Cleaning your matt black taps is crucial to ensure they look as great as the day you bought them. It's important to avoid harsh chemicals and materials on your black taps as this can damage the surface, causing the finish to peel.
Why is Cleaning Matt Black Taps Different?
Extra care must be taken when it comes to cleaning your matt black taps because of the processes that are in place to create that stunning modern matt black look. Due to their sleek finish, matt black taps are more sensitive than some other tap finishes, and picking up the first cleaner you see in your local supermarket isn’t the best option.
Each brand will have their own approach for creating that matt black finish, with most using electroplating or PVD.
Electroplating
Electroplating involves taking a water-based paint solution at atomic level and, using an electric current, converting it into a very thin film coating. Or, to put it more simply, it’s what many brands use to make their bathroom accessories and fixtures black! This method is durable and helps your black taps stand up to wear and tear, but care does need to be taken when cleaning.
PVD
PVD is another way of making beautiful matt black taps. Standing for physical vapour deposition, PVD is becoming more popular with some brands. It involves using a vacuum to layer a thin film across metal taps.
The matt black finish is created and applied by a vacuum as a thin film to the tap. It’s said to be more effective and resilient than electroplating, so is becoming more popular amongst the bigger bathroom brands.
Wear and Tear
Despite the quality of these finishes, black taps can still suffer under harsh chemical cleaners. The finish may become dull or worn through completely. That’s why it’s important that, no matter how the finish is applied, you learn to care for and clean your matt black taps properly.
Abrasive scourers or anything with a remotely ‘scratchy’ feel to it is most certainly something we’d recommend keeping as far away from your matt black taps as possible!
Cleaning Matt Black Taps
Daily Cleaning
Drying your tap with a microfibre cloth after use will prevent limescale, which is especially recommended if you have hard water. Clean regularly with a mix of hot water and washing up liquid along with a soft cloth to keep on top of stains and water marks.
Deep Cleaning
For a deep clean, you can also clean with a 75/25 lemon juice and water solution for a tougher clean. It’s important to ensure this isn’t left on to soak for more than a couple of minutes before rinsing and always use a soft cloth to clean.
What to Avoid
Chemical cleaning products can wear down the lovely matt black finish, so it's best to avoid substances such as vinegar, baking soda, nail polish remover and bleach. You should also avoid abrasive materials such as toothbrushes and scourers as this will damage the surface.
O-Ring Staining
Over time you may see staining on the taps due to the O-ring at the bottom of the tap. This is completely natural and can usually be removed by warm soapy water.
Maintaining Your Taps
Cleaning your matt black taps is easy once you know what you’re doing. In some ways, cleaning your matt black taps is easier than standard surfaces, as there’s far less choice when it comes to suitable cleaners! If you’re struggling, keep in mind that simple is generally best - a soft cloth and warm water should be enough.
If you’re still to find your perfect matt black taps and turn your bathroom or kitchen into the stylish and sophisticated haven you know it should be, check out our full range of black taps.
Our Best Selling Black Taps
Matt black taps are one of our most popular products, and with such an aesthetic design, there really is no question as to why, so if you've not yet got your hands on your very own black tap but are looking into it, take a peek at some of our top picks below.
