Polished Brass Faucet Cleaning & FAQ
In interior design, polished brass signifies luxury, elegance, and tradition. The reflective surface of polished brass is very bright, appearing to shine like gold. It is said that very few products could rise to this level. Its domination in both modern and classic designs is so huge that its shining face tends to show sophistication and warmth. But similar to all beautiful things, polished brass needs quite a bit of care and upkeeping to maintain its shine with the passage of time. Brass faucets, shiny in nature, bring elegance to any home. Brilliance is only held by keeping it clean regularly. Here is an ultimate guide that answers frequently asked questions to keep your faucet in the best appearance.
We're available to provide assistance and support for your inquires!
Featured
categories
How often should I clean my shiny brass faucet?
Polished brass speaks to a very long history in interior design, running into centuries. More historically, the use of brass prevailed in places belonging to the elite or aristocratic group because brass beautified and added to the durability of such places. Gradually, polished brass sort of became a symbolic material in regard to status and class, and it was very prevalent within big houses, palaces, and estates.
Polished brass was very much the favorite material of the Victorians and most Edwardians, people in the 19th and early 20th centuries for every interior use from lighting to door furniture and from plumbing to bathroom accessories. The glossy bright and reflective finish of polished brass often matched the rich dark woods and the ornate detailing that characterized the opulence of this age.
Today, polished brass is still the component of choice when a look of luxury and elegance is is to be portrayed in the home. While interior design trends may change from season to season, the timeless appeal of polished brass remains.
Is it safe to use vinegar to clean a shiny brass faucet?
While vinegar is a very usual domestic cleaning agent, shiny brass finishes, much more so those with protective lacquering, should be kept well away from it. The acidity of the vinegar can etch away this protective layer and expose the metal beneath, making it susceptible to discoloration. This solution cleans very effectively without doing any damage to the finish. For general cleaning, use mild dish soap in warm water instead.
For more troublesome stains, use brass polish specifically intended for this finish. Such solutions go deep to cleanse without hurting the protective coat—the very thing that keeps the glittering surface of your faucet.
What if my faucet has gone brown?
If your faucet turns a little brown, it is probably tarnish. Brass is bound to discolor a bit when it comes into contact with air and moisture. To make it shiny again, you'll use a cleaner that's specifically for brass with shiny finishes. Here is a step-by-step procedure on how to clean your faucet:
Preparation: Start by wiping the faucet with a cloth dampened in water. It will remove any dirt or grime on the surface of the faucet.
Application: Dampen a soft cloth with a little brass cleaner. Gently rub this onto the tarnished areas with small circular motions, not pressing too hard.
Rinse by buffing: Clean off the faucet with a dry, clean cloth to bring out the shine.
Protect: Apply protective coating or sealant over the faucet, which will help prevent the faucet from tarnishing again in the near future. This helps to retain the finish on your faucet and minimizes the need for frequent polishing
How do I avoid water spots on my faucet?
You avoid the formation of water spots by drying your faucet after every use. Just blot away any water droplets that are present with a soft, clean cloth. Frequently drying your faucet prevents mineral deposits from forming on the surface, thereby avoiding the ugly spots.
If water spots do appear, it's often possible to remove them with a little damp cloth. Otherwise, mix a solution of mild dish soap in warm water on more stubborn spots. After rubbing the area briskly, be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry completely to restore the faucet's gleam.
You can add additional protection to your faucet with a thin layer of wax. The wax barrier will not only repel water but also make minerals harder to form and adhere to the surface. Therefore, this will not only enhance your faucet's appearance but also help with its maintenance
Should a protective coat be reapplied to the faucet?
Over time, this protective lacquer or coating of your faucet will wear off, especially in areas frequently exposed to water or touched often. If you notice that the finish is starting to tarnish more quickly or it has lost some shine, then it's time to reapply a protective coating.
Do this by cleaning the faucet thoroughly before applying a brass lacquer or sealant per the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the coating to dry before buffing it lightly to ensure a smooth, glossy finish. A new coat every few years—or more often in areas subject to heavy use—will ensure that your faucet never needs endless polishing.
Can I rub car wax on my faucet?
Yes, a thin coat of car wax or furniture polish can keep your faucet looking better and really shine. The wax on your faucet serves as a barrier to water, dirt, and oils that would otherwise contribute to tarnishing and water spots. Here's how to apply it:
Clean the Faucet: Begin by cleaning the faucet using mild soap and warm water, then dry thoroughly.
Apply the wax; using a soft cloth, rub a small amount onto the faucet in circular motions.
Buff off the surface: Using a clean cloth, buff off the faucet after it sets to remove any excess wax and bring out the shine.
Re-applying wax every couple of months will allow the faucet to shine, letting it be easier to clean and looking new all the time. This way, by maintaining its beauty and function through regular maintenance, it will look stunning for years in your home.
Challenges with Polished Brass
Polished brass is more attractive, but it comes with a share of challenges. Perhaps the most significant downside is that polished brass tarnishes and corrodes with ease. Due to this factor, since brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, the moment it is exposed to the air and moisture, oxidation starts, which leads to tarnishing. This may kill the appeal, thus causing the loss of shine in the shiny reflective surface of polished brass.
In the fight against this, polished brass faucets often are coated with a protective lacquer or a clear coating. This gives them protection against elements of air and moisture in the air, which accelerates the tarnishing process. However, this clear coat has the tendency to chip off after a period of time. Even more significant is the wear-off in high-use areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, where the faucet is always under water or cleaning products.
Another problem with polished brass is that the reflective character of this finish shows fingerprints, water spots, and smudges. This makes cleaning and maintenance demands for brass faucets more frequent in comparison to other finishes
Polished Brass Faucet Care & Related Articles:
To preserve the appeal of your polished brass faucet, clean it routinely. Harsh chemicals should never be used, as they can easily damage the surface and strip off the protective coating.
You must polish your faucet every once in a while to retain its shine with a brass polish containing lacquer. Conventional polishing using the polish concurs with the manufacturer's instructions. If your faucet tarnishes, you can clean it in the same way using a brass cleaner—only use a polished brass cleaner, according to the manufacturer's instructions, and buff the surface to restore its shine. In the case of heavy tarnish, this process may need to be repeated several times. Apply a protective coating after cleaning to be sure it will not tarnish soon.
With time, the protective lacquer or clear coat on your polished brass faucet can wear off and expose the brass to air and moisture, it will feel like the faucet is tarnishing very fast. You should be able to apply another coat of lacquer or use a brass sealant over the top. Then the new coat will protect the surface and keep it shiny. Always follow the manufacturer's directions and apply the coating in a well-ventilated area. Do not use any harsh chemical or abrasive cleaner for cleaning your faucet, as it can be damaging to the finish of the faucet. Rough chemicals like ammonia, bleach, or vinegar generally strip off the protective coating and promote brass from tarnishing. Stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaners and always rinse with water after cleaning.
|
