Cleaning - BKF not working -scrub harder?

[Mini2nut]

I would think that using a non-scratch blue ScotchBrite pad, liquid BKF then rinsing off each panel as you go would be a much faster method.

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[tmeyer3]

Yeah, this is because windex is designed to be a solvent for oils, but Bar Keeper's Friend is an acid and solids slurry. The combination of the two creates salts which requires liberal amounts of water to remove.


Where did I say you said that?

The finish will be closer to new using a stainless steel cleaner than if you don't.

-Crissa

My misunderstanding, then.

 

[Crissa]

I would think that using a non-scratch blue ScotchBrite pad, liquid BKF then rinsing off each panel as you go would be a much faster method.

And if you have water, well, just blast any spots where it drips.

...Which is remarkably close to how I used it in restaurants. One hand on the hose, the other hand with the scrubber. Squirt cleaner, scrub cleaner, spray rinse to see how far you've gotten.

-Crissa

 

[Texarado]

What role does windex (Or other cleaner) play in conjunction with the BKF? Will BKF alone remove the finger prints? In which case, what is the benefit of using windex/cleaner in addition to BKF?

 

[Mattsplat]

Stop using Windex.

-Crissa

Why? Is Windex bad? Just got my VIN assigned.

 

[Bothwalien]

Stop using Windex.

-Crissa

Hmm. I was following the prep instructions for Protectaclear. They seem to have experience with stainless steel. Worked like magic for me. I can’t speak to the long term consequences for HFS, I’m going to be sealing it soon, but I think it’s pretty tough

Do you have a glass cleaning product you prefer?

 

[Earthxploration]

Are you woking panel by panel with the BKF or doing all panels and then circling back around? If you’re doing panel by panel, how long are you letting the BKF sit?

I tried doing the entire truck with BKF and then circling back to clean off (Windex at the time, but now I’ve shifted to a rinseless wash/alcohol/water combo). Letting it sit while I went around the entire truck etched everything and it was a complete mess. Freaked myself out. I now go panel by panel and don’t let it sit too long. As soon as I‘ve applied BKF to one panel I clean it off.

My only beef is that I have one panel (rear driver’s side) that looks a little darker than all other panels. I don’t think that has anything to do with the BKF. I think I just got a weird panel. Not sure if Tesla can do anything about that.

I want to say 99% of everyone’s truck is like this. Mine is dark too. I’m curious if a different steel was used.

 

[CyberGus]

Why? Is Windex bad? Just got my VIN assigned.

Use of ammonia-based or chlorine-based cleaners is contraindicated for stainless steel. Repeated application will damage the surface.

Mild acids OTOH are welcome, since they help remove free iron on the surface.

 

[CyberGus]

I couldn't find BKF in the automotive aisle the other day, they had in kitchenware instead? wtf

 

[HaulingAss]

I want to say 99% of everyone’s truck is like this. Mine is dark too. I’m curious if a different steel was used.

I think the rear quarter panels might be more martensitic through a higher level of work hardening and the darker a reflection of that. I say this because the rear quarter panel is more magnetic than the door panels, even though the door panels are thicker.

 

[Crissa]

Why? Is Windex bad? Just got my VIN assigned.

If you read the post I was replying to, he was adding Windex to Bar Keeper's Friend:

It took me maybe 6 x 1 minute scrubbing of one area on the door (with BKF More, then wipe off with Windex using Costco microfiber towels for both)...

Windex is for glass and fingerprints. It doesn't help (and actively interferes with) cleaners other than surfactants. As Cybergus says, mild acids grab the free iron that may start rust crystals.

Hmm. I was following the prep instructions for Protectaclear. They seem to have experience with stainless steel. Worked like magic for me. I can’t speak to the long term consequences for HFS, I’m going to be sealing it soon, but I think it’s pretty tough

Do you have a glass cleaning product you prefer?

I prefer a low sudsing biodegradable surfactant and or isopropyl alcohol.

Spot cleaning ≠ rinsing a steel cleaner.

-Crissa

PS, some of you guys need to start asking the person who gets the spots from your shirts how different cleaners work.

 

[Bothwalien]

I think I should try and clarify further. For my initial cleaning I was definitely not adding Windex to Bar Keepers Friend More. Don’t do that. The base will neutralize the acid. Applied separately, the BKFM (acid) cleans the oils off of the steel, then the ammonia (base) in the Windex neutralizes it.

Do not let BKFM sit on the metal longer than 60 seconds at a time.

This worked like magic for me. It removed marks and stains that I thought looked like permanent damage and left an even finish, except for the worst spot I was sure was some sort of scratch. By the time I had applied it 6 times the mark was almost gone, and the door has a small slightly shiny(er) area. I will work this entire door, with the entire truck immediately before sealing, and I don't think it will be noticeable. Time will tell but I like the shine better than the black scratchy thing.

Personally, I would not do this regularly and to make upkeep easier I am sealing with Protectaclear. I live in an area with heavy bugs in the summer and salty roads in the winter, both of which I'm concerned about keeping clean with an unprotected finish. That being said, I have used Windex to swipe fingerprints (see Cybertruck owners manual clip above) and it's working great. I need to pick up some denatured alcohol and get this thing sealed!

 

[Crissa]

Well, their instructions are wrong.

Bar Keeper's Friend says to use water to rinse it. Adding windex to steel that has acid on it will create salts. Salts will create a film as you observed.

-Crissa

 

[Bothwalien]

Yeah, their chemists are probably the ones that are wrong, who am I to say.

However I don’t know how to be more clear. I did not observe a film or streaking. It left a beautiful flawless finish with one small extra polished spot. I am REALLY happy with it!

 

[Crissa]

Yeah, their chemists are probably the ones that are wrong, who am I to say.

Well, they are. I don't know what to tell you. Companies sometimes aren't as full of chemists (or whatever education) as they'd like you to think.

-Crissa

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