Deep Cleans: Bar Keepers Friend (Episode 1)

Welcome to a new series here on Clean My Space called 'Deep Cleans", where cleaning expert Melissa Maker shares everything you need to know about popular cleaning products. In our first episode we are focusing on Bar Keepers Friend, who have been producing their powdered cleanser since 1882.

Bar Keeper's Friend has been manufacturing and selling it's canned scouring powder since 1882. It was originally invented by chemist George William Hoffman in Indianapolis, Indiana and sold to bars, hence the name, Bar Keeper's friend.

The primary active ingredient is oxalic acid, which makes it particularly good at removing rust, and it's interesting to note that the original formulation is still being manufactured to the same specifications as it was in 1882.

Here's another interesting note, the blue shape behind the Bar Keepers Friend logo represents saloon doors, a nod to the Brand's origins that can still be found today along with the name which remains unchanged.

Since 1957, bar keepers Friend has been manufactured by SerVass Laboratories. Data from 2016 shows that the product was manufactured at a rate of 60,000 cans per day.

The Bar Keeper's Friend brand has expanded to include liquid, cream and spray cleaners, along with specialty cleaners to tackle counters, cooktops and cookware.

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Questions? Comments?
We'd love to hear from you - say hello down below!

[bereantrb]

If you don’t use it often, go with the powder over the liquid. When stored long term, the liquid eventually settles and separates and shaking it won’t reconstitute it. The powder lasts forever.

[claregoldade]

I've been a homeowner for 3 years and use it daily! Pots, stove, sink, tub, etc. Gives you a flawless clean! I didn't know it was a small business, that's a huge plus 💖

[hmscldtrs]

I have used this cleanser for 30 years! I love this cleanser! It takes out every stain whether it’s in my sink, my tub, my countertop, even scuff marks and pen marks from my kids’ toys! I am so excited you did a video on this and I hope it enlightens other people to try this cleanser!

[wordscrafter]

When I got rid of my toxic non stick cookware and switched to stainless steele, I picked up BKF and I have loved it for years. I use it every few weeks to restore shine to my pots and pans, as well as to help with the occasional stubborn something that doesn't want to come out. I also use it on my corning bake ware to remove baked on stains once in a while. For both situations, I wash as normal, then sprinkle a little into or onto whatever it is, scrub carefully, and it looks brand new really quick. I always do an after wash to be sure it's all gone. Tfs!

[erinmcnally]

Omg I swear by this stuff. It's absolutely wonderful. I had a baking sheet that was so gross no amount of dawn would get it clean. This got it right off.

[rebeccametzger]

I have used BKF for decades. Could not live without it. I use it in my ironstone/ceramic hot beverage mugs to take out the tea stains (I drink a lot of tea and the stains mount up) works like a dream. I enjoy your videos. Thank you.

[kellygould]

Im a professional cleaner and I absolutely love BKF! I love to use it in porcelain sinks to get those black scratch marks out.

[shinytoycar]

Awhile ago I cleaned my toilet with a store bought toilet bowl cleaner that had bleach. Needless to say, the blue dye stained my toilet (I will admit I did not read the label that well). I tried so many remedies to try and get rid of the stain (vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and even a pumice stone). Anyway, I remembered I had Bar Keepers Friend (which I usually only use for my tub) and I tried it. With a lot of elbow grease, the dye finally was removed! Absolutely love BKF! And got it from the dollar tree for $1

[sharonolson]

I first tried BKF on your recommendation probably a few years ago. I was constantly fighting with rust stains in my tub and shower. After I had watched one of your videos I decided to give it a try but didn't really have too much confidence that the product would work since I had tried so many things without great success. I was absolutely amazed and I have never looked back since! Cleaning the iron stain was once a very daunting task but after using the BKF more spray it has become almost effortless! I watched in amazement as it took away the stains pretty much on contact! There has been a couple of times when the store I usually buy it from was out so now I buy it by the case just to make sure it is always in my cleaning line up! Thank you for explaining more about this product because it cleared up questions I had about the difference between spray versus powder ect. You do an incredible job and I appreciate your videos so much!

[BackroadMoney]

I used it on the old sink in my daughter's studio apartment which is from the sixties, it polished up beautifully. Thanks for the work put into this video!

[brookemace]

This is the ONLY cleaner that will clean the rust and iron out of my bathtub, sink and toilet from well water!!! It’s AMAZING!!!! I tried everything and this is the only one that truly made them truly white! The others left a tint of orange. Not Barkeepers Friend! I’ve been using it for about 3 years now and I tell everyone about it. Best cleaner EVER!

[lbmartinet]

Your delivery and presentation is excellent in this video. Completely covered every detail and nuance of the products and applications. I loved “leveling up” comment too. I’ve been a self described super cleaner for 40+ years and I picked up a few gems from you. Thank you and well done 💜

[vickyroberson]

I cook with vintage copper bottom Revere ware. Bar keepers friend keeps the pans looking like new even after years of use

[lindamaglione]

I have used this for years on my stainless steel cookware, glass oven door and kitchen sinks (both stainless and porcelain). It also does an amazing job on things like sticky small appliances that have been left out on the kitchen countertop for long periods...you know, that kind of grease build up that occurs. It shines them all up beautifully with no scratching. I also used it successfully on an old bathtub we had before doing our remodel...the bottom had lost most of its finish and really looked discolored. Love the product!!

[carolfinn]

That was fabulous! I had no idea. I've used the powder on and off for years to scrub a sink, but that's about it. I thought it was no different, than say Comet. Thanks for enlightening me.

[projotce]

I was waiting for this series without realizing it! I find it frustrating that a lot of cleaning products can be opaque in what they contain and definitely feel the choice overload in the amount of cleaning products that are available. Please make more of these videos, I would be very happy :)

[laurendao]

This deep dive on a product line is really helpful! I learned a lot about this product I’ve used before. Will take a little more care in using it next time. Thanks! Looking forward to more of these.

[teresahayes]

I love Barkeeper's Friend! Nothing else makes my white kitchen sink look like new. I also use it to clean my porcelain bathtub, glass cooktop stove, and it is the most amazing grout cleaner. I didn't realize it could be used to clean the glass on my oven door. I will do that today! Thanks, Melissa!

[Ranii]

We moved into our rental and there was lots of mildew and mould stuck around the edges of the shower under the steel sections that connect the glass. Works great!

[diane]

Great for older toilets, it easily gets rid of stubborn rings.
Wonderful for garden tools.