Latest news with #BarKeepersFriend
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to avoid one 59p product to clean sinks but B&M item has 'solution'
Kitchen sinks can often suffer from a build-up of dirt over time. While there are many tough stain-removal products out there, not all are safe to use on your sink It's frustrating when you can't get your kitchen to look sparkling clean because of a build up of dirt in your white sink. These stains are glaringly obvious on white composite material. And what is worse, they're hard to avoid. Pretty much everything ends up in the sink: food, drink, dirt and a mishmash of cleaning products. Over time, this can lead to a build-up of minerals and all kinds of discolouration. Unfortunately, while there are many tough stain-removal products out there, not all are safe to use on your sink, as they can cause surface and structural damage. READ MORE: Banish washing machine mould and make sure it 'never' appears in 5 minutes with simple task Sara Baker came to the 'Cleaning tips and tricks' Facebook group in search of advice. She wrote: 'Help!!! Tips to clean white composite sink?! It's driving me bananas.' Commenters were quick to rush in with their own suggestions. One said: 'Bar Keepers with a non abrasive scrubber and some rubbing. I have this sink and ruined it by filling it with bleach and water constantly.' They added: 'My sink gets a lot worse when cleaning certain pans I put BKF and go to town on it and it comes out shiny.' Other commenters also recommended using Bar Keepers Friend. Bleach has traditionally been a popular cleaning agent, due to its powerful disinfecting and stain-removing properties and for it's low price point. For example, Ocado sells a bottle for just 59p. However, consistently using too much bleach can damage white composite sinks over time. This is because it contains oxidising properties, which can cause discoloration and sometimes even cracks to appear on the sink's surface. Meanwhile, Bar Keepers Friend is a much safer cleaning product which contains oxalic acid. This makes it effective at removing rust, mineral build up and stubborn stains. One of its main draws is that it is suitable for use on a wide variety of surfaces. These include stainless steel, copper, brass, ceramic, glass and porcelain. The product is also incredibly easy to work with. Simply wet the surface you want to clean, sprinkle the powder and then use a damp cloth to scrub away at the stain. Although, make sure you rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning and dry with a clean cloth. Otherwise, the product can leave a fine residue that will cause damage over time. Don't worry if you don't have Bar Keepers Friend lying around at home – it's pocket-friendly, too. You can pick up a bottle from B&Q for just £3.50.
Buzz Feed
06-07-2025
- Business
- Buzz Feed
These Old-School Cleaning Items Still Work Like Magic
Even in the modern era of innovation, many old-school products available on the market still outperform their contemporary competitors, which makes them that much more impressive. We've previously applied this theory to items such as beauty products and home goods, and now, cleaning products. Keep reading to see which cleaners have withstood the passage of time and proven their worth in efficacy and performance. It's a vintage roster containing an economic laundry bar that hails back to the late 1800s, a heavy-duty mult-purpose cleaner that's tough enough for oil stains and gentle enough for fabrics, or one Kelly green dishwashing liquid that reviewers claim is better than Dawn — plus tons more. A heavy duty cleaner that's powerful enough for grease, oil and tar stains Originally introduced to market in 1933 as a dry cleaning laundry fluid, Lestoil is a heavy-duty concentrate that magics away stains on a variety of household surfaces, from grimy countertops to oil-stained garage floors to even grease and ink stains on fabrics (white fabrics and metallic surfaces excluded). Get it from Home Depot for $8.48 (also available in multi-packs). A protective wax and kitchen cleaner all-in-one This very retro-looking bottle looks entirely unchanged from when it could be seen on television commercials in the 1960s. Several decades later, Jubilee kitchen wax still promises to polish as it cleans when swept across a variety of surfaces, like stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic tile, chrome fixtures, and even wood. It also puts down a hard protective wax finish to make cleaning up future messes easier and prevent stains from settling in. Promising review: 'I live in a 27-year-old building and the counter tops are original. This wax works like a miracle, it prevents stains from coffee or other drinks. They just wipe right off. I used something different when i first moved here that was worthless. This product is superior.' — Betty KnudsonGet a 2-pack from Amazon for $16.97. Bar Keepers Friend, a universal cleansing powder Since 1882, this powder cleanser has been trusted to power through grease, rust, hard water