The popularity of gold taps, black taps and granite sinks has soared over the last year, with searches on the Tap Warehouse site rising by a combined 118%. Sadly, many people are damaging their luxurious sinks and taps because they don’t know how to clean them.
Revealed: Cleaning Your Matt Black Taps Wrong Can Permanently Discolour Them
Matt black taps are certainly making their way into stylish kitchens and bathrooms across the nation. This is why it comes as no surprise that in the past year, the number of searches for ‘black taps’ on Tap Warehouse’s website have risen by a whopping 45%.
It's crucial to be aware of how to clean black taps properly to ensure they stand the test of time.
How to Clean Matt Black Taps Using Two Products
The big rule of thumb here is that you should never use any chemical cleaners on your black taps. All you need are two products: a soft sponge or cloth and warm soapy water. Whatever you do, never use a scourer as this will permanently damage them due to their delicateness.
Once you’ve got your products, you should:
- Drench your soft cloth or sponge in warm water.
- Gently clean your taps in circular motion - ensuring you’re not too abrasive.
- After a while, you may see some marks from the O-ring at the base of the tap. Don’t be alarmed - this is completely normal, and can be removed with warm soapy water.
How to Keep Your Brass Taps Gleaming Without Damaging Them
There’s no denying that brass and fixtures can add a touch of glamour to your kitchen and bathroom. So, that’s why it’s unsurprising that Tap Warehouse’s website has seen a combined 141% increase in the number of Brits searching for ‘gold taps’.
However, it's important to be aware of how to clean your taps to maintain that sparkling finish.
Use These Three Products to Consciously Clean Your Gold Taps
A mix of soapy water and a microfibre cloth will be enough for every day cleaning, however if you need a deeper clean, follow these steps.
Begin by:
- Dipping a microfiber cloth into a solution of 75/25 lemon juice and water
- Buff this into your tap in a circular motion
- Ensure this mixture isn't left on to soak for more than a couple of minutes before rinsing
- Finally, buff dry with a clean microfiber cloth
To maintain the sparkling clean look, you should wipe down the gold fixtures after every use (or at the end of the day) with a microfiber cloth soaked in water. Finally, buff them dry with a clean cloth. This will stop residue from building up on the taps.
How to Clean a Granite Sink
After generating a lot of interest on social media, granite sinks have grown massively in popularity. In the past year, Tap Warehouse has seen a 45% increase in searches for ‘granite sinks’.
Whilst granite sinks are known for their durability in comparison to stainless-steel sinks, they’re still susceptible to problems caused through improper cleaning. This includes permanent damage or discolouration. With the average granite sink costing £300, you should ensure you take care of it or you are throwing away money down the sink!
How to Clean Granite Sinks
Daily Cleaning
To remove small stains and water marks, clean regularly with a mix of hot water and washing up liquid along with a soft cloth. This will be enough to keep on top of small limescale deposits.
Deeper Cleaning
Sprinkle baking soda over the whole sink, then spray with a 75/25 solution of white vinegar and water to create a fizzing solution. A gentle scrub with a soft sponge and an old toothbrush is enough to give your sink a thorough clean. Rinse off the solution and repeat the process, allowing the sink to dry afterwards.
Applying a light layer of food grade mineral oil will add a protective repellent layer to your sink - simply leave the oil on the surface for 45 minutes then buff with a cloth. Repeat the process
What to Avoid
If you do want to use a cleaning product, make sure to avoid harsh chemicals such as ammonia, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloride and sulphuric acid. If any of these chemicals are listed on the back of your cleaning product - do not use them!
In addition, we also have an in-depth guide on how to look after granite sinks - which also includes the do’s and don’ts of maintaining them.
So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to cleaning your kitchen and bathroom trend-led features. However, if you’re still unsure of how to clean a specific feature, you can always contact the manufacturer who will advise on the best way to clean your items.
