Tapware Care Instructions

Guidelines for the Cleaning and Care of Tapware

Installation

Damage to tapware and bathroom accessory surfaces is often caused by the installation/removal process. It is highly recommended that you thoroughly inspect your products out of the box, before they are installed. Ensure your tradespeople take special care when handling and installing, using clean hands or gloves and washing off any plumbing product.
Under NO circumstances should a silicone sealant be used when fitting or handling. If such sealants come into contact with the product, the sealant residue MUST be thoroughly washed immediately.
Once installed, the fittings need protection until the job is finished. Cover the surfaces to avoid splatters from paint or commercial cleaning products.
Matte Finishes: Due to the nature of the finish, there may be some superficial marking of the surface from contact with the packaging material.
This is easily resolved by wiping with a soft cloth moistened with:
Gunmetal: a stainless-steel cleaner such as “Stainless Steel Magic” or similar.
Matte Black: a small amount of olive oil.

Care and Maintenance

Please follow these cleaning and care instructions to best maintain the finish of the product you have selected.
The ideal care for all fittings is to dry them with a soft cloth after each use, which will prevent mineral deposits.
Fittings should be regularly cleaned with warm water or a mild pH-neutral liquid soap and water and polished with a clean soft cloth.
A Microfiber cloth is gentle and effective for cleaning without scratching and needs only to be dampened to clean the product.
Residue left by personal hygiene products such as liquid soap, tooth paste, shampoo and shower gel can cause damage. Always rinse these off the fittings with clean water immediately after use.
Under no circumstances should harsh cleaning agents containing acidic, caustic or abrasive components or citrus, bleach or alcohol-based substances be used to clean these fittings and should not be allowed to remain on metal finishes.
Avoid dripping or over spraying such cleaning agents by covering the fixtures with a cloth or towel, metal finishes splashed with these products should be immediately rinsed with clean water and dried.
Do not use abrasive cloths, scouring pads, scrub sponges, steel wool etc.

Homeowners Guide to Plated Finishes

NOTE: Scouring, steel wool, Scotchbrite, powder or abrasive cleaners should not be used on any plated finishes. This does not apply to uncoated bare brass.

Chrome: The most durable of the electroplated finishes, cleaning as per the guidelines above.

Black Chrome: High Gloss electroplated finish, not as resistant to scratching or scuffing as standard chrome. Cleaning and care as per guidelines above.

Matte Black Chrome: Low Gloss electroplated finish with a microscopically rough surface which gives the matte appearance. Cleaning as per guidelines above. Avoid the use of waxes or polishes as they will fill the surface and give the part a polished look.

Nickel and Brushed Nickel: Electroplated finishes known as “living finishes” which over time will develop an individual patina, giving it a distinctive classical look, however nickel finishes do require regular care. It is important to clean nickel finishes after use to prevent tarnishing. Water should be dried off and prevented from building up and forming hard water spots (which if left can be difficult to remove). It is highly recommended to clean your tapware regularly as per the guidelines above.
If required waxing and cleaning with a soft wax like a Mr Sheen will help protect.

Gold products should be only cleaned with a microfiber cloth, warm water and pH neutral liquid soap as per guidelines above.

Uncoated bare brass: As a living finish, un-lacquered brass will mature over time to develop a patina and unique character, typical of old brassware. Always have clean hands when handling brassware. All uncoated bare brass can be cleaned with mild soap and water which will not alter the aging process. Polished uncoated bare brass that has been buffed to a shiny finish; over time the polished brass will garner a patina and the surface lose some of its brightness. Brass fittings can be cleaned routinely with mild soap and water which will not alter the patina development. If desired the shine can be restored with a very mild abrasive cleaner like Brasso.

Satin uncoated bare brass: has a brushed surface which reduces the gleam on the surface. A brushed finish is more susceptible to staining or marks from chemicals or acids as the surface has small ‘scratches’ which pick up the stain. Therefore, establish a simple routine of rinsing off the tap with warm water and drying it, if it is spattered with cooking acids or chemicals such as toothpaste. If uneven staining occurs, this finish can be refurbished when dry with a gentle abrasive cloth – such as a non-scouring cleaning pad (eg. Scotchbrite). If the surface is polished with a metal polish this will reduce the brushed effect.

Lacquered Finishes: This is an acrylic lacquer topcoat applied to provide additional protection to soft or low corrosion resistance coatings such as rose gold. Simply wiping and drying with a soft cloth will maintain the finish. Never use abrasives of any nature as these will scratch and wear the coating. Follow guidelines as set out above.

Antique Finishes: Refer to specific guidelines.