How to Clean Tapware: Cleaning Tips for Longevity

Have you noticed your tapware starting to lose its sparkle over time? Keeping your tapware in top condition doesn’t have to be a hassle. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your bathroom, laundry, and kitchen tapware remain both functional and attractive.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we understand the importance of prolonging the lifespan of your tapware. That’s why we’ve combined practical maintenance tips with insights from an industry expert to provide you with trusted advice on caring for your fixtures. So today, I’m going to walk you through effective tapware maintenance tips to help you achieve that.
Whether you have chrome, matte black, or brushed stainless steel tapware, or use kitchen mixers and showerheads, we’ll provide you with the know-how to keep them looking like new. Let’s dive into these easy yet essential cleaning tips to make your tapware shine and last longer!
Cleaning Tapware by Tapware Finish
Tapware comes in a variety of finishes, each offering a unique look and requiring specific care to maintain its appearance. At Ross’s, you’ll find a wide range of popular finishes, including chrome, matte black, brushed, stainless steel, and more. So, let’s start with how to maintain each type of tapware finish.
Chrome Tapware
Chrome tapware is a classic and highly reflective finish that remains popular for its sleek, polished look. It’s a common choice for our customers due to its timeless appeal and ease of maintenance but chrome has a tendency to attract mineral deposits and hard water stains, which can dull the finish over time.
Cleaning & Polishing
Chrome taps can lose their sparkle with water spots and soap scum buildup. Luckily, restoring that showroom shine is easier than you might think! You can skip the expensive cleaners and use everyday household items for fantastic results.
- White Vinegar: A simple go-to for removing hard water stains and soap scum. Dampen a soft cloth with white vinegar, rub it onto the chrome, and buff it with a dry side to bring back the shine.
- Lemon Juice: No vinegar? No worries! Fresh lemon juice works just as well. Apply it the same way—rub it on, let it sit briefly, then buff to a gleaming finish.
- Rubbing Alcohol: For a streak-free shine, try rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth, rub it onto the chrome, then use the dry side of the cloth to buff it to perfection. It’s a personal favourite for its brilliant results.
- Dryer Sheets: Here’s a surprising trick that works wonders! Grab a dryer sheet—new or used—and lightly polish your chrome tapware. It’s an excellent way to remove residue and leave a protective, streak-free finish. You’ll be amazed at the difference.
Pro Tip: Remember to avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals, as they can scratch or dull the finish. These simple, effective tips will keep your chrome tapware sparkling like new without any fuss!
Matte Black Tapware
Matte black tapware is very popular for its modern, bold aesthetic. This finish adds a contemporary touch to any space but requires specific care to maintain its sleek appearance. However, they can show fingerprints and smudges more easily than other finishes, so extra care is needed.
Cleaning & Polishing
Matte black tapware needs special care to maintain its sleek and modern finish. Harsh chemicals and abrasive tools can easily damage it, so here are some safe and effective ways to keep it looking its best:
- Gentle Soapy Solution: Mix a weak solution of warm water and a mild dish soap. Using a microfiber cloth or soft sponge, gently clean the surface in circular motions. Rinse and dry immediately to prevent water spots. Regular cleaning like this prevents limescale and grime from building up.
- Baby Oil or Coconut Oil: For stubborn spots or limescale, try a dab of baby oil or coconut oil on a microfiber cloth. Rub it gently into the surface, then buff with a dry cloth. This not only removes buildup but also leaves a protective layer on the finish.
- Stainless Steel Furniture Cleaner: Stainless steel cleaner works well on matte black finishes, provided it’s non-abrasive. Spray a small amount onto a cloth, not directly on the tapware, and polish gently to restore its smooth, even appearance.
- White Vinegar: For tougher stains, white vinegar is an effective natural solution. Dilute it with equal parts water and use a soft cloth to clean. Wipe thoroughly with water afterwards to avoid streaking or dulling the matte finish.
Important Tip: Always avoid abrasive pads, harsh scrubbing, or strong chemicals, as they can damage the matte coating. With these simple methods, your matte black tapware will maintain its bold, modern look.
Brushed Tapware (Nickel, Gold, Gunmetal)
Brushed finishes, such as nickel, gold, and gunmetal, offer a sophisticated, textured appearance that is both stylish and practical. All available in-store and online at Ross’s, these tapware finishes resist fingerprints and water spots, offering a low-maintenance solution. While brushed tapware typically requires minimal upkeep, it can be affected by acidic cleaners, which may tarnish or dull the surface over time.
Cleaning & Polishing
Brushed finishes require gentle care to maintain their unique texture and lustrous appearance. Here are four effective ways to clean and polish brushed tapware without causing any damage:
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a little water to create a thick paste. Using the smooth side of a sponge, gently apply the paste in circular motions over the tapware, focusing on areas with water spots or buildup. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a microfiber cloth to restore its brilliance. This method is especially good for frequent touchpoints like handles.
