Cleaning brushed nickel faucets
Brushed nickel faucets are equipped with an elegant design, which makes them a popular option for modern kitchens as well as bathrooms. The downside of these faucets is that they easily lose their shiny appearance if they are not well maintained and also used. Fingerprints and water spots can easily dirt and dull the surface of the faucet. Due to this reason, this blog post has discussed some of the tips and tricks to maintain and also retain their appearance.
Keeping a brushed nickel faucet from spotting is a simple task. All you need to do is the following: clean regularly, buff and polish, wax and also dry with a piece of dry cloth.
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Science behind Spotting
- Water spots and mineral buildup are the main causes that affect brushed nickel faucets. The science behind these problems lies in the chemistry of water and metal properties. Water has a composition of calcium, magnesium, iron and mire. This guide will explain to you the science behind the theory.
- Water has a mineral composition of calcium, magnesium and iron. When water droplets evaporate from the surface of the faucet, the mineral that is in the water is left on the surface of the brushed faucets. This then leaves behind unsightly spots and stains. Due to the smooth and reflective surface, the spots and stains will be visible.
- The mineral build can also lead to worse problems such as corrosion. Corrosion can be defined as the reaction between the metal surface of the faucet and the minerals of the water. This leads to the breakdown of metal which destroys the surface of the faucet.
- The other contributor to water spots on the surface of brushed nickel faucet surfaces is the tension of water. Due to cohesive properties, water molecules stick together causing them to be more concentrated in certain areas than others.
Benefits of brushed nickel faucets
- Durability – These faucets are built from solid metal that makes them sturdy allowing them to last for a long time.
- Cleaning – They are also very easy to clean using a damp cloth and even a mild cleaning solution.
- Versatile – They are equipped with a unique elegant design that makes them suitable for any design setting.
- Cost-effective – The cost of nickel faucets is fairly affordable compared to finishes such as chrome or gold which are higher in price.
- Maintenance – Brushed nickel faucets require low maintenance levels. They are less likely to develop corrosion or tarnish, this means you will have less time for cleaning and polishing.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Here are some of the tips for cleaning and maintaining your nickel faucet from spotting:
- Regular cleaning – It is highly recommended to clean your nickel faucets regularly, especially after use.
- Sponge or soft cloth – When cleaning a nickel faucet, use a piece of soft cloth or sponge, use it to wipe the faucet gently. Do not use abrasive materials such as steel wool or rough sponges since they can easily scratch the surface of the nickel faucet.
- Harsh chemicals – Do not use any harsh chemicals since they can damage the brushed nickel faucet.
- Minerals deposits – In case you notice any mineral deposits or stains on your faucet, you can use water and vinegar to clean out the minerals.
- Preventive measure – You can install a water filtration system or a softener. These 2 measures will help you prevent mineral content build-up.
- After use – Ensure you dry the brushed nickel faucet after using. This will prevent minerals and stains from building up.
- New cleaners – In case you want to use new cleaners; it is important to ensure that they are safe so that you don’t damage the faucet which may end up firing spots.
- Daily wiping – Ensure you wipe the brushed nickel faucet after use.
- Mild soap and warm water – It is great to clean using a solution of mild soap and warm water to prevent water spots.
How to protect brushed nickel faucets using wax or sealant?
Using wax can enhance the longevity of a brushed nickel faucet. You can use sealant or wax, sealant is however great for metal surfaces. Here are some of the steps you can follow to protect your brushed nickel faucet:
- Gather supplies: Ensure you get a good quality wax or sealant that is specifically designed for brushed nickel finishes.
- Clean faucet: The next step is to clean the faucet with the use of mild soap and a piece of soft cloth. For this step, ensure the faucet is completely clean, no residue or dirt should remain. After cleaning, dry the faucet.
- Apply Wax or Sealant: It is good to follow the manufactures instructions when applying wax. All you need is a small amount to apply on the brushed nickel faucet.
- Coat faucet: Apply the wax gently across the surface of the brushed nickel faucet. You even apply tactics such as moving in a circular Moton to ensure the whole surface is uniform. Ensure that you pay attention to all areas such as the spout, handles and also any intricate details.
- Drying – Let the wax dry. This can take some time before it forms a haze.
- Buff and Polish – Once you have confirmed that the wax has dried up well. Take a soft cloth to buff and even polish the waxed surface of the faucet. Carry out this operation with gentle pressure and in a circular motion to make it shine. You can also remove excess wax during this process.
- Completion – You can stop if you are satisfied with the results. In case you are not, you can repeat the process again from the start.
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Recommended products for protecting brushed Nickel faucets
You can use the following products to protect the brushed nickel faucet:
- Renaissance wax – This is a popular product that offers a protective layer and also enhances the appearance of the faucet surface.
- Flitz faucet wax – This wax also provides a variety of care products that you can use to protect your brushed nickel faucet.
- Protecta clear – This is a coating that is clear and it is well-designed to protect metals from tarnish, corrosion as well as water spots. It can also be used on brushed nickel faucets thereby enhancing the appearance of the faucet.
- Gel-Gloss – It is designed to be applied on glasses. However, this gloss can also be used to protect and enhance the surface of a brushed nickel faucet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you get water spots off brushed nickel?
To get water spots off brushed nickel all you need to do is use a solution of water and vinegar. Then take a soft cloth or sponge and dampen into the solution, after dampening rub gently the areas that are affected with the spot. After rubbing, let the rub surfaces loosen before rinsing with clean water. After rinsing use a dry cloth to wipe the surfaces.
- Do brushed nickel faucets show water spots?
Brushed nickel faucets show water spots when they come into contact with water that has a high concentration of high mineral content. These minerals include calcium, magnesium and more. When water evaporates, it leaves behind the minerals which then create the spots.
- What is the disadvantage of brushed nickel?
Some of the disadvantages of brushed nickel include the high cost of purchasing, prone to scratches, cleaning challenges and they are also prone to water spots.
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Conclusion
We can conclude that a nickel faucet can spotless if you clean it regularly. The other thing is drying off after use, this also prevents water droplets from forming. It is also recommended to avoid using harsh chemicals and even abrasives when clean. Following the process and also methods we have listed in this blog will help you have a spotless brushed nickel faucet.
