I am kicking myself, y’all.
Kicking myself.
I’ve spray painted and Rub ‘N Buffed so many pulls and knobs over the years – I had no idea how to clean them.
Don’t get me wrong – there are sometimes when you want a bold colored knob, but sometimes I just want that hardware restored to its former glory.
I had no clue how to restore hardware to its former glory though.
Until a few weeks ago.
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First off, thank you to Jennifer from Dimples & Tangles for sharing this product when she cleaned up some silver trays. She’s just awesome, y’all.
How to Restore Hardware
The hardware in the photo above is what was original to the vintage radio that I just turned into a bar cabinet. I almost spray painted them, but decided first to give Bar Keeper’s Friend a try.
I had only used it to clean real brass before, and I was pretty sure this hardware wasn’t real brass. I wasn’t sure if it would work or not, but it SO did!
First, I ran some water over the hardware, then sprinkled the Bar Keeper’s Friend on.
Next, I took an old cloth that was a little damp and rubbed it around the hardware. These pieces had some nooks and crannies, so I took an old toothbrush to really get into those. Then, I just rinsed it off and let it dry.
The top pull is from the same cabinet, just not cleaned yet.
Is that not crazy?!
I was totally baffled. And it took less than 5 minutes to clean it up!
Have you used Bar Keeper’s Friend before to restore hardware or clean anything else? I want to know what else this bad boy will accomplish!!
You can see this hardware in all its restored glory on the Vintage Radio turned Bar Cabinet.
Also guys, this IS NOT a sponsored post for Bar Keeper’s Friend – I just wanted you to know how easy it can be to restore your hardware – put that spray paint down!
Need another cleaning tip?
Got rust? Here’s how to get rid of that…
Or need to know how to cover old hardware holes?
You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.
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Rebecca says
I love BKF. I use it on everything. It seriously removes rust from chrome too. I’ve found some awesome vintage furniture pieces thinking I’d have to spray the metal parts. Nope, not with BKF. Just be careful Jenna. I know you are new to the stuff – make sure you wear gloves when using. It does have an acid in it. I forgot to put gloves on one time while I was scrubbing a candelabra and the tips of my fingers were swollen for a few days. It was weird. They were so smooth I couldn’t do anything with my fingers…..
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Really – it removed rust off chrome?! That is awesome!!! Ok – had no clue about the wearing gloves part. My fingers didn’t swell or anything, but I also was only using the stuff for five minutes or so since I just had a couple pieces. I will definitely be wearing them next time around! Thanks so much, Rebecca!
Rebecca says
Yup. Prepared to be blown away again by the product! Make a little paste and rub onto the chrome parts that have rust. Depending on the size of rust patches you can either use a cloth or a non scratch Scotch Brite and some elbow grease. It’s crazy how good it works. Now go find some cool chrome covered pieces at the Thrift Shop……
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Ahhhhhhh!!! That is so awesome, Rebecca!! Thank you so much for the tip!
Dad says
Honey, where can I find some BKF? Would it also be safe to clean jewelry? (I have already asked Rebecca about chrome on a motorcycle.) Thanks. Dad
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
They have it at Home Depot (where I got mine), Ace, Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath and Beyond and their website has a whole other list of retailers. I have no idea about the jewelry. Honestly, this stuff is so powerful, I would be a little scared to use it on jewelry.
Dad says
Honey, How do you suppose BKF would do in cleaning guns, that is the rust off them? That 22 Springfield rifle Granddaddy gave me when I was a boy needs some serious TLC. I also need to do some cleaning on Pap’s 16 gauge Remington shotgun. Thanks again. Dad
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I’m not sure about the guns, dad, but another reader did say it took rust off – I would try it in a small spot first.
john thunder says
Use Flitz, its made for guns and removes the rust but not the blueing.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks for the tip, John!
Rosy Lois Schern says
I have found that Mr Clean magic erasers do a dynamite job, on just about anything (but a no-no on plastic). If you’re like me…FFF, as I know you must be, I leave a little of the patina. After all, it worked awfully hard to get where it is today! Ha..ha!’
Dale (Jenna's Dad) says
Rebecca, Do you suppose this would also remove rust from & restore the shine to chrome on a motorcycle? Is that where you tried BKF on? Thanks. Dale.
Cathy says
Hi Jenna,
Love all this great cleaning info! I too love BKF, as I have a small cleaning company I use it a lot! Anyway, the palms of my hands starting getting really irritated (red, itchy, and peeling, yuck) I absolutely have to wear gloves now…My hands now are permanently red! Just be careful and wear those gloves, girl!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh no, Cathy!!! Yes, I have started to wear gloves now!
