FAQ: How Does BKF Differ From Household Cleaners Like Comet & Ajax?

May 8, 2024

So, how is Bar Keepers Friend different from household cleaners like Comet & Ajax? This question is one of the most frequently asked ones we get. Here are some of the primary differences between BKF and other cleaners such as Comet & Ajax.

Bar Keepers Friend Doesn’t Use Bleach

I have asthma, so knowing what chemicals can be a trigger is important to me. When I’m inside a grocery store, I avoid the aisle where bleach is displayed. Bleach fumes will sometimes cause me to wheeze, if not start a full-fledged asthma attack. While Comet, Ajax, and other household cleaners are bleach-based and alkaline, Bar Keepers Friend isn’t.  

Keep Bleach Away from Stainless Steel! 

Stainless steel manufacturers and fabricators warn against the use of bleach or bleach-based products, as it deteriorates the integrity of stainless steel over time. On the other hand, the composition of BKF Cleanser cleans and polishes stainless steel surfaces. It’s endorsed and recommended by major stainless steel manufacturers.

“For rust, tarnish and small blemishes: Cleaners that contain Oxalic Acid such as Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser will remove rust, tarnish, and small blemishes.” — GE Appliances

BKF’s Key Ingredient is Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid (not bleach) is BKF’s secret sauce. It’s one of the distinct differences between BKF, Comet, and Ajax. When used as instructed, it is safe for humans as well as friendly to the environment.

Fun Fact: Oxalic acid occurs naturally in dark green leafy plants such as rhubarb, spinach, and asparagus. It’s how it was first discovered for BKF.

If you’ve used BKF before, you know how effective it is for removing mineral deposits such as lime and calcium build-up, along with rust stains. The oxalic acid works at a molecular level to lift stains and remove tarnish & oxidation films. Time after time, we’ve seen photos and videos from fans showing BKF almost magically removing stains as it sits on the surface. (Bar Keepers Friend Before and After.) Most powdered alkaline or bleach-based cleaners are not as effective on these challenging stains.

Abrasives – Be Careful When You Clean

Another important difference between BKF Cleanser and the other cleaners mentioned is the types of “abrasives” used. Our powder and soft cleansers use gentle “micro-scrubbers” or “mild abrasives” that result in time-saving cleaning without scratching. No “fillers” are used in BKF cleansers. On the flipside, household cleaners like Comet and Ajax include abrasives that when used over time may damage finishes.

“Always check the manufacturer’s directions before using abrasives on any surface. Consumers should be aware that abrasives can leave scratch marks on some surfaces. Use sparingly when cleaning aluminum, plastic, plated and highly polished metals, and appliance enamel on refrigerators, dishwashers, oven doors, and microwave ovens. Regular use may scratch the shiny finishes of sinks, bathtubs, and kitchen.  ” — New Mexico State University — Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products

Detergents Aren’t All the Same

Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser uses only the highest-quality detergent system (chemists called these surfactants or wetting agents). These detergents help penetrate soils, greases, oils and grime so that the oxalic acid and the scrubbers can perform at optimum levels. The detergents help “float away” the loosened or dissolved soils for quick, easy rinsing.  

So, How is Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser Different From Comet & Ajax?

BKF is the #1 non-bleach cleanser on the market today. Here are 4 of the primary ways BKF Cleanser differs from Comet or Ajax:

• No bleach 
• Oxalic acid
• High quality detergents
• Mild abrasives 

For some, such as myself, bleach is a trigger for breathing problems, but even those with healthy lungs can be adversely affected by bleach.

As for me, I’m sticking with what I’ve used for more than 50 years – BKF Powder Cleanser. It works and I can breathe while I use it.

About the Author

Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek and on weekends (after COVID-19) he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook: A crash course in effective management.