You can hardly miss nickel faucets in most of modern houses. This is because of their distinctive and fashionable design. With their most common matte finishes, they may provide any bathroom or kitchen with a sleek and refined appearance.
However, brushed nickel may be more prone to spotting and staining than other kinds of finishes due to its rough surface. Numerous things, like soap scum, hard water buildup, and the use of harsh cleaning agents, may result in spotting on brushed nickel faucets.
Thankfully, there are several useful pieces of advice and methods you can use to keep your brushed nickel faucets looking brand-new and sparkling. These include regular cleaning, protective coating, wiping after each use, applying distilled water and many other approaches.
In this post, we are going to dig more into it. We are also going to examine the typical reasons why brushed nickel faucets stain and provide some practical answers to some of the Frequently asked questions regarding nickel faucets. Without wasting time, let us directly jump in.
What are Brushed Nickel Faucets?
Brushed nickel faucets are just some plumbing fixtures that have been given a brushed nickel finish, which gives them a rough and matte look. This sort of finish is used for bathroom and kitchen fixtures because of its reputation for covering against water and fingerprint stains.
What Causes Spotting on Brushed Nickel Faucets?
Hard water buildup, soap scum, and the use of harsh cleaning agents are just a few causes of spotting and discoloration on brushed nickel faucets.
The problem is very common for those using hard water due to high concentrations of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Hard water may leave behind mineral deposits on your brushed nickel faucet that can accumulate over time and result in ugly spots.
Another frequent reason for spotting on brushed nickel faucets is soap scum. When soap and hard water combine, a white, filmy material known as soap scum results. This accumulation may cause your faucet to seem dirty and drab over time.
Also, brushed nickel faucets spotting may be caused by the use of abrasive cleaning agents. Some cleaning supplies have chemicals or acids in them that might stain or peel the brushed nickel surface.
How to Prevent Spotting on Brushed Nickel Faucets
It might be a challenge to keep your brushed Nickel Faucets from faucets. However, every problem has its own solution. So, here are some useful pointers for maintaining the pristine appearance of your brushed nickel faucets:
Regular cleaning your faucets.
Regularly cleaning your brushed nickel faucets is one of the best methods to avoid spots. After each use, clean the faucet using a soft, non-abrasive cloth and a light soap or cleaning agent. Make careful to completely dry the faucet to avoid wet streaks developing.
Always apply mild cleaning agents
While cleaning your brushed nickel faucet, avoid using aggressive cleaning agents as they may tarnish the coating and result in spots or peeling. Instead, make use of gentle soaps or cleaning agents created especially for brushed nickel finishes.
Apply a Protective Coating
To help resist water and keep your brushed nickel faucet appearing brand-new, you may also coat it with a protective coating. There are several goods available on the market that are intended expressly for use on brushed nickel finishes, including wax and sealer.
Constant cleaning after every use
It’s crucial to clean out your brushed nickel faucet after each usage to avoid wet stains developing. Remove any water stains or soap residue from the faucet’s surface with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
Using Distilled Water when cleaning
You may want to think about using distilled water to clean your brushed nickel faucet if you reside in a region with hard water. Mineral buildup and spots on your faucet may be prevented by the absence of minerals in distilled water.
How to Clean Your Brushed Nickel Faucet?
For brushed nickel faucets to avoid spots, regular cleaning is necessary. Depending on how often you use it, cleaning your faucet is advised to be done at least once a week. You may use the following measures to maintain your brushed nickel faucet clean:
Use a sponge or soft cloth
It’s crucial to use a soft cloth or sponge to clean your brushed nickel faucet. Avoid using abrasive items like steel wool or scrub pads since they may harm the surface and result in long-term damage. Use a brushed nickel-specific cleanser that is soft, non-abrasive, and mild instead.
Use dish soap and warm water
Your brushed nickel faucet may be cleaned by combining a few drops of dish soap with warm water and using a soft cloth or sponge. To get rid of any soap residue, be sure to thoroughly rinse the faucet with warm water. To avoid water stains, dry the faucet with a gentle towel.
Apply white vinegar
You may use white vinegar to get rid of water stains on your brushed nickel faucet. Spray the afflicted region with a solution made by combining white vinegar and water in equal amounts. Wait a few minutes before rinsing the faucet with warm water and drying it with a soft towel.
Use baking soda
Another efficient cleaner for brushed nickel faucets is baking soda. Apply the paste to the faucet with a soft cloth or sponge after combining a tiny quantity of baking soda with water to make a paste. Rub carefully in circular movements, then warm water should be used to rinse the faucet, followed by a soft towel to dry it.
Always use mild cleaning detergents
Avoid employing caustic substances Bleach, ammonia, and abrasive cleansers which are examples of harsh chemicals because they might harm the finish of your brushed nickel faucet. Instead, utilize brushed nickel-specific cleansers that are soft, non-abrasive, and mild.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Brushed Nickel Faucets
Even after routine cleaning, hard water stains may eventually build up on your brushed nickel faucet. Mineral deposits that are left behind after water evaporates are the reason for these difficult-to-remove stains.
The use of white vinegar or lemon juice is one efficient way to get rid of hard water stains. Simply cover the impacted sections of the faucet with a cloth or paper towel that has been dipped in vinegar or lemon juice.
After leaving the cloth in place for several hours or overnight, rinse the faucet with water before removing it. The majority of the hard water stains should be eliminated by doing this, restoring the clean, shining appearance of your faucet.
You may also try using a specific cleaning solution made for brushed nickel if vinegar or lemon juice doesn’t work. These treatments are designed to remove mineral buildup and other difficult stains without harming the faucet’s appearance.
What are Some of the Things Not to Use When Cleaning Brushed Nickel Faucets?
Although regular cleaning is necessary to prevent spots on brushed nickel faucets, it’s crucial to utilize the proper cleaning techniques and supplies to protect the finish. Here are some things to stay away from:
Acidic or corrosive substances
Cleaners with abrasive ingredients, such as baking soda or strong chemicals, should not be used. These may scuff the faucet’s surface and harm the finish.
Rough materials
To prevent scratching the surface of your brushed nickel faucet while cleaning it, use a soft cloth or sponge. The use of steel wool or any other abrasive substance that might harm the finish should be avoided.
FAQ
How do you prevent water spots on faucets?
It is recommendation that you should clean off your faucets after each usage to avoid water stains. But, there are no other ways of preventing water spots on faucets than using a dry rug to wipe off your faucet after every wash.
Do brushed nickel faucets show water spots?
Yes, your brushed nickel faucet might show water spots if you clean it without following some precautions and procedures. Drying it immediately using a towel can be a good practice to prevent such experience.
How do you prevent water spots on the polished nickel?
Wipe off the faucet after each use and you should avoid using abrasive cleaners to prevent water stains on polished nickel. To assist repel water and stop water spots from developing, you may also cover the faucet with a protective coating.
Why is my brushed nickel faucet peeling?
Your brushed nickel faucet’s finish might be peeling if it was installed incorrectly or with low quality. Cheaper faucets may have a thinner nickel finish that is more likely to wear off quickly, and poor installation may harm the finish.
Summary
Regular cleaning and maintaining brushed nickel faucets properly are crucial to preventing spots. After each usage, wipe the faucet dry and stay away from abrasive materials and strong chemicals. Try vinegar and water, a store-bought cleaner, or a magic eraser to get rid of water stains, but test them first on a tiny patch of your surface.
To avoid peeling or degradation, get a premium faucet with a brushed nickel finish and have a professional install it. These pointers can help you maintain the sleek, contemporary appearance of your brushed nickel faucet for many years to come.
