General
Please note that the below general advice is for chrome finished taps, if your product is gold, brushed nickel or antique bronze you should take more care with the finish of the product as it is more susceptible to accidental damage.
Cleaning do's
- Clean regularly with hot soapy water and a soft cloth this is much easier and more preferable to the finish than infrequent 'heavy' cleaning.
- Use soft or micro fibre cloths (eg. E-cloth).
- A 50% mix of water and white vinegar can be used to remove limescale deposits, ensure to rinse thoroughly after use, do not leave the vinegar in contact with the surface. Soaked cotton wool, a nylon scratch pad or toothbrush can be used on difficult areas. Dry the item after every use to delay future build up.
- Always rinse the item with water after cleaning.
- Always clean the taps or showering product 'along the grain' of the scratch pattern (on brushed finishes only).
- If the product has a removable spout diffuser it can be unscrewed and cleaned periodically in warm water and vinegar to maintain flow rates.
Cleaning dont's
All the items below are known to have a damaging effect on taps and showering products, to ensure your product(s) last beyond its warranty period you should avoid this non exhaustive list below:
- Spray cleaners (irrespective of the label claims) also take care if using a spray cleaner near the taps, often it can be exposed to the cleaner by accident.
- Any propriety limescale cleaner.
- Bleach - diluted or neat.
- Abrasive cloths and creams.
- Soaps with antibacterial content.
- DIY related products and chemicals.
- Oven cleaners.
- Toothpaste.
- Mouthwash.
- Toilet cleaner.
- Steel wool pad.
- Silver dip cleaners. Leaving any wet cloths or sponges on the surface for prolonged periods.
- Solvents (including chlorinated solvents).
- Powder based household cleansers.
- Metal polish.
- Rust removers.
- Drain cleaners.
- Acetones.
'Deep Cleaning'
It should be noted that if the above advice has been followed then ‘deep cleaning’ should not be necessary. ‘Deep cleaning’ should be seen as a last option after trying the above cleaning advice, repeatedly using these methods will alter the appearance of the tap and reduce its lifespan. You should start with the (first) least aggressive method.
Absorb as much contaminate as possible with kitchen roll, rinse with lots of hot water. A proprietary kitchen / bathroom cleaner and a stiff nylon brush with less than 5% bleach content.
You should always rinse the item thoroughly after following any of the above steps, it is worth noting that stronger chemicals should be avoided.
