Maintaining your colored tapware properly is crucial for protecting the finish and ensuring that it keeps its sleek, brand new look for years to come. This is why it is vital to grasp the do’s and don’ts of tapware cleaning since this will have an effect on how well your tapware maintains its shine over time.
To prevent mineral deposits, all tapware should be dried with a soft cloth after each use. Regularly clean and polish tapware with warm water or a mild pH-neutral liquid soap and water solution. Microfiber cloths are gentle and effective at cleaning without scratching and only need a little dampness. Personal hygiene products such as liquid soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and shower gel may leave a corrosive residue. After usage, wipe them cleanly from the fittings with clean water.
Under no circumstances should harsh cleaning agents containing acidic, caustic, or abrasive components, as well as citrus, bleach, or alcohol-based compounds, be used to clean or remain on metal coatings. NEITHER Jif nor Bar Keepers Friend should be used since both treatments include harsh chemicals that will completely erase the sheen and harm the color. By draping a cloth or towel over fixtures, you may prevent leaking or over-spraying such cleaning solutions. Metal tapware that has been sprayed with these items should be immediately cleaned and dried with clean water. Avoid abrasive cloths, scouring pads, scrub sponges, and steel wool.
Certain finishes may need more maintenance and care. This varies according to the kind of finish, whether coated or uncoated, and whether electroplated or powder-coated. Below are cleaning guidelines for the different Astra Walker finishes.
The most durable electroplated finishes are polished chrome, brushed chrome, brushed platinum, and ice grey, which should be cleaned according to the instructions above.
The matte electroplated finishes Matt Black, Iron Bronze, and Satin Chrome are available. Cleaning in compliance with the requirements outlined above. Avoid applying waxes or polishes, since they will fill in the surface and give the component a shiny aspect.
Gloss Black: A high-gloss electroplated finish that is less resistant to scratches and scuffs than regular chrome. Cleaning and maintenance should be carried out in accordance with the aforementioned suggestions.
As previously indicated, these faucets should be cleaned with a microfibre cloth, warm water, and a pH-neutral liquid detergent.
316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel: 316 marine grade stainless steel is used to create these tapware products. While this product is resistant to rust, it does have a tendency to acquire tea-colored stains. These are easily removed with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. To remove persistent stains, use a synthetic scourer and soapy water in the direction of the surface grain. Rinse well with clean water and wipe dry with a towel after washing. DISCLAIMER: DO NOT USE STEEL WOOL OR STEEL BRUSHES, as they will leave corrosive particles on the steel.
Nickel is an electroplated finish that acquires a distinctive patina over time, giving it a distinct classical character. Nickel-based coatings do need regular maintenance. It is vital to clean nickel finishes after use to prevent tarnishing. Water should be drained regularly to prevent accumulation and the formation of hard water spots (which if left can be difficult to remove). It is extremely recommended that you clean your tapware on a regular basis using the methods outlined above. Waxing and polishing the finish using a moderate wax such as Mr Sheen, if required, will help protect it.
As a live finish, also known as polished uncoated bare brass, this is unlacquered brass that has been polished to a sheen. Polished brass develops a characteristic patina over time, and the surface loses part of its shine. Brass fittings may be cleaned with mild soap and water on a regular basis without harming the patina’s development. If necessary, a very mild abrasive cleaner such as Brass may be used.
Each brass piece is chemically aged to achieve this accelerated aging effect. Brass’s tone differs depending on whether it is extruded, cast, machined, or forged, but the end effect is a gorgeous organic appearance. The look of this finish will continue to evolve over time. The degree of change is dependent on a number of factors, including perspiration, cleaning chemicals, wear, and abrasion. When originally applied, this finish has a shine or gloss appearance that progressively disappears. Cleaning and maintenance should be carried out in accordance with the aforementioned suggestions. No harsh cleaning agents containing acidic, caustic, or abrasive components, as well as citrus, bleach, or alcohol-based compounds, should be used or left on these tapware surfaces. You can read about Bathroom Tapware Maintenance Do’s and Don’ts by visiting http://cfchardwoodfloors.com/bathroom-tapware-maintenance-dos-and-donts/
As a living finish, Eco Brass has a tumbled surface that dulls the brilliance. This brass finish will acquire a characteristic patina over time. Regular cleaning of fittings with mild soap and water has little effect on patina development. Following cleaning, a soft wax such as Renaissance Wax may be sparingly placed over the finish to preserve it. No harsh cleaning agents containing acidic, caustic, or abrasive components, as well as citrus, bleach, or alcohol-based compounds, should be used or left on these tapware surfaces.
This is performed by repeatedly chemically treating the brass with an oxidizing solution. The composition of brass and copper has an influence on the darkness and color hue. To stabilize and preserve the colored surface, a wax is applied. The look of this finish will continue to evolve over time.
The degree of change is dependent on a number of factors, including perspiration, cleaning chemicals, wear, and abrasion. As a softer finish, the finish’s lifespan is highly dependent on its surroundings and the article’s care and tapware maintenance, which should adhere to the guidelines given above. Following cleaning, a soft wax such as Renaissance Wax may be sparingly placed over the finish to preserve it. No harsh cleaning agents containing acidic, caustic, or abrasive components, as well as citrus, bleach, or alcohol-based compounds, should be used or left on these surfaces.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking to know the dos and don’ts of tapware, this article will steer you in the right way.