How Should I Clean or Maintain the Finish on My Faucet?

A new clean, spotless bathroom faucet has everything you need to appreciate bathroom decor. However, it is important to realize that bathroom faucets cannot stay clean for long unless proper care is given regularly. The main issue with bathroom faucet maintenance, including bathroom sink faucets, bathtub faucets, bathroom faucets, and some other bathroom accessories, they are prone to accumulate water stains.

Nowadays, bathroom decor trends have changed a lot over time. Gone are the days when people only installed steel or metal sink faucets. With the modernization of bathroom ornament, bathroom faucets come in a variety of finishes. From copper, bronze, glass, steel, and several more exciting options, faucet maintenance requirements will largely depend on the finish of your bathroom faucet. Hence, you have to analyze it to know the optimum cleaner and cleaning approach.

If you want to keep your bathroom looking spotless, here are some professional explanations on how to maintain different finishes, including polished nickel, brushed nickel, brass, bronze, stainless steel, and chrome. In addition, the following content expounds on several effective tips on how to clean and maintain faucets.

Specific Maintenance Instructions of Different Faucet Finishes

ELECTROPLATING FINISHES
1.1 Polished Nickel
The surface color of polished nickel is darker than that of chrome plating. The unique gloss makes it a collocation or substitute for the faucet surface treatment in modern or contemporary bathrooms. The color of polished nickel will change in accordance with the warm or cold lighting.
1.2 Brushed Nickel
Time will prove the softness and temperance of brushed nickel. Tradition, warmth, and simplicity are its expressions. Under the subtle contrast of bathroom accessories, brushed nickel serves to be a role in decorating the space with eternal adaptability. The unity it brings makes it apply to the surface treatment of any appliance. The faucet is more attractive with brushed nickel and perfectly fits the brown or pure white washbasins.
1.3 Chrome
Chrome, due to its versatility and adaptability, has always been a popular finish on the water faucet surface. The shiny and delicate surface can be matched with industrial or modern bathroom decorating style. The voguish appearance highlights the neutral tones. The simplicity and chic of the chrome-plated faucet make the whole space look stylish and elegant.
Maintenance
Electroplating surface treatment - an industrial process that coats metals using an electric current - is obtained by the process of electrodepositing nickel, chromium, and other metals onto a brass substrate. Therefore, they are very durable and easy to maintain. As for cleaning, just wipe gently with a damp cloth, then dry with a soft towel. Never use abrasive cleaners, acids, solvents, or bleach to clean faucet finishes.

POWDER COATING FINISH
2.1 Matte Black
Matte black is as popular as chrome. The black faucet occupies the washing space with a clean and minimal design. Considered an exquisite and avant-garde appearance, the rustic matte black finish has become more and more stylish. With leather furniture or original wooden stools, the whole washing space is fresh and unique.
Maintenance
Powder coating surface preparation is carried out by a dry glazing process known as electrostatic spray deposition, in which fine powder is applied to a metal substrate with a spray gun and then dried at high temperature.
Powder coating products are resistant to moisture and UV rays with long service life. In addition to a beautiful texture, the powder coat finish reduces the risk of scratching, chipping, friction, corrosion, and other wear. Vintage Brushed Brass is liquid epoxy paint that behaves like powder paint.
To clean, only remove dirt or stains from soap or toothpaste deposits by washing with soapy water. Scale deposits should be dissolved in a solution of white vinegar and water. Rinsed with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Do not directly immerse the item in the solution. Since vinegar is a weak acid, prolonged contact with the finished surface may damage the coating. Under no circumstances should coarse cloths or any abrasive cleaners, acids, solvents, or bleaches be used. Additionally, painted parts must not be cleaned with chemicals containing alcohol, disinfectants, or solvents.

BRUSHED GOLD FINISH
Brushed Gold
The elegant brushed gold finish underlines a noble and attractive appearance. When the brushed gold surface is matched with the water faucet in the bathroom or kitchen, it fosters a feeling of luxury and upgrade. After the soft blue and pure white are dotted in the space, the whole room appears brighter and cheerful.
Maintenance
To keep the faucet clean and avoid mineral deposits, wipe the surface lightly with a soft cloth after each use. To remove stains or grime, use water and mild household soap, rinse and dry. Do not use any abrasive sponges or chemical cleaning products on these surfaces and keep friction to a minimum.

LIVING FINISH
4.1 Brass
The sense of nostalgia for brass is innate. A polished brass faucet perfectly embodies the rustic texture. The retro atmosphere sweeps the entire washing space, endowing the polished brass with a brand new vitality. As long as the style is adopted, any accessory in the bathroom can be perfectly matched to it.
Maintenance
Living finishes are unprotected, signifying that they are going to change appearance over time.  It allows each piece to develop a unique warmth and character. The surfaces require special care and attention. Over time, the soft texture of the surface will slowly thin out if not treated with wax. Wipe dry after each use and wax the faucet regularly. To clean, just wipe gently with a damp cloth, then dry with a soft towel. Under no circumstances should coarse cloths or any abrasive cleaners, acids, solvents, or bleaches be used.
In addition, unprocessed brass and brushed brass finishes are unprotected raw brass. These finishes oxidize and change color depending on use and surroundings. Over time, the brass surface develops a noticeable irregular patina -- areas that are frequently touched become lighter, and areas that are rarely used gradually darken. Water droplets can leave dark marks on the natural patina. To avoid this, remember not to allow water to dry on the faucet surface. Occasionally use a soft cloth to wax the brass surface to restore and protect the faucet. The durability and appearance of living surfaces are closely related to the care of the user. The more maintenance you take on the faucet, the longer the finish will retain its original appearance.

