How to clean black faucets and keep your matte finishes clean with simple methods
Matte colored faucets look great in bathrooms and kitchens, but many people don’t know how to clean black faucets. Due to their special surfaces, this can be a delicate process for some. In fact, the matte black finish is more prone to discoloration and requires specific cleaning methods to keep such kitchen or bathroom faucets clean. However, that doesn’t mean you need complicated cleaning practices and expensive cleaning products to do it. Actually, it’s best to keep things simple. Here is some useful information and instructions that can help you in completing this household chore.
Table of Contents
Use suitable cleaners to clean black fittings
Unlike their chrome counterparts, matte black faucets are designed to give an all-black look. Instead of reflecting the light, they absorb it and give the matte black finish. However, this makes them a little more sensitive than chrome products. So just going with the first cleaner you have at home isn’t always the best option. Although these finishes contribute to the quality of black faucets, they can still be affected by harsh disinfectants and chemical cleaners. That is why proper care is crucial. Before you start cleaning and maintaining, however, there are a few factors to consider. Do NOT use the following when cleaning black fixtures:
- scrubbing brush or scourer
- Chemical-based cleaners
- bleach
- polish or wax
- Anything acidic like a homemade lemon spray or vinegar
For the best results when cleaning black faucets, whether it’s bathroom faucets or black kitchen faucets, make a weak solution of warm, soapy water. Then gently wipe the relevant fitting with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion until it looks clean. Make sure to also clean the area around the base of the faucet. Finally, just rinse the whole area with water.
Careful handling of matt black faucets
Much like your car in the driveway, you shouldn’t run sharp objects along the side and top of your new designer faucet to see if it scratches. Of course you wouldn’t do that, but specific contact with matte black faucets could be problematic and something you forget from time to time. However, if you don’t want to completely get rid of your cleaning supplies and accessories when cleaning black faucets, just be a little more careful and try not to scratch the surface of the faucet.
Also, make sure to check your new matte black faucets as soon as they come out of the box – they should be pristine, with no flaws in the finish. Most damage usually occurs during bathroom renovations or installation. Make sure that you, or the handyman you hired to install the faucet, take special care in handling and installing it. After all, in most cases, these are expensive items.
How to remove dirt such as O-rings
Over time, accumulations can form an O-ring at the bottom of the faucet. This is perfectly normal and should be removed with warm, soapy water. However, if this simple cleaning method doesn’t work, you can use an alcohol-based cleaner to clean the area of the O-ring. However, it is recommended that you contact the matte black faucet manufacturer as using too much alcohol can damage some finishes.
More tips on maintaining and caring for matte black faucets
Hard water can make a difference when using this type of faucets as it produces more scale. Additionally, a chalky white color will undoubtedly stand out against any black hardware. In order to keep matte black surfaces longer and correspondingly aesthetic, you must always keep an eye on them. Regular cleaning of black faucets is the only way to make sure that limescale stays away. As previously mentioned, to preserve the black finish on the faucets, it’s best to keep your cleaning practices simple. Therefore, it is best to avoid any type of industrial cleaner that might consist of harsh chemicals.
When caring for your matt black shower, the surface is a bit rough. It is this rough surface that refracts and reflects light to create a matte finish. This means the surface is susceptible to damage if not properly cared for. So keep these important don’ts in mind when cleaning your faucets:
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, products containing ammonia, rubbing alcohol, detergents, astringents, bleach-based cleaners, harsh chemicals, or harsh polishes. If you are unsure about your cleaner and it contains chemicals that you cannot identify, it is best not to use it.
- Be careful not to collect soap scum or toothpaste on the product. These gradually wear away the coating and can affect the durable finish.
- Also, be extra careful with makeup. If you put on makeup in the bathroom, chances are some of it will end up on the faucet. The dusty particles can make black faucets look a little hazy when you wipe them. So it’s a good idea to keep a microfiber cloth nearby to wipe off any powder right after use.
Final Thoughts
If you have black faucets in your bathroom, chances are you have a black shower, black shower head and maybe other black accessories Do you have to use the same cleaning techniques to keep them clean? Regardless of whether it is a wall-mounted faucet, free-standing bathtub faucet or hand-held showerhead, you should treat each of these components with the same care.
Additionally, black fittings and brassware may require a little more attention than other finishes, but don’t let that put you off. As long as you keep cleaning simple, it shouldn’t be a chore and you’ll find your matte black faucets looking stunning for years to come.