stains and grime. Using a powerful blend of degreasing agents, Bar Keepers Friend manages to be gentle enough for surfaces like porcelain but tough enough to be used on grills or oven racks covered in cooked-on grease or remove stains on pots and pans, without scratching surfaces. The non-bleach formula is also useful for bathroom surfaces and even outdoor jobs. According to one reviewer, this 'magical powder' was the only product that managed to whiten their tub after all other products had a 2-pack from Amazon for $9.10. A very economic wood cleaner and conditioner concentrate For over 100 years, the Murphy wood cleaner and soap has conditioned and restored wood flooring and furniture without the use of chemicals, bleach, or toxins. This 99% naturally derived formula also works on non-wood surfaces such as laminate flooring, vinyl, and ceramic tiling and has earned 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers claim that it penetrates wood well enough to remove dirt while adding shine, and others swear that it works well without leaving any sticky residue, no rinsing it from Amazon for $3.49+ (available in two sizes and in multi-packs). A well-known wood conditioner and cleaner With a trademark dating back to 1896, this cleaning product has a name that you're most likely already familiar with: Old English. This iconic, time-honored, and lemon-scented formula uses a light mineral oil base that nourishes wood surfaces back to their former glory, while also protecting them from everyday stains. 'Old English,' wrote one reviewer. 'What can you say? Been the standard for 40+ years.'Get it from Amazon for $4.97 (also available in multi-packs). Mrs. Stewart's Liquid Bluing, a bleach-free alternative to whitening fabrics If you've ever wanted to get your whites bright and refresh clothing that's gone dingy or yellowed — without the risks associated with bleach — Mrs. Stewart's Liquid Bluing has been a trusted bleach-free alternative since 1883. This laundry additive essentially uses its blue hue to 'tone' white fabrics, in the same way you might use a toner to neutralize brassy hues in blonde hair. Just be sure to follow directions and dilute the liquid properly before adding it to your load of laundry. Promising review: 'Have used for years!!! Great to make whites more whiter!! Takes yellow out of white garments,,, just be sure to dilute and not pour directly on garments when using. Wonderful product !!!' — wfrGet it from Amazon for $6.63. The original soap-infused Brillo Pad Brillo soap pads first came on the cleaning scene in 1913 and were initially intended to clean aluminum cookware, which tends to blacken easily with use. Since then, "the original soap pad" has proven to be effective at deeply cleaning and restoring more than just dishes, but also stovetops, oven interiors, grills, tools, glass shower doors, and much more. Each long-lasting pad is made with scratch-resistant steel wool infused with a grease-fighting soap that also prevents the formation of rust. Get an 18-pack from Amazon for $9.65. Scotch-Brite scouring pads Dating back to the 1950s, the makers of Scotch-Brite came up with the genius idea of combining nonwovens with abrasive compounds such as aluminum oxide and titanium oxide to create these versatile scour pads that are perfect for scrubbing away stuck-on messes. These durable and long-lasting pads work on non-coated cookware, grills, oven racks, and even tough outdoor jobs. Get an 8-pack from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes). A cost-cutting and multi-purpose laundry bar that went viral a few years ago Although Fels-Naptha has been around since 1894, this versatile laundry bar went viral on TikTok a few years ago incredible ability to remove old, difficult stains, perspiration, and oil marks from clothing and other soft surfaces. Made of a blend of animal fats and coconut oil, the Fels-Naptha bar works as a pre-treatment for clothing that's been marred with sweat stains, blood, grass stains, and grease. You can also make your own budget-friendly and highly effective laundry detergent by combining a grated Fels-Naptha bar, which smells like fresh linen, with Borax and baking soda. One TikTok user claimed that this concoction costs her a fraction of the cost of normal gallon detergents and lasts much a 2-pack from Amazon for $7.97. An iconic multi-surface disinfect that won't leave residue Pine-Sol is one old-school cleaner that needs no introduction – it's possible you can already smell that recognizable pine-infused scent just by looking at a bottle of the stuff, which was invented in 1929. This bleach-free disinfectant kills allergens and 99.9% of germs, including those that cause COVID-19. Dilute this powerful concentrate and use it to clean any number of surfaces, without needing to rinse them after, thanks to Pine-Sol's residue-free promise. Get it from Amazon for $12.96. An all-natural laundry booster that can used to clean other home surfaces Borax, an all-natural powder, has been trademarked since the 19th century. Fast