So you’re standing in the cleaning aisle staring at Bar Keepers Friend and Comet, and the choice feels bigger than it should.

Both are classics, both promise shiny sinks and sparkling tubs, and both come in those familiar cans. But they’re not exactly the same. Picking one depends on what you’re cleaning and how you like to clean.

In this post, we’ll compare Bar Keepers Friend vs Comet so you can decide what to get.

#1 Main Cleaning Agent

The first thing that sets them apart is what’s inside.

Bar Keepers Friend gets its cleaning power from oxalic acid. This is a gentle, plant-based cleaner that works magic on rust, limescale, and those weird brown marks that show up in sinks.

It dissolves stains instead of just scrubbing them away.

Comet, on the other hand, is powered by bleach and abrasives.

It’s stronger, harsher, and built for disinfecting as much as cleaning. That means it can bust through grime and soap scum but also comes with that unmistakable bleach punch.

#2 Cleaning Power

Cleaning power is the ultimate test.

Bar Keepers Friend excels at removing rust, mineral deposits, and hard water stains.

It works like a gentle chemical magician, dissolving stains rather than just scrubbing them off. It’s great for sinks, pots, pans, stoves, and bathroom fixtures.

Comet, on the other hand, has strong scrubbing and disinfecting power. Its bleach formula tackles mold, mildew, soap scum, and everyday grime.

It’s less about polish and more about deep cleaning and germ removal.

If you need a sparkling sink and shiny surfaces, Bar Keepers Friend shines.

#3 Disinfecting Power

This is where the two really split.

Comet is a disinfectant. It kills germs, mold, and mildew right on the spot. It’s the product you grab when you want the bathroom not just to look clean but to actually be sanitized.

Bar Keepers Friend is a stain remover, not a germ killer.

If you spill coffee, deal with rust spots, or fight hard water buildup, it’s amazing. But if your goal is to sanitize a toilet or wipe out mold colonies, it won’t cut it on its own. You’d need to pair it with something antibacterial.

#4 Surface Safety

This is one of the biggest deciding factors.

Bar Keepers Friend is gentle compared to Comet. You can use it on stainless steel sinks, ceramic, porcelain, cookware, and even glass. It polishes instead of scratches, as long as you follow directions.

That’s why so many people swear by it for pots, pans, and stovetops.

Comet is more aggressive. The abrasive grit plus bleach can scratch shiny or delicate surfaces.

Glass cooktops, polished stone, and brushed stainless steel? Not ideal. It’s awesome for toilets, old bathtubs, and tile grout though, where a little scrubbing muscle doesn’t hurt.

Also Read: Bar Keepers Friend Alternatives

#5 Smell

Smell is more important than most people realize.

Bar Keepers Friend has a mild, almost neutral scent. You can clean a sink or scrub a stove without being hit with a strong chemical odor.

That’s a huge plus if you’re sensitive to smells or cleaning in small, enclosed spaces.

Comet has a pronounced bleach smell.

Some people associate it with “deep cleaning,” but it can be overwhelming, especially in bathrooms with poor ventilation. You might need to crack a window or run a fan if you’re using it indoors.

Should I Get Comet Or Bar Keepers Friend

#6 Formulas Available

Both brands know not everyone likes the same format, so they offer options.

Bar Keepers Friend comes in powder, liquid, spray, and soft cleanser options. The powder is classic and strong, the liquid is convenient for quick wipes, and the soft cleanser is perfect for gentle polishing.

Comet also offers powders, sprays, and liquid gels.

The powder is what most people know and love for scrubbing toilets and sinks. The gels and sprays can be easier for targeting specific areas, like grout lines or bathroom corners.

Basically, both brands give you choices.

Also Read: Can You Use Comet On Stainless Steel?

#7 Price

Neither of these is going to break the bank. They’re both budget-friendly.

That said, Comet is usually the cheaper one.

If you’re trying to stretch dollars, Comet gives you more product for less.

Bar Keepers Friend costs a little more per ounce, but you don’t need much to get results. A little powder or a few sprays goes a long way, especially on tough stains or mineral deposits.

Over time, it can be just as cost-effective, even if the initial price seems higher.

#8 Ease Of Use

Bar Keepers Friend is simple: wet the surface, sprinkle a little, scrub lightly, rinse.

It doesn’t need much elbow grease. The oxalic acid does most of the heavy lifting for you.

Comet is more old-school. You shake it on, scrub hard, and rinse well. It can leave residue if you don’t rinse thoroughly. And if you’re not careful, the bleach can leave marks on clothes or towels.

It’s effective but takes a little more attention.

#9 Eco-Friendliness

This is becoming more important for a lot of households.

Bar Keepers Friend comes out ahead here. It doesn’t have bleach, it’s biodegradable, and it’s generally considered safer for the environment.

That also makes it less harsh on your plumbing over time.

Comet, because of the bleach and chemical load, isn’t as eco-friendly. It’s effective, but it’s not the “green” choice.

If you’re trying to go lighter on chemicals in the house, that’s worth thinking about.

Should I Get Comet Or Bar Keepers Friend?

Okay, so with all those factors on the table, the choice comes down to what you want most out of your cleaner.

Go with Bar Keepers Friend if:

You care about shiny stainless steel or cookware.
You deal with rust, mineral deposits, or hard water stains.
You want something gentler and eco-friendlier.

Pick Comet if:

You want germ-killing power in the bathroom.
You’re tackling mildew, mold, or soap scum.
You don’t mind the bleach smell and want a cheaper option.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Bar Keepers Friend and Comet is that Bar Keepers Friend is better for polishing surfaces, removing rust, and tackling mineral deposits. Plus it’s gentler on delicate surfaces and more eco-friendly.

Comet, on the other hand, is better at disinfecting, scrubbing tough grime, and killing bacteria, but it’s harsher, can scratch surfaces, and has a strong bleach smell.

So next time you’re in that cleaning aisle, think about what mess you’re fighting.

Bar Keepers Friend Vs Comet (Compared)