8 Ways You Didn't Know You Could Use Bar Keepers Friend

Check out these 8 borderline genius ways to use Bar Keepers Friend that have never crossed your mind! These cleaning hacks are going to save you time and keep your home sparkling.

If you have been following me for very long you know that I tend to make my own cleaners instead of buying them. I like to make my own granite cleaner, dusting spray, and glass cleaner. However, there is one cleaner that I consistently buy at the store, Bar Keepers Friend.

I fell in love with Bar Keepers Friend a couple of years ago when I found it easily removed hard water stains. Since then I have been using it to clean all over the house.

It has so many uses and is very quick to clean. Bar Keepers Friend uses oxalic acid which is found in Rhubarb so I feel pretty comfortable using it around the house. Check out these Bar Keepers Friend uses that will save you time.

History Behind Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend has a rich history that dates back over 100 years. The product was first introduced in 1882 by a chemist named George William Hoffman in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Hoffman developed a cleaning powder that effectively removed tarnish and stains from brass and copper barware, hence the name "Bar Keepers Friend."

Initially, Bar Keepers Friend was primarily marketed to bars and restaurants to clean and maintain their metal surfaces and utensils. Its effectiveness in removing tough stains and tarnish quickly gained popularity among bartenders and bar owners.

Over the years, Bar Keepers Friend expanded its product line to cater to a wider range of cleaning needs. The formulation was adjusted to make it suitable for cleaning various surfaces, including stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, and more.

In the 1950s, Bar Keepers Friend underwent a change in ownership and was acquired by SerVaas Laboratories. Under new ownership, the product's reach expanded beyond the bar industry and began to be marketed to a wider consumer audience. It gained recognition as a versatile and effective household cleaner.

Since then, Bar Keepers Friend has continued to thrive and gain popularity as a trusted cleaning product. It has earned a reputation for its ability to remove stubborn stains, rust, mineral deposits, and tarnish without causing damage to surfaces. The brand has introduced different product variations, including liquid cleaners, cookware cleansers, and specialized wipes.

8 Cleaning Uses for Bar Keepers Friend

Cleaning Rust

You can remove rust from old tools, bicycles, and grills in minutes with Bar Keepers Friend. It's really easy! Simply grab a damp rag or microfiber cloth and sprinkle with some Bar Keepers Friend. Scrub the rusted area with the cloth until the rust goes away. Wipe down the area with a clean damp cloth and dry well.

If the area is really rusted, you may need to repeat the process again.

Pro Tip: Remove rust stains from your bathtub using my easy process!

Removing Soap Scum

Shower doors are known for being the worse to collect soap scum. Now removing it is easier than ever! Take a damp cloth and sprinkle a little Bar Keepers Friend on the cloth. Scrub the door and rinse.

If you have really bad soap scum or hard water build up on your shower door, you may want to use a Scotch-Brite scrub with the Bar Keepers Friend too. Rinse with water and it should be clean and shiny again.

You can also use this same technique on tubs and shower surrounds.

Cleaning Scratches From Plates

For a small scratch or two, I just use cream of tartar to get scratches out of plates. But for the plates that really need a lot of work, I use Bar Keepers Friend.

It works great to get out those knife scratches that are on your plate. Just sprinkle a little bit of Bar Keepers Friend on a wet plate and use a dish rag to rub the Bar Keepers Friend into the plate.

The scratches should disappear! Rinse the plate and wash as normal. This is one of my favorite uses!

Cleaning Sinks

Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend in your sink and add a little squirt of dish detergent too.

Take a sponge or dish rag and scrub the sink for a minute or two to really make it shine. You will be amazed at how clean your sink looks after washing it.

Removing Hard Water Stains 

You can easily get rid of hard water stains on countertops like granite or Formica.

Just use a little Bar Keepers Friend and a damp microfiber cloth to clean away the hard water stains. You can see how I got rid of my hard water stains on granite here.

Cleaning Pots and Pans

I hate when I leave something on the stove for too long and get burnt food stuck on my pots and pans. Luckily, the burnt food is no match for Bar Keepers Friend.

Soak the pot or pan for about 20 minutes in hot water and then sprinkle some Bar Keepers on the burnt area. Scrub with a Scotch-Brite scrub to really break up all the burnt food. Rinse and wash as normal. Your pots and pans will shine like new.

Cleaning Dull Headlights

Wet your headlight and then sprinkle a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend on a wet sponge. Gently rub around the headlight making sure not to come in contact with any of the paint. Rinse the headlight and wipe it dry.

Cooktop Stoves

Baked on food covering your cooktop stove? Wet the stovetop and use a damp cloth to spread the Bar Keepers Friend all over. It will remove any food or greasy grime. Wash it off, then dry it for a clean and sparkling stove.

As with all tips, I recommend you test in a small area first before you really clean it everywhere.

Product Types

I use the original sprinkle kind in a can, however they have multiple products on the market. Is it necessary to buy each one? Their marketing claims that they can be used on different surfaces. However, I have used the original kind for the 8 cleaning uses above and haven't had to buy additional products.

• Original Powder
• Pre-mixed in a squeeze bottle
• More Spray and Foam - this is in a spray bottle so you can get a little extra reach if needed.
• Cooktop Cleaner - formed specifically for stove and ovens.
• Coffee descaler - perfect for regular pots and those that use the pods.

Helpful Tips

• As with any cleaning agent, I recommend testing it in a small area first.
• Avoid letting Bar Keepers Friend sit for longer than a minute before scrubbing. This may cause damage to the area. However, if needed you can apply multiple times after rinsing.
• Do not combine this cleaning agent with anything other than water or dish soap. Mixing chemicals together can create toxic fumes and can be harmful.
• Always rinse the solution off after using.

Common FAQs

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