PVD FINISHES
Satin Brass PVD
The audacious and unexaggerated satin brass finish emphasizes an extra explanation and connotation. Its presentation is based on polished brass, becoming more unique and profound. The exquisiteness and softness of satin brass foil a new sense of artistic beauty to the bathroom of pure color with a dark tone. Although it does not have a shiny appearance, the satin brass water faucet occupies a place in modern or contemporary bathrooms with its uniqueness.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze PVD
The color of oil-rubbed bronze finish presents a retro vibe. The dark brown water faucet has an elegant and warm surface, exuding a traditional classic atmosphere. In addition, when the color varies to dark gray with the copper tone, the minimalist faucet reflects a simple rustic ambiance. Oil-rubbed bronze finish coordinates well with Mediterranean style bathroom.
Maintenance
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is an innovative finish coating process that achieves high surface hardness. It has unmatched resistance to atmospheric agents and household detergents. PVD finishes are very strong and durable. The best way to keep these surfaces in their pristine condition is to dry them with a soft cloth after each use.
Scale deposits should be dissolved in the same proportion of white vinegar and water solution. Rinsed with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Do not immerse the product in the solution. Since vinegar is a weak acid, prolonged immersion may destroy the finished coating. Under no circumstances should coarse cloths or cleaners containing bleach, hydrochloric, phosphoric, or caustic agents be used.

Notice (All Finishes)
Do not use harsh faucet cleaners, abrasive cleaners, or bleach containing hypochlorite.
Do not use immersion cleaning methods on silver surfaces.
Do not use a prickly brush or the rough side of a sponge (especially a pot brush) to clean the scrub surface.
Do not use steel wool for cleaning.
It is best to clean with a neutral detergent. Strong acid and alkali cleaning agents are not suitable for faucet cleaning.
Do not allow water to accumulate on the bottom of the faucet or faucet head.
After cleaning the faucet, use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe off any remaining water on the surface to avoid water spots.
Clean regularly and apply a good coat of wax, such as car wax or floor wax.

Faucet Cleaning Procedures & Maintenance Tips

Cleaning Procedures
If the faucet surface is full of dirt and cannot be cleaned with water, it needs to be treated with a mild household faucet cleaner. Ideally, cleaning the faucet with vinegar is convenient and effective.
Tools/Material: White Vinegar + Soft Cloth + Sponge + Clean Water
Step1: First, prepare a small bowl of white vinegar with clean water in the same proportion.
Step2: Then wipe the place that needs to be cleaned. Use a cloth dampened with a mixed solution to tightly wrap the gap. Lightly pour the white vinegar onto the cloth so that the dirt is fully soaked in the vinegar. 
Step3: After an hour, take out the sponge and wipe the parts that need to be cleaned.
Step4: Finally, wipe off the excess water.

Maintenance Tips
1. Before installation, pay attention to removing the sundries in the pipeline. During the installation process, the faucet should try not to collide with hard objects. Do not leave cement, glue, and other materials on the surface, so as not to damage the gloss of the surface coating.
2. Do not turn off the sink knobs vigorously. Even traditional faucets do not require a lot of effort to turn. This will not only fail to prevent water leakage but will cause damage to the sealing valve. Just turn or lift it slightly.
3. After using the faucet, remember to rinse it with water frequently and dry it with a soft towel. If the surface dirt builds up too much, it will affect the appearance and shorten the service life. In addition, during normal use, avoid using the faucet as a handle or armrest support.
4. During use, if the water output is found to be reduced, it is likely that the faucet is blocked. It is time to clean the faucet aerator. The aerator is removable and washable. Just follow the correct steps to take it out, clean the impurities, and then put it back on.
5. After a period of use, if it is found that the water output decreases, or even the water heater is turned off, it can be lighted at the water outlet of the faucet. Gently unscrew the screen cover to remove impurities.
6. Do not dry towels, dishcloths, and other items on the faucet to avoid contaminating the faucet head and aerator.
7. Regularly clean the faucet heads and showers and the inside of the filter core, including any attached fixtures, such as aerators, to remove accumulated fine particles or debris.
8. Try to avoid placing sundries near the faucet to avoid the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms.
9. Promptly repair leaking faucets.

Conclusion
Although faucets are small, they always appear in our lives, such as washing hands, brushing teeth, washing vegetables, etc. If it rusts and comes to our hands, cups, and dining tables along with the flow of water, it will be directly related to our health. Thus, effective daily maintenance is very crucial. In addition, when you find that the water flow of the faucet becomes smaller under normal water pressure, you should clean it in time. When cleaning the inside of the faucet and faucet head, use a cotton swab or a soft cloth, not a brush or cleaning ball. The actual lifespan of a faucet can last a long time, and it can always stay as bright as new.