Since I recently regaled you with the amazing drain clearing abilities of the Drain Weasel, it only seems appropriate to stay in the same vein of Helpful House Hacks, at least for the moment.
Today’s recommendation is Bar Keepers Friend, also known as BKF, a household cleanser.
Tried and true, since 1882.
For over one hundred years… Bar Keepers Friend been shining tarnished pots, cleaning brass rails and much, much more.
From Whence It Came…
Oddly enough, it was the unexpected transformation of George William Hoffman’s cookware that piqued his curiosity. George noticed that the tarnished pot he was using to cook rhubarb was cleaner AFTER after cooking the rhubarb in it than it had been before. And, it sparkled.
The source of the “magic” turned out to be oxalic acid, which is found in several types of leafy greens (such as spinach, chard, beets, and turnips).
Using oxalic acid as the primary ingredient, he created a gentle cleanser that became Bar Keepers Friend, which, when used as instructed, it is safe for humans as well as friendly to the environment.
It’s effective on rust and grease, and does a phenomenal job of removing hard water stains and mineral deposits (such as calcium and lime).
Bar Keepers Friend is about more than kitchens and scorched cookware. Beyond the kitchen and it’s myriad of maladies, you can also use it in your bathroom (shower doors, toilets, sinks, grouts and tile), garage (tools, sports gear, cars, bikes, camping gear, etc.) and outdoors (grills, gates, mailboxes, siding et al).
It’s effective on rust and grease, and does a phenomenal job of removing hard water stains and mineral deposits (such as calcium and lime).
Its uses are endless and surprising. You can even use Bar Keepers Friend on your tennis shoes!
BKF should be a staple in your home. After all, it’s:
- non-abrasive
- biodegradable
- environmentally friendly and
- bleach-free
Just when you think that its reached its limit of uses, you’ll discover another unexpected use that makes clean-up simpler.
You can clean your brass musical instruments with it.
And your golf clubs.
BKF can even clean the blades on your ice skates.
Depending on where you live, a container of the powder is less than $5, which is a small price to pay for a cleaning product that can do so much.
Give it a try, and let me know how it works for you!
And check out their website, for lots of great tips and instructions for the variety of uses I’ve mentioned above.
And yes, it really is that great of a product.
