When selecting faucets, fixtures and countertops, many people forget about care and maintenance issues, until it is too late.

For example, the new trend-setting glass counters and vessel styled lavatories may not be a wise choice for active households. While these items can be striking and modern looking, they are a challenge to keep clean and free of fingerprints, and they are more easily broken.

When making your choices, carefully consider the maintenance levels of the materials available, in addition to looks.

When selecting faucets, fixtures and coutnertops, many people forget about care and maintenance issues, until it is too late.

When making your choices, consider your lifestyle. For instance, the trendy glass counters and vessel styled lavatories may not be a wise choice for active households. While these items can be striking and modern looking, they are a challenge to keep clean and free of fingerprints, and they are more easily broken.

Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface. Remember to rinse completely. Do not allow cleaners to sit or soak on surfaces; wipe immediately with a soft, dampened sponge or cloth. Do not use abrasive materials, brushes or scouring pads.

• Faucets
  
• Cast Iron Sinks and Whirlpools/Tubs
  
• Porcelain Sinks and Tubs
  
• Stainless Steel Sinks
  
• Corian Sinks and Counter Tops
  
• China Sinks and Toilets
  
• Acrylic Showers and Whirlpools/Tubs, Toilet Seats
  
• Whirlpool, Hot Tub System Cleaning
  
• Decorative Products, Shower Doors, Vanity Tops
  

• Whirlpools, Hot Tubs & Bacterial Infections
  ... The danger is real, prevention is easy

Faucets
Clean with mild soap and water or a mild liquid detergent. Products such as Windex® Original or Fantastik® All Purpose Cleaner are generally considered safe to use.

After every use or cleaning, it is always best to wipe dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spotting and mineral build-up. Faucet manufacturers recommend that you clean and wax regularly. You may use an aerosol furniture polish, appliance wax or auto paste wax for this purpose.

• Do not use cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, abrasives, or other strong chemicals, as these can damage some faucet finishes.
  
  
• Avoid products that state on the label that they remove tarnish and rust, and those containing hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and/or phosphoric acids or caustic agents.
  
  
• Avoid industrial cleaners and abrasive cleaners, such as those used for toilet bowls, heavy-duty scrub sponges or scouring pads. These will scratch and damage the finish.
  
  

Hardwater Deposits:
To remove hard water deposits and soap scum, use a 50/50 mix of vinegar or liquid Lysol® All Purpose Cleaner and water.

For stubborn stains and/or mineral deposits, a mild abrasive cleaner can be used. Current examples of mild abrasive cleaners are Bon-Ami, Barkeeper's Friend, or Soft Scrub without bleach.

Gold-plated faucets or accessories should only be cleaned with warm water, and wiped dry or it will form unsightly water deposits.

Cast Iron Sinks and Whirlpools/Tubs
Be careful not to leave dirty dishes, coffee grounds, tea bags or other staining materials in contact with the enamel surface for long periods of time. Rinse thoroughly after each use and wipe with a soft cloth. Clean with a scrub-free mildew remover or a mild detergent like 409^® or Top Job^®. Use abrasives or abrasive cleaners sparingly. Use a soft nylon brush on the tub bottom's non-slip surface. Do not use steel wool, wire brushes or abrasive sponge pads.
See: Cleaning Whirlpool, Hot Tub Systems

Porcelain Sinks and Tubs
Porcelain can be glazed or unglazed but it can be stained. Most stains are easily removed however. Use the treatments indicated for the following stains:

Stainless Steel Sinks
Clean stainless steel once a week. Apply stainless steel cleaner/polish with a nonabrasive cloth or sponge, working with, not across, the grain. If a cleaner with chloride is used, rinse the surface immediately to prevent corrosion. Blot dry any water from metal surfaces water evaporates and forms water deposits. Use a dabbing action to dry metal, not an abrasive or rubbing action. Clean with a damp sponge and buff dry. If finish becomes dull, it can be restored by the use of a mild cleanser such as Bar Keeper's Friend^®, always scrubbing with the grain. Do not allow liquid soaps to dry on surface. Do not allow bleaches to remain on surface of stainless steel or they could cause pitting. >

Corian Sinks and Counter Tops
Use soapy water or ammonia-based cleaner for most stains. Remove water marks with damp cloth and towel dry. For more difficult stains use an abrasive cleanser and a new green ScotchBrite® pad. Occasionally clean by filling the sink one-quarter full with a 50/50 water/bleach solution. Let soak for 15 minutes, then wash sides and bottom as solution drains and thoroughly rinse. You can remove minor cuts and scratches yourself by sanding with 180- or 220-grit fine sandpaper until cut is gone. Restore finish with an abrasive cleanser and ScotchBrite® pad.

China Sinks and Toilets
Use soft abrasive cleaners such as Soft Scrub^® to clean China. Strong abrasives will scratch and dull the finish. Dry with a soft cloth. Use only toilet bowl cleaners on the inside of the bowl. Do not clean the inside of the tank as you may damage the flush valve or other working parts. Wipe cleaning solutions from any plastic or plated parts immediately. Over time, hard water deposits may clog toilet rim holes and trapways. To handle this problem, purchase a commercial cleaner that's recommended for the removal of hard water deposits such as Bar Keepers Friend Lime & Rust Remover®. Follow all instructions on the package.

Acrylic Showers and Whirlpools/Tubs, Toilet Seats

• Wipe out bath or shower after each use with soft cloth or squeegee.
• Use only a mild detergent (such as dishwashing soap). Do not use abrasive cleaners. Avoid detergents, disinfectants, or cleaning products in aerosol cans.
  
  
• Be sure to wipe off any cleaner spill, especially from bumpers and hinges of toilet seats.
• Restore the toilet seat's gloss and luster with an application of no-wax polish.
  Pine-based cleaners are not recommended.
• To restore dull or scratched units, apply white automotive polishing compound with a clean rag.
  Rub scratches and dull areas vigorously. Wipe off residue.
  Follow with a coat of white automotive paste wax.
• Do not wax areas where you walk or stand.
  

• Adjust the jets so there is no air induction.
• Fill the unit with hot water to a level above the highest jets.
  (Caution: don't start the whirlpool without making sure there is water above the highest jets. Running a whirlpool without water will damage the pump seals causing the pump to fail or leak.)
• Add to the water two teaspoons of low-foaming dishwasher detergent such as Calgonite or Cascade (powder), and four ounces of household bleach, such as Clorox.
• Run the whirlpool for 10-15 minutes with the air control fully open for maximum turbulence.
• Drain, refill the tub with cold clear water to 2"-3" above the highest jets
• Run the unit again for another 5-10 minutes to "rinse." Then, drain the tub completely.
• Wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Normal household disinfectants and cleaners such as bleach, detergents, vinegar, or baking soda are NOT completely effective in removing whirlpool or hot tub contaminants.
See:Whirlpools, Hot Tubs & Bacterial Infections for more information,

Decorative Products, Shower Doors, Vanity Tops

• Do not use bristle brushes or abrasive sponges. They will scratch decorated surfaces.
• Never use abrasive cleaners.
• Gold used on decorative products is like fine jewelry. Use only warm water to clean. Dry with a soft cloth.
• Do not let cleaners sit and soak on surfaces.
• Use a shower squeegee to clean the glass doors after showering.
• Rinse and wipe fixtures after cleaning to prevent soap buildup.
  On delicate surfaces use plenty of water, rub gently and rinse.
• To avoid lime build-up in hard water areas, be sure to always wipe the product dry after each use with a soft cloth.
  

See Also:

Other Links to Related Websites:
Cultured Marble - Goodbye Grout, Hello Happiness! - From Ask the Builder series.

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