If you want to know what happens if you leave Bar Keepers Friend on too long, read on!
What Happens When Bar Keepers Friend Is Left on Too Long
The damage of Bar Keepers Friend left on too long can vary. And once the damage happens, it’s often hard or sometimes impossible to reverse. So always follow instructions to the dot.
Here is what happens when BKF is left too long on some common materials:
Chrome
People usually use Bar Keepers Friend for long periods on items with a chrome finish. But always test it on a smaller area or a separate surface. Bar Keepers Friend, if left on for too long, will cause the chrome to flake. You might have to apply a new coat.
Pyrex and Corningware
Although these glass wares are durable, they can get damaged. Bar Keepers Friend will make the glass lose its shine and luster, if it is left on too long.
Usually, BKF is used to handle scratches and make cooking pots look brighter. But if they erode more than what is necessary, then the damage to the glass is irreversible
Porcelain
Results might not be immediately visible, but leaving Bar Keepers Friend on porcelain for long periods of time can eventually damage the enamel. It really depends on the quality of the porcelain.
The top layer or the “enamel” is what gives porcelain its shine. Long exposure to BKF can make the surface rough and dull. If it gets damaged, you might have to get a repair kit to restore the enamel.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are easy to maintain and surprisingly don’t stain easily. But when they do, Bar Keepers Friend should work well for you.
Still, if you leave it on for too long, it will cause dulling and some scratching. Even at the recommended time, Barkeepers Friend can cause a little damage. If that is the case, you can repair damaged quartz by using an epoxy resin.
How Long to Leave Bar Keepers Friend?
Depending on the surface you want to clean, Bar Keepers Friend can be kept on for different lengths of time. Some surfaces like quality porcelain are pretty resistant to damage.
However, BKF themselves say not to cross the one-minute mark. Most items don’t even need the full minute. So you should make sure to keep an eye on the surface while applying BKF.
Does Bar Keepers Friend Expire?
No, Bar Keepers Friend has no “expiry” date per se. It is because its ingredients can last for so long. But, if you leave it in humid places, it can absorb the moisture and clump up. So, avoid places like cabinets under sinks or any area near a water source.
Here are some other steps you can take to ensure your BFK detergent does not clump:
- Cover the top with a lid. Some people use plastic wrap and a rubber band to keep out the moisture.
- Keep it out in the open. Look for areas in your home where there is enough sunlight throughout the day. The laundry room is often a good choice.
- If it does clump up, spread it out on parchment paper and let it sun dry. It will take several hours for it to dry. You can speed up the process by breaking the clumps apart
Is Bar Keepers Friend Dangerous
If you follow all the instructions, Bar Keepers Friend is not dangerous at all. But it can be harsh on some surfaces and can even harm us, too. Here are some safety steps you need to take while using BKF:
- Always use gloves when handling Bar Keepers Friend. Our skin naturally retains some moisture which the detergent can react with.
- Fill a jar with water and mix with BKF gradually until it becomes a paste-like consistency.
- Do patch tests before using it on the desired surface. Not all materials have a uniform quality.
ALSO READ: Bar Keepers Friend vs Bon Ami
What Is Bar Keepers Friend?
Bar Keepers Friend is a brand which supplies cleaning agents. One of the most popular products called “the scouring powder” is a cult favorite. The company first released the product way back in 1882. Interestingly, it is still sold by the company today and in the original formula.
Bar Keepers Friend provides all-purpose-cleaners for all kinds of surfaces. From cleaning walls to grills and even shower doors, the cleaner is pretty effective.
The cleaners work because of the main ingredient, oxalic acid. In fact, it is oxalic acid that makes Bar Keepers Friend a superior alternative to Comet. It is a gentle cleanser that converts insoluble substances to soluble ones.
Bar Keepers Friend is a harmless product, but you should still proceed with caution. Bar Keepers Friend left on too long is something everyone is concerned with. Leaving Bar Keepers Friend on too long may cause irreversible damage to sensitive surfaces. We hope this article has answered some of your doubts. Being a little more informed, we hope that you can now clean better with BKF.