- Toothpaste and Toothbrush: Regular toothpaste can work wonders on brushed finishes. Dab a small amount onto an old toothbrush and gently scrub the surface, ensuring you cover edges and hard-to-reach spots. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry. This technique helps remove light stains and restores a subtle shine without harsh chemicals.
- Lemon and Baking Soda: Combine lemon juice with baking soda to create a natural cleaner for tackling limescale. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the mixture and rub it onto the brushed surface. After scrubbing, rinse off with water and dry with a microfiber cloth to reveal a gleaming finish.
- White Vinegar Solution: Dilute white vinegar with equal parts water. Using a soft cloth, gently clean the tap to remove water spots and grime. Avoid leaving the vinegar on for too long, as it can tarnish the surface if not rinsed thoroughly. Always finish by drying with a clean cloth.
Pro Tip: Avoid abrasive cleaners or tools, as they can scratch the delicate brushed texture. Gentle, regular maintenance ensures your brushed tapware remains a standout feature in your home.
Stainless Steel Tapware
Stainless steel tapware is renowned for its durability and resistance to corrosion, making it a practical and long-lasting choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. This finish is favoured for its modern aesthetic and lead-free composition, which also makes it an environmentally friendly and safe option for drinking water.
Cleaning & Polishing
Stainless steel taps are prone to water spots and fingerprints. With these simple and effective cleaning methods, you can maintain its polished look:
- Baking Soda and Lemon Paste: Create a natural paste by mixing baking soda and lemon juice. Apply it to the tapware using a sponge or toothbrush, focusing on stubborn spots or limescale. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. Wipe it dry with a clean microfiber cloth to reveal a brilliant shine.
- Warm Soapy Water: Mix a teaspoon of mild soap with a quarter litre of warm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution and gently clean the tapware, always moving in the direction of the stainless steel grain. Wipe away any residue with a dry microfiber cloth and allow the surface to dry completely. This method ensures a streak-free finish.
- White Vinegar: Spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto your stainless steel tapware. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to break down grime or limescale. If necessary, scrub gently with a toothbrush or grout brush. Rinse well and dry with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent watermarks.
Pro Tip: For added protection and shine, use a stainless steel cleaner or polish to maintain the finish and prevent rust spots. With these gentle techniques, your tapware will stay spotless and look as good as new for years to come.
Bronze Tapware (Oil-Rubbed or Satin)
Bronze tapware, whether oil-rubbed or satin, offers a rich, warm look that adds character to traditional or rustic spaces. However, it can develop a patina over time, which may be desirable for an aged look but should be monitored if a consistent appearance is preferred.
Cleaning & Polishing
Bronze tapware exudes warmth and elegance, making it a standout feature in any space. However, its finish can develop a patina over time, which some may love while others may prefer to avoid. Use these methods to clean and maintain its beautiful appearance:
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a gentle and effective way to enhance the sheen of bronze tapware. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the surface in circular motions. This helps remove fingerprints and minor water spots while giving the tapware a subtle, polished look. Finish by buffing with a dry cloth.
- Vinegar and Water: Mix equal parts vinegar and water to create a natural cleaning solution. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the bronze surface. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with water afterwards to avoid any reaction with the finish, and dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.
- WD-40: For tougher grime or stubborn stains, WD-40 can be a great option. Spray a small amount onto a cloth (never directly on the tapware) and gently clean the surface. This not only removes residue but also leaves a protective layer to help prevent future buildup. Wipe thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.
Pro Tip: Always avoid abrasive cleaners or tools, as they can damage the delicate bronze finish. By using these gentle techniques, you can preserve the rich, lustrous look of your bronze tapware for years.
Brass Tapware (Polished, Unlacquered, or Aged)
Brass tapware, whether polished, unlacquered, or aged, is known for its classic and elegant look. I love brass for its timeless appeal. However, brass is prone to tarnishing, especially if it’s unlacquered. Regular polishing is required to maintain its beautiful appearance.
Cleaning & Polishing
Brass taps require regular care to prevent tarnishing and to maintain their classic charm. Here are four effective methods to clean and polish brass taps:
- Brass-Specific Polish: Start with a polish made specifically for brass. Apply a generous amount of the polish onto a soft cloth and rub it into the tapware in circular motions. Focus on tarnished areas and use a toothbrush for intricate detailing or hard-to-reach spots. Once done, buff with a clean duster to achieve a rich, brilliant shine.
- Brass Polish and Elbow Grease: Apply a generous amount of brass polish directly onto the tarnished areas using a paper towel. Work the polish into the tapware with a soft cloth, focusing on any detailing or hard-to-reach spots with an old toothbrush. For stubborn stains, use a gentle metal scourer. Once satisfied with the results, buff the taps with a clean duster for a high sheen. The more you buff, the shinier they’ll look!
