What is the active ingredient in Bar Keepers Friend?
The canned product's primary active ingredient is oxalic acid. Bar Keepers Friend has various cleaning uses. Bar Keepers Friend was originally manufactured in 1882 as a cleaning agent in powdered form.
Does Bar Keepers Friend powder really work?
Yes, oxalic acid is the active ingredient that sets the product apart, and definitely the major reason Bar Keepers Friend powder works. But the other component that helps it really clean? Abrasives.
Does Bar Keepers Friend contain citric acid?
Certain Bar Keepers Friend products contain citric acid to help with the removal of limescale and rust (acting as a chelating agent) and helps make the product foam and work better with water.
What are the harmful effects of oxalic acid in Bar Keepers Friend?
The harmful effects of oxalic acid in Bar Keepers Friend present themselves if it is ingested or inhaled. Breathing it in can cause upper respiratory tract irritation which mostly means it may lead to a cough, shortness of breath, or a sore throat. Ingesting it it can lead to nausea and vomiting, balance issues, and possible damage to your kidneys.
What cleaner has oxalic acid in it?
Bar Keepers Friend Like something in the chemistry lab that could blow any second. Relax. It's not what you might think. In fact, if you look on the back of a can of one of my favorite cleaners, Bar Keepers Friend, you'll read: Contains oxalic acid.
What chemicals are in Bar Keepers Friend?
According to the 2015 material safety data sheet, the ingredients are feldspar, linear sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (DDBSA) and oxalic acid. Prolonged use and extended skin contact may cause irritation, peeling and contact dermatitis, which is avoided by wearing gloves.
What should you not use Bar Keepers Friend on?
BKF cleans and polishes most hard, nonporous surfaces. However, never use BKF on the following: cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces.
Does Bar Keepers Friend have chemicals?
The Bar Keepers Friend ingredients in the Soft Cleanser are: Oxalic Acid. Citric Acid. Polymeric Dispersant* Nonionic Surfactant*
How much oxalic acid is in Bar Keepers Friend?
10 percentEven though Oxalic Acid is a core ingredient, it makes up just under 10 percent of BKF's cleanser.
Will oxalic acid damage stainless steel?
Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser contains oxalic acid, which breaks down and removes calcium deposits from hard water. Better still, it is non-abrasive, so it safe for stainless steel. Make sure to always dry your stainless steel with a soft cloth or towel in order to keep moisture from sitting on the surface.
Why is Bar Keepers Friend so good?
Bar Keepers Friend's seemingly magic powers come courtesy of its main ingredient, oxalic acid. This natural substance attacks rust, lime, tarnish and other stains on a molecular level, breaking the bonds holding them together to eliminate all trace. It works on multiple surfaces, too.
Is Bar Keepers Friend the same as Ajax?
So, How is Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser Different From Comet & Ajax? BKF is the #1 non-bleach Cleanser in the market today. The most significant differences between BKF Cleanser and Comet or Ajax is 1) the absence of bleach AND our use of oxalic acid, 2) the quality of “scrubber” used, and 3) the detergents used.
Is Bar Keepers Friend Safe?
Bar Keeper's Friend is a well known brand in the industry that is widely manufactured. It contains Oxalic acid as its main cleaning ingredient and also contains feldspar and linear sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonat.It is generally considered safe.
Is Bar Keepers Friend just baking soda?
Is this stuff just baking soda in disguise? (It is not.) It's an entirely different chemical, oxalic acid, and it is hardcore. While my interactions with human beings have withered and my home bar-keeping has skyrocketed, I'm spending more and more time with Bar Keepers Friend.
Is oxalic acid good for cleaning?
Oxalic Acid is a reliable & effective cleaner when used in appropriate applications. Oxalic Acid may be used to remove rust and other difficult stains from areas such as buildings, boats, swimming pools, concrete driveways, sidewalks, iron machinery, wood decks, stairs or trim.
Is Bar Keepers Friend caustic?
Does Bar Keepers Friend contain chlorine? BKF does not contain chlorine or any caustic ingredients.
Is Bar Keepers Friend just baking soda?
Is this stuff just baking soda in disguise? (It is not.) It's an entirely different chemical, oxalic acid, and it is hardcore. While my interactions with human beings have withered and my home bar-keeping has skyrocketed, I'm spending more and more time with Bar Keepers Friend.
Why does Bar Keepers Friend work so well?
Bar Keepers Friend's seemingly magic powers come courtesy of its main ingredient, oxalic acid. This natural substance attacks rust, lime, tarnish and other stains on a molecular level, breaking the bonds holding them together to eliminate all trace. It works on multiple surfaces, too.
Is BKF toxic?
But while BKF is not non-toxic (you cannot drink the stuff), it is approved for use on cookware and kitchen surfaces so long as you rinse everything well after cleaning.
Is Bar Keepers Friend toxic to dogs?
Bar Keepers Friend is made from nontoxic, environmentally friendly ingredients and is safe to use around pets and children.
A Deeper Dive Into Bar Keepers Friend Ingredients
Besides oxalic acid, what’s in Bar Keepers Friend? Are the other ingredients toxic?
