Step 1: Start With Water Step 2: Scouring Step 3: Vinegar 1 Removing The Green 2 Tips And Tricks 3 How To Maintain Your Bronze Finish Your new makeover might be perfectly completed with an oil-rubbed bronze faucet. Stainless steel and chrome used to be symbols of opulence.
More people today are drawn to the subtle elegance of the weathered antique appearance that oil-rubbed bronze acquires over time.
Oil-rubbed bronze is a live finish made by applying a dark oil solution to copper-plated hardware. As the oil ages, the appearance changes.
It can be vulnerable to wear because to its ephemeral nature, especially harsh water stains. Oil-rubbed bronze may last and look wonderful for many generations if properly maintained.
Knowing how to clean bronze faucets properly is essential to maintaining their beautiful appearance. Mineral deposits that lead to corrosion and discoloration are seen in hard water.
Wiping down your faucet with a soft cloth or paper towel after each use is the best way to maintain it clean.
There will be times when you require a more thorough cleaning, and there are certain do-it-yourself measures you can take to reduce wear and tear.
FIRST STEP: BEGIN WITH WATER The majority of your cleaning tasks can be completed using only plain water and a gentle cloth. The secret to keeping oil-rubbed bronze fixtures looking good is to clean them as rarely as possible.
Strong cleaning agents and strong chemicals will significantly hasten wear. The lovely patina can be preserved by using gentle cleaning agents.
As soon as you have finished wiping the faucet with your cloth, quickly dry it to help avoid any water stains.
STEP TWO: SEARCHING You might need to put in a little extra work if you have calcium stains, soap scum, build-up, or mineral deposits that are difficult to remove with just water. With water and a non-abrasive sponge, you may clean the faucet.
Hard water stains may be effectively removed with this method.
Never use anything abrasive on the bronze surface, such as steel wool. It is still recommended to use only water; if you must use any other cleaners, always test them on a discrete area first.
3rd Step: Vinegar You might attempt a white vinegar cleaning solution if you have tough stains that don’t go away after being scrubbed with a gentle sponge. To remove stubborn stains and hard water deposits, combine vinegar and water one to one.
Rub the vinegar mixture onto the fixture with a soft cloth, or soak a paper towel in the solution and let it sit on the fixture for a short while. Bronze can be safely treated with vinegar for brief periods of time, but avoid leaving it soaking for too long.
With a delicate towel and some plain warm water, remove the vinegar.
AWAY WITH THE GREEN
Copper oxide causes the green patina on your faucet. Make a paste with two tablespoons of baking soda and add lemon juice until it resembles toothpaste to combat oxidation.
Utilizing a dry cloth, apply this to the green areas of your fixture and rub it in.
Remove the paste by rinsing with warm water. Repeat the step if the green stays.
TACTICS AND TIPS Despite being a durable finish, rubbed bronze can be harmed by some chemicals.
Avoid using any scale removers or alcohol. Never use bleach or cleansers that include bleach to clean. Steer clear of multipurpose bathroom cleaners. Useless products with rust or tarnish removal promises should not be used. To remove stubborn stains, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. CARE FOR YOUR BRONZE FINISH
To keep the sheen and guard against water stains, you can use a high-quality wax. To help the faucet maintain its original color after applying the wax, use a small amount of clean oil.
You won’t frequently need to perform any thorough cleaning if you regularly wipe your faucet and remove water stains. For many years to come, your oil-rubbed bronze finish will look gorgeous!
