Ever walked down the cleaning aisle and stared at those two popular household cleaners - Bon Ami and Bar Keepers Friend - wondering which one you should grab?

They might look pretty similar sitting there on the shelf, but trust me, they're quite different when it comes to getting the job done.

I've spent a lot of time using both cleaners, and today I'm going to break down exactly what makes each one special, what they're best at, and which one might be right for your home.

Here is my Bon Ami vs Bar Keepers Friend comparison:

#1 Main Ingredients

The biggest difference between these cleaners comes down to what's inside them.

Bon Ami keeps things natural and simple - its main ingredient is calcium carbonate, which is basically crushed limestone. They mix this with natural soap and add a touch of citric acid.

That's pretty much it - no complicated chemicals or mystery ingredients.

Bar Keepers Friend takes a more scientific approach.

Its main ingredient is oxalic acid, which naturally occurs in foods like spinach and rhubarb, but they use a stronger, manufactured version. They combine this with minerals like feldspar and talc for scrubbing power.

They also add some extra cleaning agents and stabilizers to make the formula more effective.

Also Read: Bar Keepers Friend Alternatives

#2 What Are They Meant For

Bon Ami was created for everyday cleaning that needs a gentle touch.

It's perfect for regular cleaning of your granite countertops, sinks, and stovetops - basically, any surface you want to keep nice without damaging it.

Bar Keepers Friend is more of a heavy-duty cleaner.

It's made specifically to handle those really tough stains that make you want to pull your hair out like stubborn stains, rust marks, mineral buildup, burnt-on food on pots and pans, and tarnish, especially on things made of stainless steel and chrome.

It's more of a problem-solver than a daily cleaner.

#3 Cleaning Power And Effectiveness

Both cleaners do their jobs well, but Bar Keepers Friend is way stronger.

Bon Ami works through gentle abrasion - kind of like very fine sandpaper, but much gentler.

It handles everyday messes like coffee stains, soap scum, and cooking splatter without much effort or scratching. You might need to scrub a bit more with tough spots, but it won't damage your surfaces while you work.

Bar Keepers Friend is much more powerful.

The oxalic acid actually breaks down rust and mineral deposits at a molecular level, while the abrasives help lift away the loosened grime.

It requires less physical effort than Bon Ami for tough stains, and you need to be more careful about how hard you scrub as it might scratch delicate surfaces.

Also Read: Can You Leave CLR In Toilet Overnight?

#4 Versatility

Both of these cleaners can handle more jobs than you might expect.

Bon Ami works safely on stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic tile, glass cooktops, solid surface counters, fiberglass, vinyl, and even car windows.

You can use it in pretty much every room of your house without worry.

Bar Keepers Friend really shines with metal surfaces - copper pots, stainless steel sinks, chrome fixtures, brass decorations. But it also works wonders on ceramic tile, grout, porcelain toilets, and glass shower doors.

It can even remove paint splatters and adhesive residue!

Just remember to always test it first on a small area though.

#5 Prices

Neither cleaner will break the bank, but Bon Ami usually costs a bit less.

Bon Ami usually runs about $2-3 for a 14-ounce can, while Bar Keepers Friend costs around $3-5 for a 12-ounce can.

Bar Keepers Friend often lasts longer because you use less of it per cleaning job.

Bon Ami needs a bit more product for each use, but since you're using it for regular cleaning, a can still lasts quite a while.

The price difference isn't huge though, so it's better to focus on which one fits your cleaning needs rather than the cost. Plus, both give you good value when you use them for what they're meant to do.

Also Read: Can You Mix Borax And Baking Soda?

#6 Ease Of Use

Using either cleaner isn't complicated, but they need different approaches.

Bon Ami is super straightforward - just sprinkle it on, scrub gently, and rinse it off. Since it's mild, you don't have to worry too much about using too much.

And you don't need to let it sit, it doesn't produce strong fumes, and you don't need gloves (though they're always a good idea when cleaning).

Bar Keepers Friend comes in powder and liquid forms. The powder needs to be made into a paste with water before using.

You'll want to wear gloves, and it's important to keep track of how long you leave it on surfaces - no more than one minute on most materials. It can produce some fumes, so good ventilation helps.

#7 Environmental Impact

When it comes to being eco-friendly, Bon Ami comes out ahead.

Bon Ami has been eco-conscious since 1886 - pretty impressive!

Their ingredients are naturally derived and biodegradable. Even their packaging uses recycled materials, and they never test on animals. They're certified cruelty-free and regularly update their practices to minimize environmental impact.

Bar Keepers Friend has made efforts to be more environmentally responsible too.

While their formula isn't all-natural, they've worked to make their packaging more recyclable and their manufacturing process more efficient.

Should I Get Bar Keeper’s Friend Or Bon Ami?

This really comes down to what kind of cleaning you need to do.

If you mostly do regular cleaning and care about using eco-friendly products, go with Bon Ami. It's perfect if you have delicate surfaces and clean often to prevent buildup.

Bar Keepers Friend makes more sense if you have hard water, older fixtures that need restoration, or tend to deal with tough stains regularly.

It's also great for homes with lots of metal surfaces or older porcelain fixtures that need deep cleaning.

To be honest, having both in your cleaning supplies might actually be a good idea - use Bon Ami for daily cleaning and maintenance, and keep Bar Keepers Friend around for those tough cleaning jobs that pop up now and then.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Bar Keepers Friend and Bon Ami is that Bar Keepers Friend is more powerful, works better on tough stains and requires less effort. Bon Ami is more versatile, cheaper and easier to use. It's effective too but it requires more effort.

Bon Ami Vs Bar Keepers Friend (Compared)