Have you ever felt like your kitchenware is never clean enough no matter how hard you scrub? For any stuck-on grime and grease, you may need a serious powder cleanser to get the job done. When it comes to choosing the right cleanser, two brands stand out: Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax.
But which is the true king of powder cleansers? In this showdown, well explore the key differences and similarities between Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax to help you decide which brand deserves a spot in your cleaning arsenal. Lets get cleaning!
While Comet, Ajax and other household cleaners are bleach-based and alkaline, Bar Keepers Friend is an acidic cleaner. Stainless steel manufacturers and fabricators actually warn against the use of bleach or bleach-based products, as it deteriorates the integrity of stainless steel over time.
BKF is not formulated to work with the dishwashing process – do not add it to the automatic dispenser in your dishwasher. However, it can be used to spot-clean the interior of dishwashers with stainless steel tubs and inner doors. Run a quick rinse cycle with the dishwasher empty after spot-cleaning with BKF.
Have questions about any of Bar Keepers Friend products? We’ve got answers! Check out our frequently asked questions here.
The contents of BKF do not expire or degrade when stored in a dry environment. To offer our customers the best value possible, we chose not to add an expensive lid when it is not required for most users. A helpful tip for those who may want to cover their can of BKF if stored under the sink or in a humid environment is to cover the top of the can with a sandwich bag (a rubber band can be used to make an air-tight seal if necessary).
If it is routine lighter-duty cleaning, then the liquid Soft Cleanser is usually more than sufficient. If a more restorative, deep-clean is needed; then the BKF Cleanser (powder) is likely the better choice. Bottom line: They’re not intended to be identical products. The powder offers the versatility of varying its “strength,” by the amount of water added; stronger or weaker. The Soft Cleanser is in effect “pre-diluted” or “ready-to-use” for a variety of (but not all) tasks, especially the more routine cleaning tasks.
Oxalic acid is an excellent rust and mineral deposit remover that is naturally found in many vegetables, such as rhubarb, chives, and parsley. The oxalic acid used in BKF comes from industrial suppliers and is generally produced from plant/vegetation waste. While oxalic acid can be harmful if ingested in large amounts, there is no danger in using BKF as instructed.
Bar Keeperâs Friend Vs Ajax
If youre in search of a trusty powder cleanser to keep your surfaces spotless at home, chances are you may have come across Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax. These two cleaning products are popular choices for many people when it comes to scouring and cleaning power, but how do they compare to each other?
First off, its worth noting that both Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax are powder cleansers, which means theyre meant to be mixed with water to create a paste or solution that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. They both contain ingredients that help to scrub away dirt, grime, and stains, but their formulas do differ in a few key ways.
Bar Keepers Friend, for example, boasts a formula that includes oxalic acid, which is particularly effective in removing rust and other tough stains. The brand also claims that its formula is non-abrasive and wont scratch surfaces like stainless steel or porcelain.
On the other hand, Ajax has a more traditional formula that relies on abrasives like calcium carbonate and sodium carbonate to scrub surfaces clean. It may not be as effective on rust and other tough stains as Bar Keepers Friend, but its still a powerful cleanser that can get the job done on a variety of surfaces.
In terms of pricing, Bar Keepers Friend tends to be a bit more expensive than Ajax, so depending on your budget, one brand may be a better choice than the other. Additionally, some people may prefer the scent or packaging of one over the other, and this can be a deciding factor as well.
All in all, both Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax are reliable choices for powder cleansers, and your choice between the two may come down to personal preference or specific cleaning needs. But if youre in need of a powerful cleaning solution, you cant go wrong with either of these options.
When it comes to cleaning products, effectiveness is everything. You dont want to spend time and money scrubbing away at stains only to get lackluster results. Thats why weve put Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax to the test to see which one has the best cleaning power.
First up, we tried both products on a stainless steel sink with some tough grease and grime buildup. Bar Keepers Friend cut through the grime with minimal scrubbing, leaving the sink sparkling clean. Ajax, on the other hand, required much more elbow grease and still left some residue behind.
Next, we tested both products on a porcelain bathtub with some stubborn soap scum buildup. Again, Bar Keepers Friend came out on top, quickly dissolving the soap scum and leaving the tub looking brand new. Ajax struggled to make a dent in the buildup and required multiple applications to even come close to the results achieved by Bar Keepers Friend.
Finally, we tried both products on a ceramic stovetop with some hardened food stains. This time, Ajax proved to be the more effective cleaner, quickly breaking down the stains with minimal scrubbing. Bar Keepers Friend struggled to remove the toughest stains and required multiple applications.