What Bar Keepers Friend Says
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) aims to protect and improve human health globally. Bar Keepers friend is an NSF-certified product, and products with an NSF certification have proven compliance with public health standards.
Is Bar Keepers Friend Safe to Use on Cookware?
I’ve mentioned that ingesting Bar Keepers Friend is harmful, so you might be wondering if cleaning your cookware with it puts you at risk.
How to Use Bar Keepers Friend Safely
As long as you follow the instructions, refrain from mixing it with other chemicals like bleach, and wear protective gear, you can use Bar Keepers Friend safely.
FAQs About Bar Keepers Friend
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Bar Keepers Friend:
Bar Keepers Friend Alternatives
If you’re concerned about the toxicity of Bar Keepers Friend, here are the best alternatives.
Bottom Line: Is Bar Keepers Friend Toxic?
Now that you know the ingredients in Bar Keepers Friend and how to use it safely, you can make an informed decision as to whether its toxicity is worth the risk.
Where does oxalic acid come from?
Oxalic acid is an excellent rust and mineral deposit remover that is naturally found in many vegetables, such as rhubarb, chives, and parsley. The oxalic acid used in BKF comes from industrial suppliers and is generally produced from plant/vegetation waste.
How to clean BKF?
Wet the surface to be cleaned, and then apply a small amount of the BKF product to the surface. With a damp cloth or rag, apply an appropriate amount of pressure and clean the area. Make sure to rinse the surface thoroughly after. Please see either the package or the product section of our website for more cleaning information. Always consult any manufacturer care section if available for proper cleaning procedures.
Can you use BKF spray foam on wood?
We do not recommend either BKF Cleanser (powder), BKF Soft Cleanser (cream liquid) or BKF MORE SprayFoam (liquid spray) on wood surfaces.
Is BKF a bleach based cleaner?
BKF is an acidic cleaner, whereas most other powdered cleansers are alkaline (bleach-based). Acidic cleansers are more effective against mineral deposits and rust stains and are also recommended by most stainless steel product manufacturers over bleach-based cleansers.
Is BKF cleaner better than powder?
If a more restorative, deep-clean is needed; then the BKF Cleanser (powder) is likely the better choice. Bottom line: They’re not intended to be identical products. The powder offers the versatility of varying its “strength,” by the amount of water added; stronger or weaker. The Soft Cleanser is in effect “pre-diluted” or “ready-to-use” for a variety of (but not all) tasks, especially the more routine cleaning tasks.
Is it safe to use Bar Keepers friend?
Is it safe to clean the dishes and cookware with Bar Keepers Friend? Yes – when properly used, BKF is safe to use on food preparation and serving surfaces. In fact, BKF carries an NSF registration and can be found in many commercial kitchens.
Can you use BKF on concrete?
Concrete is highly porous – BKF is not formulated or recommended for use on concrete. However, our Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish is safe to use on natural (sealed) stone. What is the best way to use Bar Keepers Friend? Wet the surface to be cleaned, and then apply a small amount of the BKF product to the surface.
Bar Keepers Friend's secret ingredient comes from food
So what is it about this stuff that sets it apart from other cleansers? An active ingredient in Bar Keepers Friend is oxalic acid, which just happens to occur naturally, in high amounts, in the rhubarb plant (which is actually a vegetable).
It's not just the acid that makes Bar Keepers Friend work
Yes, oxalic acid is the active ingredient that sets the product apart, and definitely the major reason Bar Keepers Friend powder works. But the other component that helps it really clean? Abrasives.
A WWII Navy and CIA veteran took over Bar Keepers Friend in 1956
Navy and CIA veteran Dr. Beurt SerVaas had first learned about the product from his grandmother, who used the product in her kitchen. Armed with this knowledge, SerVaas later used the product at his electroplating business before taking ownership of Bar Keepers Friend in 1956.
2022 is the 140th anniversary of Bar Keepers Friend
One look at the product's packaging and you might be able to tell this cleanser & polish has been around a long time. But would you have guessed Bar Keepers Friend was first sold in 1882? The Washington Post reports that back then, the powder was sold in brown paper bags.
The Bar Keepers Friend logo represents the swinging doors of a saloon
It's so subtle you might not have noticed, but the logo is in the shape of two old-fashioned saloon doors in honor of the product's history. While the product has had different logos and packaging throughout its long history, this one pays special homage to the company's roots ( according to the company itself ).
You can clean your sneakers with Bar Keepers Friend
White sneakers look great until they're no longer white, right? While bleach might come to mind for brightening your kicks, Bar Keepers Friend can actually work on tough shoe stains, too. Keep a can near a utility sink at home for cleaning grimy shoes.
Bar Keepers Friend works on rust
Save your rusty utensils, car parts, and tools from a bleak future in the landfill by scrubbing off rust with Bar Keepers Friend. Yes, there are other products specifically marketed for use on rust, but who doesn't love a multitasker that can clean everyday messes and save things that nearly need refurbishing?
What can Bar Keepers friend do?
