Karen’s Green Cleaning

View Original

6 Great Bar Keepers Friend Alternatives

Dealing with stubborn sink stains or grimy cookware?

Bar Keepers Friend is a popular solution that gets the job done. But sometimes you might run out, can't find it at your local store, or simply want to try something different. 

Don't worry - there are plenty of effective Bar Keepers Friend alternatives that work just as well. 

In this guide, I've rounded up seven great options that'll help keep your home sparkling clean.

#1 The Pink Stuff

If you haven’t heard of The Pink Stuff, you're missing out!

This is one of the most talked-about cleaning products lately, and for good reason.

It's a paste-based cleaner that's tough on stains and grime, but it's also gentle enough to use on delicate surfaces like kitchen counters, sinks, and even stovetops.

The Pink Stuff is packed with natural ingredients like abrasives, so it can tackle tough messes without being too harsh on your surfaces. 

Also Read: how to clean tarnished taps

It works particularly well on grease, rust, and mineral deposits, which makes it an excellent choice for both kitchen and bathroom cleaning. Plus, it's super affordable and leaves behind a fresh, clean scent.

The Pink Stuff is the BEST Bar Keepers Friend alternative.

#2 Bon Ami

Bon Ami has been around for over 100 years, so it’s definitely stood the test of time. 

Known for being a gentle yet effective cleaner, Bon Ami is a powder-based cleaner that’s fantastic for everyday tasks like scrubbing sinks, bathtubs, and countertops. 

It’s made from natural minerals like feldspar and limestone, making it non-toxic and safe to use around kids and pets. 

The best part is that it’s non-abrasive, so it won’t scratch surfaces the way some harsher cleaners can. 

If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative to Bar Keepers Friend, Bon Ami is definitely worth considering.

Also Read: Bon Ami vs Bar Keepers Friend

#3 Vinegar And Baking Soda

You don’t always need a fancy cleaner to get the job done. Sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest ones—and that’s where vinegar and baking soda come in. 

This dynamic duo is a tried-and-true natural cleaning method that’s been used for generations. 

The acidic nature of vinegar helps break down grease and mineral deposits, while baking soda adds a mild abrasiveness to scrub away stains.

It works on everything from bathroom, stovetops to clogged drains to burnt pots. It’s highly effective and completely non-toxic. 

Plus, it's super cheap and always available in most pantries!

IMO it's a really great Bar Keepers Friend substitute.

#4 CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover

If you live in an area with hard water, you’re probably no stranger to the annoying buildup of calcium, lime, and rust on your faucets, showerheads, and sinks. 

That’s where CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover comes in. 

It’s specifically designed to remove mineral deposits and other tough stains that regular cleaners might miss.

Whether it’s limescale in your bathroom or rust stains on your kitchen sink, CLR does an excellent job of breaking down those deposits without harsh scrubbing.

Sure, it's not an all-purpose cleaner, but when you need to tackle calcium, lime, or rust, it works better than most other options out there.

Also Read: Blue Ring In Toilet Bowl

#5 Powder Brewery Wash

This one might not be as well-known outside of the brewing community, but Powder Brewery Wash (PBW) is a fantastic Bar Keepers Friend alternative.

PBW started out as a cleaner for brewing equipment, but now people are using it all over their homes.

This oxygen-based cleaner breaks down stains and grime so well that you barely need to scrub.  

It works wonders on hard water stains, soap scum, and grease. It's safe to use on stainless steel, glass, and plastic, so you can use it on most of your kitchen, bathrooms, and even outdoor furniture.

You might not find it in every store, but it's worth picking up if you want something that really works.

#6 Ajax Cleaner

Ajax is a classic cleaning product that’s been around forever. It comes in both powder and liquid forms, so you can choose which version works best for you.

Ajax is particularly good at getting rid of grease, grime, and other tough messes, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.

It's stronger than some other cleaners on this list, but it gets the job done and you can find it pretty much anywhere.

Just be sure to test it on delicate surfaces first to make sure it won’t scratch or damage them.

Bottom Line

Bar Keepers Friend is great, but these alternatives work really well too. 

Some are better for the environment, some are better at specific cleaning jobs, and others might just be more convenient for you. 

The natural options like vinegar and baking soda are great if you want to keep things simple and safe, while products like CLR are perfect when you need something stronger for specific problems. 

It's a good idea to keep a few different options in your cleaning supplies so you're ready for any mess.

Just remember to test any new cleaner on a small spot first to make sure it won't damage what you're cleaning.