Overall, when it comes to cleaning effectiveness, Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax are both powerful cleaners, but each has its strengths and weaknesses depending on the surface and type of stain. For tough grime and soap scum buildup, Bar Keepers Friend is the way to go. For hardened food stains and general surface cleaning, Ajax is the winner.
When it comes to cleaning, using a product that is convenient and easy to use is a must. Thats why weve decided to compare two popular products, Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax, in terms of their ease of use.
Lets start with fragrance. Both Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax have distinct scents that can linger after cleaning. Bar Keepers Friend has a slightly stronger odor compared to Ajax, but its not overwhelming. Ajax, on the other hand, has a more subtle scent that does a good job of masking any unpleasant odors. So if youre someone whos sensitive to odors, Ajax may be a better choice for you.
As for texture, Bar Keepers Friend has a grainier texture compared to Ajax. It leaves a slight grittiness that can be noticeable on surfaces like countertops or sinks. However, this texture comes in handy when it comes to tackling stubborn stains and grime. Ajax also has a rough texture but its not as noticeable, making it a little smoother to work with.
Finally, lets talk about packaging. Both products are sold in similar-sized containers with easy-to-open lids. Bar Keepers Friend comes in a canister with a sprinkle top that makes it easy to control how much product youre using. Ajax, on the other hand, comes in a squeeze bottle that can be a little difficult to control, especially if youre dealing with a lot of product.
In conclusion, both Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax are easy to use, but which one you choose might depend on your personal preferences. Bar Keepers Friend has a slightly stronger scent and a grittier texture, making it perfect for tough stains, while Ajax has a milder scent and smoother texture, making it easier to work with on a variety of surfaces.
When it comes to cleaning products, we all want a good balance between price and value. So, how do Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax stack up?
At first glance, Ajax is certainly the cheaper option. Its readily available at most grocery stores and usually costs less than a buck per bottle. Bar Keepers Friend, on the other hand, is a bit more of a specialty item. You might have to go out of your way to find it, and it typically costs a few dollars more.
But does that mean Ajax is the better value? Not necessarily. While it may be cheaper upfront, Ajax often requires a lot more elbow grease to get the job done. Its cleaning effectiveness can be hit or miss depending on the task at hand. Plus, lets be real, who wants to spend more time scrubbing than they have to?
Bar Keepers Friend, on the other hand, has a reputation for being extremely effective at tackling tough messes. It can remove rust, hard water stains, and even tarnish from metal surfaces. And because its more powerful, you dont need to use as much elbow grease to get things clean. So, while it may cost a bit more upfront, it saves you time and effort in the long run.
Ultimately, whether Bar Keepers Friend or Ajax is better for you will come down to your cleaning needs and preferences. If youre looking for a low-budget option and dont mind putting in some extra elbow grease, Ajax might work just fine. But for those who want powerful cleaning without breaking a sweat, Bar Keepers Friend is definitely worth the investment.
Let’s clean a cast iron sink using Bar Keepers Friend cleaner VS Ajax cleaner!
FAQ
What is the difference between Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax and Comet?
What is similar to Ajax cleaner?
Is Bar Keepers Friend just baking soda?
What is the difference between Bar Keepers Friend and Ajax?
Bar Keepers Friend is an acidic cleaner that is composed of oxalic acid, whereas Ajax is a bleach-based cleaning product. The type of abrasives used in each cleanser is different. BKF uses micro scrubbers and mild abrasives useful for quick cleaning of a variety of surfaces, whereas the abrasives in Ajax cleanser can damage the finish of cookware.
What is Bar Keepers Friend?
The patented cleaning powder also contains glass oxide abrasive and surfactant. Glass oxide has medium aggressiveness abrasion properties giving Bar Keepers Friend its affinity for cleaning metal and deep stains set into a broad range of surfaces.
Is Bar Keepers Friend a bleach based cleaner?
While Comet, Ajax and other household cleaners are bleach-based and alkaline, Bar Keepers Friend is an acidic cleaner. Stainless steel manufacturers and fabricators actually warn against the use of bleach or bleach-based products, as it deteriorates the integrity of stainless steel over time.
Is Bar Keepers Friend pre diluted?
The Soft Cleanser is in effect “pre-diluted” or “ready-to-use” for a variety of (but not all) tasks, especially the more routine cleaning tasks. Are Bar Keepers Friend products tested on animals? No, Bar Keepers Friend does not test on animals. Is Bar Keepers Friend kosher? BKF is not currently a certified kosher product.