Mary grant says
I have heard more than once that the leaves of Rhubarb have an acid..also very poisonous..found in BKF. I’m old as dirt, and as a child we had a man come around to sharpen knifes and other farm cutters, like the scythe. He instructed housewives to polish their pots by using fresh rhubarb leaves.Id love to hear if anyone else heard this.P.s. I grew up in Minnesota farm country
Donna says
I have used BKF only on my stainless steel sinks! Had NO idea it would work on hardware. I have several pieces I am going to try it on, including some brass on some table legs. I’ll let u know how it works & if it looks good I’ll try to put a photo on the comment if I can. Or maybe I can Instagram it? Sorry I am old and kinda techno-challenged these days. Thanks for the info!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yes, please let me know, Donna!!! I’ve got to use it on my stainless steel sink – I bet it would do wonders! Please send me a photo – I don’t think you can do it in a comment, but you can email it to me or upload it to Instagram!! Can’t wait to see!
April says
I agree with Rebecca about the gloves if you’re going to be using it a lot. It’s pretty strong stuff! I used it in the shower at our old house without gloves and my hands turned red and dried out wickedly, peeling and cracking. So watch out if you’re using a lot of it! Gonna add this to my “Useful Tips” board on Pinterest!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yes, April, I’m thinking gloves are a must for working with it in a longer time frame. You guys are just awesome with all your tips! Thanks!
Draven says
Dude. I’m kicking myself too now! I’ve never even heard of this stuff, so I’m pretty darn excited to try it! Thanks for making my wildest hardware dreams come true!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
We’ll be kicking ourselves together!! haha!! It is awesome!
Eenie says
Will it clean Antique Brass Door Fixture?
Carol says
Just yesterday I was, again :), looking at some painted over door hardware that is brass and wondering when, just when, I’d have enough time to spend on this one set. Another set is unpainted and I salivate as I pass it. Then there was this great tip this morning, I’m in Australia, then googled and someone in a capital city here actually stocks it. Outstanding! I’ve ordered, I’ve paid, I’m waiting.
Thank you so much for how you share you experience of restoring, using, I’m thrilled. Carol.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yay, Carol!!!! Can’t wait to hear how it works!
Cheyenne says
My mother in law introduced me to BKF earlier this year when me and my husband bought our first house. The house came with the most disgusting stainless steel kitchen sink but BKF removed all the nastiness and made it shine like new. She also uses it to clean her ceramic cook top! It removes almost anything! I definitely agree with gloves though if you’re going to be using it for an extended amount of time!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It cleans the cook top, too?! YES! Cannot wait to try it out on mine!! Thanks, Cheyenne!
Terri says
BKF also works great to remove utensil marks from plates and the inside of bowls. I had a set of vintage Pyrex bowls that were in good shape except for the gray silverware marks on the inside. This stuff took off all the marks and didn’t scratch the finish. Just be sure to use a small amount and gently polish just enough to take off the marks.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Wow!! That is awesome, Terri! Thanks for sharing – I definitely have some bowls that need a little help!
Patty says
I have used BKF for over 30 yrs, it is just about the best all around cleaner on the market. I don’t think I would try it on a motorcycle, jewelry, or guns. My husband takes care of our guns and motorcycles and I know he would never use it on either one. You can buy it in most grocery stores.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks for the info, Patty! I definitely thought it was a no-go on the jewelry. I’ll be sure to let my dad know on the others!
Denise says
Ooh, wish I had read this before I had tried to refinish some hardware for use on my hutch (I refinished it by painting with Annie Sloane’s outrageously expensive chalk paint, the hutch that is). Would have saved me a lot of useless work and time! I will for sure be using this tip. I already love this stuff for my porcelain enamel sink which attracts cookware marks like crazy~now I’m gonna use it for a lot of different things~~woohoo!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Awesome, Denise! I didn’t know it could take marks off an enamel sink!! Great to know – thanks!
Jackie says
Glass top stoves. Seriously, I recently found out about using this on those glass top stoves (I hate mine, its horrible for trying to can) I wish I’d known this years ago, I could have saved a ton of money on cleaner for the stove. NOTHING I have ever used works better than this for cleaning that stove. I use one of those thin, flat green scrubbers that don’t scratch and Bar Keepers friend. Hear me again, NOTHING works better. Frankly, I liked the hardware better dark, but glad to know this works! Great post. Thanks!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I have got to try it on my glass top stove, Jackie!! Someone else told me that it was great for it and I hate cleaning my glass top – such a pain!! Thank you so much for the tip, gal!
Deb says
you can also use it to clean copper. Mix with some vinegar and water and you can clean the inside of the stove. Found that walmart has the cheapest for the larger can. There are occasional coupons too!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
That is great to know, Deb! Thanks!