forward to present day, where nearly 26,000 Amazon shoppers have awarded this classic multi-purpose cleaner with 5 stars for several reasons. Initially marketed as a laundry booster, Amazon reviewers say that adding Borax to their loads of laundry has made their laundry smell fresher, while others swear their clothing comes out 'softer, cleaner, and somehow more comfortable.' And it's not just for laundering purposes that Borax can come in handy. Use this to deodorize musty carpets, remove stains, or make into a paste that cleans ovens, stovetops, counters, tile grout, and more. Get four boxes from Amazon for $21.88. A dishwashing liquid that reviewers say rivals Dawn dish soap First introduced in 1898 as a mild soap bar with an olive oil-based formula, Fairy soap has evolved into this classic dishwashing liquid that reviewers are calling "the best dish detergent" that's reminiscent of soaps from the 1960s. " It is not watered down like the detergents today. It really cuts grease and it cleans my dishes and everything so well. It gets subsy and quickly creates bubbles," the same reviewer wrote."Another claimed they prefer this nostalgic-smelling formula to Dawn and that they even use it to remove stains from clothing it from Amazon for $11.72.
Tom's Guide
19-05-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
I've kept my induction cooktop scratch-free for 5 years — 3 tips you need to know
I love my induction cooktop and I'm on a mission to make sure anyone else considering the switch or already committed loves it too. While I've explained the 5 things to consider before buying an induction cooktop, there's always some specific rules you should think about following to keep your cooktop pristine. Because, one major downside of induction cooktops is how easily they can be scratched. Made from a glass-ceramic surface, they may be incredibly durable and easy-to-clean, but they're also easily scraped by aggressive cleaning, abrasive materials and uneven cookware. This certainly didn't put me off buying one and it shouldn't put you off either. As long as you keep it clean, you'll be able to keep it scratch-free, too. In my 5 years of using my induction cooktop every single day, I've managed to do just this with 3 simple household rules. The worst thing you can do with an induction cooktop is allow a spillage to harden and/or burn on. If you leave any mess too long, you'll have a harder time getting it off and if you have to use something more abrasive to remove the spillage or scrub it heavily, you risk scratching the surface. Another huge culprit of induction cooktop scratches are the underside of your pots and pans. If you allow a spillage to burn on and ruin the bottom of your cookware, you risk scratching it when you move it around your cooktop every time you use it. Fortunately, there's a simple cleaning solution for this and that's by wiping away any spillage immediately with a sponge and dish soap. After all, your induction cooktop cools down rapidly once you turn off the heat and remove the pan, so you don't have to delay and I never do. There's no need to use abrasive cleaning materials or cleaners on your induction cooktop. They're easy-to-clean for a reason and so, with the smooth shiny surface, you'll only need a bit of elbow grease and soft materials like a microfibre cloth or sponge. Most of the time, I don't have to use anything more than mild dish soap and water. Or, a simple baking soda solution. You should avoid anything that has the power to scratch the surface like heavy-duty scrubbers, steel wool, or cleaners including bleach. You also may think that using a glass cleaner will help on a glass-ceramic surface, but its ingredients are too harsh to use. If you're looking to tackle harder to scrub stains, consider an induction cooktop-specific scraper. These are made specifically to not scratch, but make sure to triple check they're definitely for induction cooktops. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner and Scraper: $21.99 @ AmazonI absolutely love Bar Keepers Friend for cleaning. It's the only thing I use on my quartz worktops and now, one of the only things I use on my induction cooktop. With this set, you also get a specialized cooktop scraper that is less abrasive than some of the other scrapers on the market. One of the genius features of an induction cooktop is that it can be easily lifted out of your kitchen worktop. Once you do this, you can clean the edges of the induction cooktop, as well as the counter, a lot easier. This is especially great for spillages that go over the edge and under. It's worth making sure you know how your cooktop has been fitted as some models aren't suitable for this and therefore, this wouldn't be safe. You also need to be extra careful as the induction cooktop is fragile. In our household, this is a quick two-person job where my husband holds it and I wipe round. But, if you let the stains harden around the edges for too long, you'll have a much tougher time getting them off and that could lead to scratches.
