Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) is known as the miracle cleanser that can make your home sparkle from top to bottom.  

The original version of BKF cleanser was in powder form and is still around today. Due to being wildly popular, a BKF “soft cleanser” variety, as well as a cooktop cleaner and polish have been added to the line of products.  

Whether you're completely new to this cleanser or have just forgotten about the canister beneath your kitchen sink, the cleaning tips below will show you how useful BKF is. 

1. Pots and pans 

Check out the bottom of your favorite stainless steel skillet or saucepan. Odds are there’s a cooked-on layer of brown crud clinging to the underside.  

BKF can remove that grime with just a little bit of elbow grease. Make a BKF paste by adding a bit of water and BKF in a bowl, then apply it in a thin layer to the bottom of the pan. After 10 minutes or so, do a spot check to see if the crud has loosened. If so, use a soft cloth to scour, then rinse. 

2. Dishes 

Use BKF to remove light scratches and marks on your plates, bowls and other dishes. 

3. Oven door glass 

To tackle the interior of a dirty oven door, make a soft paste of BKF and water, then spread it over the glass. After about 15 minutes, wipe away most of the grimy brown residue with a soft, wet dish cloth.  

4. CorningWare and Pyrex  

Use BKF on all your CorningWare and Pyrex dishes to buff out any type of utensil marks. These collectibles turn scratch-free in just a few seconds without damaging the bright colors of Pyrex pieces.  

5. Glass stovetop 

If your glass stovetop is looking a little worse for wear, give it a quick scrub with BKF. Make a paste and use a soft cloth to gently apply, then rinse with warm water. Give the cooktop a wipe down with a soft, clean towel until you have a brilliant shine once more. 

6. Dishwasher 

Upon recent inspection of the interior of my dishwasher, I was shocked to see how much soap scum had built up all over the inside. 

To clean the residue, using a soft, wet cloth apply BKF to the interior walls, bottom and door, and gently scrub in small circles. The dirty residue will release itself onto the cloth. Wipe it clean with a separate wet cloth, and run the dishwasher through a hot water wash cycle without soap.  

7. Stainless steel appliances 

Use BKF to clean your stainless steel appliances by making a paste using a bit of water with BKF, then gently apply with a soft sponge to avoid scratching the finish. Wipe off any residue using a wet cloth, then buff the surface dry with a soft cloth.  

It’s always a good idea to test a tiny, hidden area first when cleaning appliances with BKF the first time. Some brushed metal appliance exteriors are too delicate for BKF. Instead, you may want to use BKF Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish Spray.  

8. Knives 

When your kitchen knife blades (ceramic or steel) wind up with a bit of rust or discoloration on the surface, do a quick BKF scrub to brighten them back up. The rust will be gone and ceramic blades bright white again.  

9. Tarnished silver 

If used sparingly, BKF works wonders on tarnished silver serving dishes and trays.   

10. Countertops 

BKF will become your faithful friend if your kitchen features white or light-in-color laminate countertops. You can easily keep them mark-free and beautiful using BKF.  

If your kitchen countertops are made from polished stone, such as granite, marble or quartz, use Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish. It is specially formulated and won't scratch or mar stone finishes, and it's gentle enough to use every day.  

11. Instant Pot liner 

Keep your Instant Pot liner (the inner pot) looking brand new by scouring it often with BKF. Rinse with hot soapy water and dry with a soft towel.  

12. Kitchen sinks and towels 

Work some wonder on your porcelain or stainless steel sink. BKF erases residue, scuffs and scratches and leaves your sink shining after you rinse and dry with a soft cloth.  

If your water supply has lots of iron that causes rust inside your kitchen sink or leaves spots on your kitchen towels, you’ll love using BKF.  

To remove the rust spots left on my kitchen towels, I make a BKF paste and rub it into the fabric (directly on the rust spot) with my fingers. Wash and dry the towel as usual. This works especially well on white or light-colored towels, but I have even had success on brightly colored towels, as well. 

13. Hard water stains on drinking glasses  

If you’ve discovered hard water has left behind mineral deposits, make a BKF paste and gently rub it over the glass, inside and out. Rinse well with warm water.  

This BKF treatment also works well on glasses that have been home to carbonated waters, such as seltzer water or club soda.  

And, if you have glass windows or doors that have hard water spots due to an outdoor sprinkler system, the same BKF paste works great for removal.  

14. Brass knobs or chrome handles  

If your kitchen sink or kitchen cupboards sport any type of brass knobs or chrome handles that have tarnished, apply a light coat of BKF paste and rub with a soft cloth. They will look brand new in just a few seconds.  

 

BKF uses outside of the kitchen  

Showers and tubs  

It’s worthwhile to keep a canister of BKF under your bathroom sink as part of your cleaning supplies.  

It’s fantastic for cleaning porcelain, fiber glass tubs, shower doors and tile. You can also use BKF on grout to keep it bright white. 

Toilets 

To give your toilet bowl a sparkling clean interior, scrub well with BKF. Since BKF is not a disinfectant, there are no strong odors to deal with.   

Vinyl boat and furniture cushions  

Outdoor vinyl cushions that spend a lot of time in the elements sometimes need the attention of BKF. It cleans built-up crud and mildew like a breeze, making the cushions look almost new again.  

BKF also works wonders on outdoor grills, vinyl siding, tools, hardware, ornaments, boats and sporting equipment.  

Surfaces BKF should not be used on:  

• Gold 

• Cast iron  

• Polished stone  

• Granite 

• Marble 

• Wood  

• Leather 

• Surfaces that are painted, lacquered or mirrored 

Because BKF does contain micro-abrasives that can etch or dull delicate surfaces, always consult your surface’s care instructions before using.