Metal fixtures require care and attention in order to thrive in a healthy bathroom environment. Because there are different types of metals and finishes that are used in a bathroom, there will be some different methods in which they need to be cleaned. In addition, different issues can arise depending on the specific type of metal. Due to this, different solutions and cleaning materials will likely need to be used. Below are the necessary steps you need to take in order to properly clean your bathroom accessories and fixtures made of metal.
Cleaning Common Bathroom Metals
Chrome, stainless steel and other similar finishes are incredibly versatile and durable finishes that are used in almost every bathroom design in one way or another. However, it can also experience issues with fingerprint marks, tarnish and other possible problems. In order to clean chrome in most cases, you will only need a few basic things. You’re going to need a microfiber cloth, warm water and dish soap, and possibly baking soda or vinegar to remove tarnish. Simply mix the warm water and dish soap, wipe down the chrome fixtures with the microfiber cloth and solution, then dry the fixtures with a dry microfiber cloth.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an extremely effective method in cleaning metal fixtures that come in contact with hard water. The constant contact with hard water results in a buildup of lime, which vinegar is great at removing. This is especially common in shower heads. To remove lime from these areas, fill a bag with white vinegar and seal it around the fixture or accessory in question. Let it sit for about an hour, then polish it until it is clean. On brass and bronze, this process might be a bit more tricky due to the delicate nature of the material. Treat them with a little more care and perform the process carefully, with a soft cloth.
Lemon Juice
Aside from vinegar, lemon juice is another effective cleaner for metal fixtures. However, lemon juice can be a much quicker solution. To remove rust, sprinkle salt and lemon juice on the area, let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it clean. If it sits for too long, it may damage the fixture. Mixing lemon juice with vinegar is also a great way to make an extra strong cleaning solution. Mix lemon juice with baking soda to get tough spots removed from finishes such as stainless steel. The acidity of lemon juice combined with the abrasiveness of baking soda makes it perfect for cleaning those tough marks.
Dedicated Metal Cleaners
Of course, you can also use a metal cleaning product for your metal bathroom fixtures and accessories as well. These cleaners can be in the form of a liquid or spray most commonly, with other options available as well. Each one of these metal cleaners will have a specific way it needs to be applied. These metal cleaners can range in quality and effectiveness, so it is important to do some research before buying anything.
Getting Rid of Rust
Many metal bathroom fixtures can experience issues with rust if they are not maintained properly. Thankfully, there are some ways to remedy this problem. The most common and simple way to do this is with a baking soda and vinegar solution. Mix it into a paste of three part baking soda and one part vinegar for the most effective ratio. Apply it with a sponge and let it sit for an hour. After you rinse it, the rust should be removed. You can also use a rust remover. Rust remover will be a slightly more inconvenient solution, if you do not already have some on hand. However, it is probably the most effective if the rust remover is high quality. There are several other ways to remove rust if these options are not available, but these two solutions are probably the most common and effective for most individuals.
Keeping Metal Fixtures Maintained
One of the best ways to clean metal bathroom fixtures is to routinely maintain them, not allowing them to get damaged or dirty to begin with. It is a good idea to wipe down your metal bathroom fixtures with a soft cloth, such as microfiber. Try to do this at least once a week, but if you can do it more often it would be ideal.