Bar Keepers Friend can tackle mineral deposits on the shower door, rust on the grill, crayon marks on your painted walls, and so much more. It certainly does belong in every cleaning caddy and is worth considering for messes in rooms throughout the house.
Can you use Bar Keepers friend on stainless steel?
Don’t use it on stainless appliances without knowing this fact first. Bar Keepers Friend can remove rust, and this includes those irritating marks on your stainless steel refrigerator. Just know that Bar Keepers Friend can compromise the coating that minimizes fingerprints.
Is it safe to mix bar keepers friend with bleach?
Mixing cleaning products is always dangerous, and this bears repeating when discussing what not to do with Bar Keepers Friend. In particular, when Bar Keepers Friend, an acid, is mixed with bleach, toxic chlorine gas fumes are produced. Use Bar Keepers Friend alone, and rinse any areas you used it on before using any other cleaners in the same spot.
Is Bar Keepers friend safe?
In addition to making sure you’re not inhaling it, it’s important to protect your hands by wearing gloves. 4. Don’t actually use it on everything.
Can you leave Bar Keepers friend on too long?
Leaving the product on too long can cause discoloration on some surfaces, so don’t take a chance with this one. Use a timer and be sure to rinse it off once it’s worked its magic. 2. Don’t use it without getting it wet. Bar Keepers Friend in classic powder form allows users the flexibility of adjusting the ratio of cleanser to water, ...
What is the active ingredient in Bar Keepers friend?
As a retired PhD chemist, I am always interested in great home cleaning products and how they work. One active ingredient in Bar Keepers Friend is oxalic acid, an extremely strong chelating agent that I am familiar with from the laboratory. Without getting too technical, a chelating agent binds super strongly to metals (magnesium, calcium, iron, etc.). Since bathroom scale is mainly magnesium carbonate with some calcium carbonate, oxalic acid reacts with the scale, sucking out the metal and turning the carbonate to carbon dioxide (a gas), making the scale magically disappear. If you are interested, the chemical reaction for oxalic acid reacting with magnesium carbonate is HOOCCOOH + MgCO3 --> MgOOCCOO + CO2 + H2O. Similarly, rust is iron oxide, and the oxalic acid binds to the iron, breaking up the rust and making it disappear when rinsed away."
How does Bar Keepers Friend Work?
Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish has become the premium house-hold cleanser used by many a home brewer. Using a non-bleach, plant based cleanser plus mineral scrubbing micro particles, BKF attacks tough stains from two directions.
What is the best product to clean brewing kettles?
We often talk about how imperative it is that your brewing equipment is kept clean and sanitized, we've recently discovered the wonders of Bar Keepers Friend, a wonderful cleaning product that will clean your brewing kettles and keep them bright and shiny!
What is a bar keeper friend?
The beauty of Bar Keepers Friend is that while its name may refer to its use in keeping a bar clean (it began as a polish for brass rails in turn of the century taverns), it's an all-purpose product that is used to clean all kinds of stainless steel products such as pots and pans, acrylics like bathtubs and counters and cooktops.
What is the chemical that breaks down rust?
The oxalic acid, found in plants such as rhubarb, attacks hard rust and lime stains at the molecular level, breaking up the bonds that hold them together. Once those bonds are broken down, the mineral micro scrubbing particles move in to finish the job, polishing as they remove dirty brewing deposits.
How many cans of Bar Keepers friend are made?
In September 2016, the canned powdered product was manufactured at a rate of approximately 60,000 cans per day, which are packaged in 12, 15 and 21 ounce cans.
Who makes bar keepers friend?
In the 1950s the product became the base of a line of cleaning products made by Indianapolis-based SerVaas Laboratories, which started producing and carrying products under the Bar Keepers Friend brand name. Additional products manufactured and marketed under the Bar Keepers Friend brand name include liquid, cream and spray cleaners.
What does the bar keepers friend logo mean?
The Bar Keepers Friend logo represents the swinging doors of a saloon. According to the president of SerVaas Laboratories, Paul SerVaas, although some people complained during Prohibition, "the name was never changed. It's been Bar Keepers Friend since 1882".
What are the ingredients in a sandbox?
Active ingredients. According to the 2015 material safety data sheet, the ingredients are feldspar, linear sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (DDBSA) and oxalic acid. Prolonged use and extended skin contact may cause irritation, peeling and contact dermatitis, which is avoided by wearing gloves.
Where is Bar Keepers friend made?
The original canned scouring powder product has been manufactured and sold since 1882. It was invented by a chemist in Indianapolis, Indiana, where it continues to be manufactured by SerVaas Laboratories.
Who invented the oxalic acid?
It was invented by chemist George William Hoffman in Indianapolis, Indiana. The product was originally sold to bars in Indianapolis and Hoffman asserted in a patent application that the name had been used since January, 1887. The formula contains oxalic acid as a primary ingredient.
Can Bar Keepers friend be used on real marble?
While recommending Bar Keepers Friend for a variety of household cleaning uses, author Heather Solos warned that it should not be used to clean silverware, pewter or real marble. The product serves to make stainless steel resistant to oxidation via the process of passivation and can remove rust on stainless steel.