- Distilled White Vinegar: For an easy and natural solution, dampen a soft cloth with distilled white vinegar and gently rub the brass surface. This method works well for light tarnish and water spots. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.
- Lemon: Use a lemon slice to tackle blue-green discoloration (often copper sulphate buildup). Rub the lemon directly onto the affected areas, allowing its natural acids to react with the tarnish. You’ll notice the discoloration transferring to the lemon as you clean. For heavy buildup, let the lemon juice sit briefly before scrubbing with a soft sponge or toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly, and finish with a clean cloth to dry and brighten the brass.
Pro Tip: For unlacquered brass, repeat these methods more frequently to prevent tarnish buildup. Regular maintenance ensures your brass tapware remains vibrant and stunning, even with everyday use.
Maintaining Tapware by Tapware Type
Now you know how to maintain your tapware based on its finish, but what about different types of tapware? Here are some quick tips on maintaining each type to keep them functioning and looking their best.
Kitchen Mixer Maintenance
Kitchen mixers work hard every day, so it’s important to take care of them. Clean the spout regularly to remove food and grease buildup. A soft cloth and mild detergent work great for this. Check for leaks or drips now and then, and fix them quickly to avoid water damage.
Basin Mixer Maintenance
Keeping your vanity dry is key to preventing water spots on your basin mixer. After each use, give it a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth to maintain its shine. Additionally, check and tighten any loose handles or spouts to ensure smooth operation and avoid any unexpected drips or leaks.
Wall-Mounted Tap Maintenance
Wall-mounted taps require a bit more attention due to their harder-to-access nature. Regularly inspect the seals and washers to ensure they are intact, preventing leaks that can be tricky to fix. Cleaning around the base is also crucial to avoid grime buildup, which can affect the tap’s performance.
Shower Mixer Maintenance
To keep your shower mixer in prime condition, regularly clean the showerhead to prevent limescale buildup that can affect water flow. It’s also important to check the mixer for any signs of wear, such as difficulty in adjusting water temperature. If you notice any issues, replacing parts as needed can prevent bigger problems down the line.
Freestanding Bath Spouts
Freestanding bath spouts add a touch of luxury to any bathroom, and keeping the area around the base dry is essential to prevent water damage to the floor. Make sure the tap is securely mounted to avoid any wobbling, which can lead to leaks or more serious issues.
Expert Advice: Tapware Maintenance Tips from Greg von Einem
To provide you with the best advice on maintaining your tapware, we reached out to Greg von Einem, National Marketing Manager at Linkware Australia. With years of experience in the tapware industry, Greg offered valuable insights into common maintenance mistakes, proper cleaning methods, and how to keep your tapware looking its best.
Misconceptions About Tapware Finishes
Many homeowners assume that tapware finishes are “permanent” and can withstand any conditions. However, Greg explains: “As with any surface, continuous use will see some wear and tear appear on surfaces.
He adds, “Stainless steel has the perception of being rustproof, but it too can appear to rust if not cleaned properly or used in the wrong application. Tea staining is a common issue when the surface tarnishes as it is not cleaned properly to remove any sediment in the fine grooves formed on the brushed finish. Even used inside, there is potential for damage to the surface due to environmental factors.
To avoid unnecessary wear, always clean tapware regularly and follow manufacturer recommendations for care.
Proper Cleaning Methods
Using the wrong cleaning products can damage your tapware over time. Greg advises: “The use of abrasive cleaning products will naturally impact the longevity of any finishes. Mild soapy water with a soft cloth and rinsing with clean water is the best method to ensure a finish will last longer. The use of abrasive products is highly detrimental.”
This advice applies to all tapware finishes, including stainless steel, chrome, matte black, and brushed finishes.
General Maintenance for Longevity
Beyond cleaning, regular maintenance ensures your tapware stays functional and visually appealing. Greg advises: “Attending to functionality issues at their earliest will ensure long-term and proper use of tapware. Tightening fixing brackets or handles that may come loose, replacing faulty cartridges, or cleaning aerators will provide significant long-term benefits overall.”
By following Greg’s expert tips, you can preserve the beauty and functionality of your tapware for years to come.
Conclusion
Cleaning and maintaining tapware according to its finish and type is crucial for ensuring its longevity and keeping it looking like new. Whether it’s the sleek matte black, sophisticated brushed finishes, or the timeless elegance of brass, each type of tapware has its unique maintenance needs. By following the tips provided, you can extend the life of your tapware and avoid unnecessary replacements, keeping it as a standout feature in your home.
Ready to explore more? Visit Ross’s Discount Home Centre to view our extensive range of quality tapware. For personalised advice on tapware care and maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. We’re here to help you keep your home looking its best!