Metal

Maintenance and Cleaning

Rust stain

Green spots may appear on chromium plating. If this happens, prevent the rust from spreading by scouring the spots with the same kind of powder which manufacturers recommend for enameled, cast iron fixtures

Rust stains come from iron in the water supply, which can only be permanently remove through installation of an iron filter. Occasionally iron is dissolved from rusting water pipes or mains by corrosive water. Iron stains can be removed by a weak acid solution, usually oxalic acid which is highly toxic and must be handled with care. Never use chlorine bleach as this sets the iron stain.

Fresh iron stains on plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs and chrome will generally yield to treatment with heavy duty cleaning compounds containing large proportions of trisodium phosphate. Apply cleaner with damp cloth, pad or sponge. Rub discolored surface until stain is removed. Rinse. Wipe dry and polish.

Heavy, stubborn rust stains can often be removed by oxalic acid stain remover compounds such as Zud or a tri- chloro-melanine compound.

For rust stains already set on bathroom or kitchen plumbing fixtures, dissolve oxalic acid crystals in hot water and add enough whiting or talc to make a soft paste. Apply this poultice to stain and let dry before removing. Rinse and polish. Use with care-it is poisonous.

Lime stain

Regular cleaning can prevent buildup of staining material. Repair leaky, drippy faucets to stop staining.

Lime or hard-water mineral buildup is dissolved by an acid. Vinegar or lemon juice may be rubbed over the stain, to dissolve. Do not leave on stain too long, as acids will eventually damage surface of porcelain enamel. Rinse thoroughly.

Commercial products designed to remove lime deposit may be used if label says safe for the surface. Do not use acids on fiberglass, nor any commercial product unless label says safe for fiberglass

Special care for chrome finishes

The best modern fittings are all chrome plated brass and will last a lifetime under everyday use. They clean easily with soap and warm water.

The metal chromium is easily dissolved in hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. Muriatic acid has for years been considered a good tile cleaner, but only where there are nickel plated plumbing fittings. Where chrome plating is present, clean bathroom tile with warm oxalic acid never with muriatic or sulfuric acids. Even covering the chromium surfaces with cloths will not prevent the acid fumes from inflicting permanent damage.

Special care for brass finishes

Gaining in popularity are polished brass fittings and trim. These will hold up well, as long as certain precautions are observed. never use any abrasive cleaner on polished brass. This can scratch the protective coating on the brass finish resulting in a deterioration or pitting of the brass plating. Also avoid use of solvent based cleaners because they can be deleterious to the polished brass finish

Special care for shower rose/ head

If the shower head holes are clogged, remove the face of the shower head, clean the back surface and free holes with a coarse needle. The latest shower heads on the market are all self-cleaning and need no such attention. The only positive preventive measure is investing in a water softener. When changing shower heads, wrap adhesive tape around the packing nut or pad the wrench jaws with a cloth so you won’t mar the finish