based drinks, fruit juice, etc. ...
  • Sodium-rich liquids such as miso soup, soup, etc. ...
  • Fruit bits, tea leaves, etc.

How do you clean stainless steel without damaging it?

A Damp Cloth

In most cases, wiping down your stainless steel with a clean cloth or microfiber towel dipped in hot water does the trick. Just like wood, stainless steel has a grain. Determine the striations on the surface of your appliance and wipe in that direction, beginning at the top and working your way down.

How do you use Bar Keepers Friend on a stainless steel grill?

Use a grill brush or a wad of aluminum foil to scrape the grates. Once the grates are cool, place them on a drop cloth on the ground, moisten them, and sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend Powdered Cleanser across the surface. Be sure to wear household gloves when you clean the grates with a nylon brush or damp scrub pad.

Which Bar Keepers Friend for stainless steel pans?

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.

Is Bar Keepers Friend better than baking soda for stainless steel?

During our testing, scrubbing off the toughest stains with Bar Keepers Friend took less effort than doing so with baking soda. BKF left our pans a shiny like-new silver color, while the baking soda left a barely-there copper sheen.

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.

Does Bar Keepers Friend damage stainless steel?

With BKF Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish, you can remove oily fingerprints, grime, and food debris without damaging the protective coating on your stainless steel appliances.

What do professionals clean stainless steel with?

A cleaner: There are specialized cleaners for stainless steel that leave it with a bright shine. If you do not have any on hand or try not to use chemicals in cleaning, there are other common alternatives, including dish soap, white vinegar, and glass cleaner.

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.

Can Bar Keepers Friend remove scratches from stainless steel fridge?

Many people have had good results with Bar Keeper's Friend, a powdered cleaner safe for stainless steel. Another method is using a rubbing compound, such as those made by 3M. Again, be sure to rub in the direction of the grain. A piece of wet fine-grit sandpaper can also be used to remove deeper scratches.

Is Bar Keepers Friend powder or liquid better?

The notion that one is better than the other is wrong. The powder form helps to remove the long-term stains and restores the original look. If you have not washed your kitchen or washroom accessories in some years, the powder form will help get back its original look. The liquid form has the benefit of convenience.

Can I use Bar Keepers Friend on stainless steel cooktop?

Stainless Steel Surfaces

Along with your stove top, Bar Keepers Friend is great for any stainless steel surface. Use it to give your kitchen sink, oven door, fridge and more a deep clean.

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