USA Today
18-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
The one-ingredient solution to clean the crusty calcium buildup off of your faucets: Video
The one-ingredient solution to clean the crusty calcium buildup off of your faucets: Video Show Caption Hide Caption How to clean faucet heads easily Remove mineral buildup on faucets with this cleaning tip. Problem Solved We use faucets a lot. You may have noticed a crusty buildup develop the more you use your kitchen sink or shower head. This is typical in areas that have hard water and is caused by the minerals in the water that flows through your pipes, according to Mr. Rooter Plumbing. The ugly buildup is fairly easy to remove. The process can be time-consuming, so you may want to do it in the evening before bed, but the good news is: you barely have to do anything. Watch this video to see how you can easily clean crusty faucets. How to clean a faucet If you can, remove the faucet head from the sink or your showerhead. This will make cleaning it a lot easier, but you can still use this method to clean even if you are not able to remove it. Gently scrub as much of the loose hard scale buildup off of the faucet head with water and a sponge or old toothbrush. Then, place the faucet or faucets into a large resealable plastic bag standing upright, with the crusty side down. Pour in enough distilled white vinegar to cover the bottom of the faucet head. Seal the bag and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Place the bag in a bowl or other container, just in case it springs a leak. If your faucet head is not removable, use something like a rubber band to secure the bag with vinegar around your faucet so it's still able to soak. The white distilled vinegar will do most of the hard work for you and will also work to descale the inside of the faucet. A lot of the buildup will be left behind, floating in the vinegar once it's done soaking. Brush off any scale still on the faucet with a toothbrush or sponge. Reattach it and flush it with clean water, and it's good as new! Regular maintenance will prevent the need for a deep clean or soak. You can make a solution of even parts white distilled vinegar and water. Spray it on your faucets and shower heads once a week. Let it sit on the faucets for a few minutes before wiping it off. Shop top-rated related products: Cleaning the house Cleaning your faucets is just one cleaning chore. To tackle others, keep a well-stocked cleaning closet with a few essentials that can handle many of the messes you'll encounter. There is no one-stop solution for all stains, but there are some items you should have: Distilled white vinegar. Baking soda. Isopropyl alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide. Blue Dawn dish soap. Bar Keepers Friend. Lemons. Steam cleaner. Distilled water. Don't forget to also stock up on cleaning tools, like microfiber cloths, sponges, spray bottles and gloves.
Washington Post
09-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
How to remove streaks from stainless steel appliances
Q: Pet sitters decided to use Bar Keepers Friend on my stainless steel refrigerator doors. (They said the internet told them this was how to clean them.) Both doors are now slightly discolored and have streaky spots. I have tried applying a light film of olive oil (more internet advice) as well as Weiman's Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish, neither of which has removed the streaky shadows. Is there anything I can do to return the doors to their original streak-free state?
