Today I have a quick tip for you that's one of those "Duh, why didn't I already know that?" things, so I thought you might be interested in it too!
The other night I was reading my Instagram feed and saw a beautiful old metal bowl that my friend Emily (IG elevengables) picked up. Her photo showed the difference after she cleaned it up with some Bar Keeper's Friend.
Well, I've had BKF in my cabinet for years, but it's never occurred to me to use it to polish up brass or silver! So, first thing the next morning, I pulled out my badly tarnished (not pretty tarnish anymore...just bad!) silver plated champagne bucket and gave it a try.
I was AMAZED at how quickly and easily it cleaned up! I've used Brasso for brass pieces and silver polish on this one in the past and it took much more effort and time, and didn't do as good of a job. It's still not perfect, but I didn't want it to look TOO clean and shiny.
Then I pulled out my thrifted silver-plated tray that needed to be shined up.
I used a wet scratch-free scotch pad, sprinkled a little BKF on it, and gently rubbed. I made a paste with the powder and water in a bowl and used a toothbrush on some of the places with grooves that were harder to get to. BKF also comes in a liquid/gel form now which might be easier to use, but I didn't have any on hand and the powder worked fine.
**Edited to add: I now use the liquid BKF with a soft cloth as well as the powder, love it too and it's a bit faster since there is no mixing involved. Either works great! And, it's not mentioned here, but I love this for brass too. This post covers using BKF with brass.
DISCLAIMER: The instructions clearly say "Do not use on gold or silver", but these were just thrifted pieces that I wasn't concerned about ruining, so I didn't have anything to lose by trying it. Use with your best judgement.
OK, how in the dark was I? Are you all already using BKF to shine up your metal pieces?
P.S. - This isn't a sponsored post, just passing along a product I love and I think you will too!
Linking up with: Home Stories A to Z
So happy it worked for you, Jennifer! I only just discovered this little tip after reading....GASP..... the "uses" on the can. :) Love following your blog. Your home is beautiful!! xoxo, Emily
ReplyDeleteThank you Emily. I'm so glad you shared, and your new bowl is a great find! Now I'm looking around for other things I can shine up!
DeleteI live in a town with extremely hard water which often deposits on my class dishes. Ew! I've used BKF on my everyday glassware (not my fine dining stuff...yet) to remove those water deposits. Glorious!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Used it for years on my cast iron sink and it works when nothing else will!
DeleteI posted on this same product last fall and I'm still in love. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is SO good to know! I have silver platters hanging in my dining room and they've definitely seen there better days! Can't wait to clean them up! Found your blog last week! Absolutely love! I grew up as a PK!! :) It's always fun to find people who understand your world! Happy day!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great product. I used the liquid on our grille last summer, and it looked amazing afterward - brand new!
ReplyDeleteI used it on some thrifted brass bookends and was amazed at the difference it made! Love your champagne urn, I've been on the hunt for one for my kitchen utensils.
ReplyDeleteI use it for my stainless appliances and it gets smudges off better than anything else! It's like miracle powder, as far as I'm concerned.
ReplyDeletei love this stuff and have used it before! it's amazing!
ReplyDeleteI've heard it's awesome, but never tried it! It's on my list. I see you found some treasures on clearance at Target, I bought 2 of the gold boxes like you have and 2 white ones. :) (Extras for clients)
ReplyDeleteIt has works perfectly to clean chrome door facings. Can't think of the name of the piece but placed under a door that leads to the outside. Example: from the garage into your kitchen.What in the world is the name? Anyway, if yours looks ugly clean it with Bar Keepers friend and it will look like a new house.
ReplyDeletelast time I bought BKF I had to get the liquid because they didn't have any powder. It might be okay for your thrifted shiny projects, but I use mine mostly for my black glass cook top surface and my stainless steel pans. The liquid just doesn't quite do as well as the powder....but I'm like you....I love it!
ReplyDeleteI love this product too! When we moved into our 'new to us' home, the half bath had a yucky brown spot on the sink that would not come out. It was so bad that I took to hiding it by putting a soap dish on top. When cleaning the other day, I decided to make a paste with BKF and let it soak. Then I took a scrubbie and low and behold, got that nasty spot right out! It's gone! Couldn't believe it :) This stuff's a miracle!
ReplyDeleteThat stuff is like crack to me. Love it. Between that and a magic eraser I can pretty much tackle anything. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome! Can be used for so many things. I haven't tried the gel but think I will when this container is empty.
ReplyDeletexo
Pat
Did not know that! I will have to try it!
ReplyDeleteI must be in the dark too! I have never tried it or heard of it. Now I want to find some! xo Kristin
ReplyDeleteI bought some Bar Keepers friends a while back (can't even remember why) and it has sat among my cleaning supplies never having been used. Love hearing how well it worked for you - I will try it out! Love your Target boxes too - I just picked up one of those myself (so fun!).
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad...I was totally in the dark too! Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteGood to know! So where to you guy Bar Keepers Friend?
ReplyDeleteThis thing has been my best friend for a while now too - it also works wonders on your marble countertops and glass cooktops! I use it all the time even for my pots to keep them shiny!
ReplyDelete