If you want to make your kitchen’s interior glamourous, you need the best finish. One of the main fixtures that determine the appearance of your kitchen is the faucet. Currently, the best kitchen taps with a nice finish are oil rubbed bronze faucets.
These taps are not for use in the kitchen alone but also in your bathroom. The best thing about the faucets is that they are resistant to corrosion and it doesn’t fade with time. This is possible if you maintain it properly.
For the faucet last long, it needs extra care (cleaning). Unlike ordinary faucets, this tap requires a specific cleaning method. This is to avoid fading and corrosion, which makes the tap have a bizarre look.
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3 Steps to Clean an Oil Rubbed Bronze Faucet:
Before you start the cleaning process, you need to ensure the faucet is dry.
Step 1: Clean with Water
After drying the faucet in case, there was any water spillage. Now put water in a bucket and soak a soft cloth (preferably an old fabric).
Then clean the faucet gently to remove dirt.
Experts recommend you begin cleaning with water because it doesn’t damage the tap.
When you finish, take a dry cloth and dry the tap.
Step 2: Scouring
You need to scrub the faucet with a soft or non-abrasive sponge with water. This step aims to eliminate any stains caused by hard water.
Note: When scouring, please avoid cleaning items such as steel wool as it will cause scratches on the tap. Additionally, avoid harsh cleaners at this point.
Step 3: Removing Stubborn Stains
Did you discover stiff to remove stains while using a soft sponge? Then don’t assume and use steel wool.
All you require to do is to mix water and vinegar equally. Diluting the vinegar prevents it from causing any damage to the faucet.
Take a new dry cloth and soak it in the mixture. Lightly rub the faucet using a damp cloth. After that, leave the fabric on the oil-rubbed bronze tap for a few minutes (if possible,5 to 10 minutes).
Remove the cloth and use a dry soft sponge to get rid of the stains.
How to Maintain Oil Rubbed Faucet
The above guide is for you who clean the faucet after a week or some days of use. However, if you want it to remain new, you always need to clean it every time you use the faucet.
Step 1: Dry Water Always
Water stains can become stubborn when left for the day (more so hard water). If you don’t dry the fixture when the water dries, it leaves deposits of minerals such as calcium.
Never forget to dry the faucet after use. That means you need to have a dry cloth hanged near the sink.
Step 2: Use a Faucet Wax
There are many types of faucet wax on the market. You need to purchase ne that is best for use for a waxing an oil rubbed bronze tap.
You can purchase a flitz or renaissance faucet wax. Using the wax makes the faucet to shine and prevents stains.
When applying the wax, you require to have a soft dry fabric.
The use of a faucet wax is also recommended when you mistakenly use an abrasive sponge, and it causes scratches.
Step 3: Use Oil
When you are done applying the wax, the next step to ensure proper maintenance is oil use.
Smear a small amount of oil around the faucet using your fingers.
Using oil enables the faucet to maintain its original color.
How Do You Remove Calcium Deposits from a Bronze Faucet
Hard water contains a high concentration of calcium. Thus, when hard water evaporates, it leaves calcium deposits on the faucet, causing discoloring and corrosion.
This will, in turn, make the tap have a terrible look. Additionally, it will make the faucet clog, slowing water flow.
If you see white substances that are hard to remove on your faucet, then that’s due to calcium.
In this section, I will guide you using steps on removing the calcium deposits from your bronze faucet.
Step 1: Dry and Remove Dirt
Using a dry cloth, clean the faucet to remove any water or dust.
Step 2: Clean Using Vinegar
Take a bowl and power a cup of vinegar and water (mixture should be equal).
Now immerse a dry cloth in the mixture and wait till it’s completely damp.
Wrap the faucet using the damp cloth and wait for 60 to 90 minutes. Ensure you fully wrap the handles and spout with the fabric.
Note: The reason you should wait for this long is to enable the solution to soften the calcium deposits for easy removal.
Step 3: Scrub the Deposit
Using a toothbrush or a scouring sponge, scrub the faucet to get rid of the calcium deposits.
Step 4: Make a Cleaning Paste
Ensure that you have a clean and dry bowl, a cup of water or vinegar, flour, and a salt teaspoon.
The cleaning paste’s work is to remove the remaining calcium deposits on cracks or crevices that had formed on the tap.
The paste should be thick, which means you will need more than enough flour.
When the cleaning paste is ready, apply it to the faucet and wait for sixty minutes.
Step 5: Rinse and Scour
Before you rinse the tap, take a paper tissue, and remove the thick paste. After that, use warm water to rinse the fixture.
Scrub the calcium deposits off using a soft cloth. You should make sure you scrub the faucet well.
Step 6: Apply Touch-up Paint
Because the faucet was losing its color due to the buildup of calcium deposits, you need to apply touch-up paint.
Before you paint the faucet, make sure that it is dry. After applying the paint, wait for about ten minutes for the color to dry.
What Should You Avoid When Cleaning an Oil Rubbed Bronze Faucet?
When cleaning your oil rubbed bronze tap, you need to be cautious to prevent fading or scratches.
First, you need to avoid using alcohol-based solvents and bleach cleansers. They will discolor the faucet instead of cleaning it.
Another cleanser you should not use is a toilet or bathroom cleaner. Before using a solvent, make sure it doesn’t have the following elements.
- Hydrofluoric acid
- Hydrochloric acid
- Phosphoric acid
Secondly, don’t use stiff brushes or abrasive sponge-like steel wool. This will not help but cause damage by causing scratches.
Conclusion
Always clean bronze fixtures to maintain their color and finish. Cleaning this type of tap is easy. Thus, it would be best if you made it a routine.
Remember, it’s an expensive investment, and you don’t want it to lose its appearance due to negligence. I know these vital tips have helped you maintain your faucet’s texture, finish, and color.
