Both cleaners are highly effective, long-time favorites, and widely available. They are similar in that they both clean hard, non-porous surfaces, including sinks, dishes, glass, and ceramic tiles. They also both contain granules that help scrub away residue and stubborn stains. However, they differ in their ingredients and cleaning instructions.

Bar which is better Bar Keepers or Comet  gets its cleaning power from oxalic acid, which works like a chemical magician to remove rust and mineral deposits from fixtures and sinks. It dissolves stains rather than just scraping them off, and it’s safer for surfaces than other scouring powders that contain harsh abrasives and bleach. In fact, The Spruce named it one of their “Expert-Approved” products for stainless steel cookware and a top pick in their article about how to polish your sink.

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Comet, on the other hand, uses a mixture of abrasives and bleach to scour grime and clean surfaces. It’s great for removing tough stains like soap scum, mildew, and mold, but it isn’t as gentle as Bar Keepers Friend and can scratch delicate surfaces. It also has a strong bleach smell, which can be overwhelming in small spaces.

Both brands have their own versions of cleaning powders, sprays, and soft cleanser. But their instructions are nearly identical: Wet the surface, sprinkle on the product, let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. Then rinse and dry the surface. Both products are safe for most household surfaces, though they’re not recommended for marble or granite countertops and shouldn’t be used on acrylic or cast iron tubs.