Louise says
Morning, I live in South Africa…where could I get the product mentioned? Is it perhaps under a different name?
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Hi Louise! I am not sure if its under a different name or not in South Africa. Here it is sold at Wal-Mart, Target, Ace Hardware, and places like that. I hope that helps!
Mel says
BKF was the only thing I found that would clean the mineral deposits off my toilet bowl, sinks and shower. I tried a lot of toilet bowl cleaners before I found BKF.
carsok says
Wish I would have known about this 3 days ago!!! Just finished cleaning old brass pulls off an old English chest (2 of them) with Brasso. Took forever. Next ones I will be using this. Thanks for the tip.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Better late than never, right?!
Roy says
I have an antique brass rocking horse that is big enough for a child to ride. Over the years – since 1978 when I bought it – I have tried keeping it polished with brasso and then sealing it. Would BKF bring back a bright shine without damaging it? It is all brass.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I can’t be 100% sure, Roy, but I’m willing to bet yes. I would try it out in a small inconspicuous area first.
Barb says
I love BKH. I have used it for years to clean copper pots and anything else. Very easy and quick. I also use it for my enamel sink and the bathroom. Also works great on stainless steel. As somebody else has said this is strong stuff, be careful using it on silver and jewelry. You can buy large containers at Bed Bath and Beyond. It is very inexpensive especially when you use the 20% coupon
sandy says
will have to try it- have so much old stuff that is rusted- in fact an old antique chest with rusted hardware
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Great, Sandy! Hope it works for you as well as it worked for me!
Teresa Melton says
I just love BarKeepers Friend. It also takes the scratches off Corning Ware and lots of kinds of plates and bowls.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It is great, isn’t it, Teresa?! I didn’t know about it working on Corning Ware – thanks for sharing that tip!
Barb says
I have an old trunk in trying to fix up. The hardware is on I. A way I can’t seems to get off. Can I use bar keepers friend to clean them while still on the trunk?
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
You could Barb, I would just tape off really well around the hardware before using the Barkeepers Friend.
Marie Moore says
Hi!
My kitchen designer told me to use BarKeepers Friend to clean my beautiful kitchen sink!
Just wet the sink and sprinkle on BarKeeper Friend and rub gently on stains. Rinse throughly and voila your sink is shiny and clean!
I was so happy to read your hints for using BF, especially on rust and on brass!
Thank you!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yes! I’ve used BKF on my sink too and it cleans it right up! Love it!
Michelle says
The well water in my area can turn white clothes yellow. BKF in the wash eliminated that also cleaned the washing machine. Use this in the shower to clean the glass and the toilet of mineral deposits.in the kitchen stainless steel pots and pans copper too.I have been using BKF for years,as did my grandmother before me.
Jenna says
Oh wow!! That is so good to know, Michelle!
Nicole says
Wow so glad I stumbled across your website and read this tip. Thank you so much. Also Idk what made me even think to try this (maybe I read it somewhere, who knows lol) but my bathroom door got knocked halfway off the hinges and my kids just kept opening and shutting the door, dragging the door across my linoleum floor so naturally it scratched my floor really good. I was convinced we were going to have to put down new flooring. So thinking I had nothing to lose I sprayed some water on the scratches followed by a light dusting of BKF and took a cloth and started rubbing and girl I couldn’t believe it, the scratches we’re completely gone. Also I’ve used it on scuff marks on my floors and it works just as well removing those. This product is a lifesaver. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Trish says
Here I am discovering this is 2019. My husband and I are starting to renovate our home that we purchased 5 years ago. I was looking for a way to clean up the old knobs in our bathroom so we wouldn’t have to purchase new ones and came across this tip. I have now done one bathroom knob, one handle on our china cabinet, and one handle off the kitchen cabinets…..EVERYTHING IS GETTING A MAKEOVER NOW! Hahaha! Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful tip! This old fixer-upper is now getting a better reno than we could have imagined!
Randy-Sue Abber says
I’m looking for something to clean the bottom of my fry pan in which I often make bacon. It is black with burned grease. There’s a product on line but people say it is a scam. Will this product help me?
Mary says
I always have BKF under the sink for those stubborn marks – in the sink those metal marks that won’t come off, cleaning saucepans that are tarnished.
Kat says
Just be careful to check if it’s plated brass or not. If it’s plated, you may rub the color off. You can tell my using a magnet. If the hardware is plated, the magnet will stick to it. If it doesn’t stick, it’s likely real brass. It worked great on my plated brass, just don’t let sit too long. On it or rub too much or you’ll get a metal color instead of the pretty brass color.
Wendy says
So I can’t remove the hardware on my trunk can I still use BKF on the hardware if it on the wood or will it harm the wood?
Eileen says
Thank you so much for the great info on cleaning with BKF.