How to Safely Use BKF! 

February 8, 2023

How to safely use BKF is a Frequently Asked Question. So, we thought we’d write about product safety. Bar Keepers Friend is proud of how safe and environmentally friendly our products are. However, there are unsafe ways to use any product. Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions about the safe use of our products.

How to Safely Use BKF Q & A

What If I accidentally swallow some or get it in my eyes? 

If you accidentally ingest Bar Keepers Friend, immediately drink milk or water and call a doctor. If the product comes into contact with the eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes. Even if you’re wearing gloves, it’s easy to forget what you’re doing and rub your eyes. First, wash your hands. If you’re wearing contacts, remove them, and then rinse your eyes with water. Continue doing so for 15 minutes. If eye irritation persists, seek medical advice. If medical advice is needed, bring the BKF container or a list of BKF ingredients.

Can I mix BKF products with other cleaners? 

Never mix our products with other cleaners, particularly those containing bleach or ammonia.

“Did you know that, unlike BKF, many of the best-selling powdered cleaners contain bleach? Yes, they do. So, never mix other cleaners, wet or dry, with our products. Bar Keepers friend mixed with bleach is especially dangerous because it creates chlorine gas. Use BKF alone or leave it alone!” – 8 Ways NOT to Use Bar Keepers Friend.

Pro Tip: If you’ve recently cleaned an area or item with another cleaner, rinse it before applying BKF.

What should I do if I inhale the powder? 

The best thing is not to inhale it. To avoid inhaling the dry product, wet it immediately after dispensing.

Should a mask be worn when using BKF?

You do not need to wear a mask as there aren’t any harmful fumes, but if you’re sensitive to smells, feel free to wear a mask. Bar Keepers Friend does not have bleach, so you wouldn’t have fumes like you would from a product containing bleach or ammonia.

Do I need to wear gloves when cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend?

Yes, we recommend using gloves to protect your hands. It’s a good idea anytime, but especially for prolonged use or if you have sensitive skin.

“Bar Keepers Friend is oxalic acid and can wreak havoc on your skin, especially if you use it for a prolonged period or use it frequently. In addition to making sure you’re not inhaling it, it’s important to protect your hands by wearing gloves.” — Kitchn.com by Shifrah Combiths 

Should I open windows when I use BKF products? 

Opening windows is up to you. It’s a matter of preference. There are no harmful fumes created when using BKF.

Here’s what a few folks shared in a Reddit discussion on BKF safety. 

“I’m especially interested to know whether one should wear a mask and gloves and/or whether it’s necessary to open a window when using.” — – Lightscameracrafty

“Yes, wear gloves. Don’t mix with bleach or ammonia, and you shouldn’t need a mask or ventilation.”– Zazenp

“It’s as safe on your skin as lemon juice. Downvote me all you want. It is. If Google is telling you differently, it’s referring to higher concentrations. Citric acid (lemon juice) wouldn’t be good if it were more concentrated either.” — Kgoo

“I am sensitive to a lot of cleaning products, but I use it to clean my stovetop and sink. It doesn’t irritate my skin, give me hives or other issues.”—Memetunis 

If you’d like to know more about BKF product safety, you can find an SDS sheet on our website near the bottom of each product page. Stay safe!

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.