How to Clean With Bar Keepers Friend

The cleaning product Bar Keepers Friend is an all-purpose cleaner and polish that can be used on a number of household surfaces, including porcelain, stainless steel, fiberglass, tile, copper, brass, ceramic and glass. The product comes in both liquid and powder form and is often used to remove difficult stains, such as rust, lime and general discoloration. It cleans with a mild abrasive action and via its active ingredient, oxalic acid. Wear gloves when using the cleanser, and never mix it with bleach. detergents or other cleaning products.

General Cleaning

Step 1

Put on a pair of latex gloves before you begin cleaning.

Step 2

Perform a spot test to ensure that the product will not scratch or discolor the surface, especially on older porcelain or surfaces you are unsure of. To do this apply a small amount of Bar Keepers Friend in a hidden spot, allow it to sit for no longer than one minute, then rinse by placing the surface under running water or wiping down with a clean, wet cloth. Check for signs of damage. If you see damage, do not use Bar Keepers Friend on the item.

Step 3

Sprinkle the Bar Keepers Friend powder onto a wet cloth. One shake of the container usually provides enough powder for small areas; for larger areas you may need to coat the cloth entirely. The exact amount of product to use will vary depending on the size of the surface you are cleaning. Rub gently with the cloth until the stain begins to lift or the discoloration begins to disappear.

Step 4

Rinse with clean water. Repeat the process as necessary until the stain or discoloration is gone.

Removing Difficult Stains

Step 1

Put on a pair of latex gloves and perform a spot test.

Step 2

Use a formula of approximately one part water to five parts Bar Keepers Friend to make a paste. The amount of paste to make will vary depending on the size of the surface you are cleaning, but you should make enough to completely cover the surface with one application.

Step 3

Spread the paste onto the surface and allow it to sit for up to one minute. Do not let the paste sit for longer than one minute.

Step 4

Rub the stain with a damp cloth until the stain begins to lift, then rinse the surface immediately by placing it under running water or by wiping with a clean, wet cloth. Apply only gentle pressure when scrubbing, letting the oxalic acid do the work. Use extra caution when cleaning potentially delicate surfaces such as plastic, porcelain and glass.

Step 5

Repeat as necessary until the stain has been removed completely.