When you are cleaning your bathroom, it’s easy to spray the same “all-surface” cleaners everywhere. But that mentality of “one-size-fits-all” may not be best for your fixtures. Here are some things to be aware of on cleaning day.
Magic Eraser – Magic erasers seem to be just that – magic! They remove nearly every stain or mark on surfaces. However, Magic Erasers are micro-abrasive sponges that work by scratching off the top layer of dirt. When these products are used on soft surfaces, it can dull the surface and remove the finish. Original Magic Erasers are great for use on porcelain, and tile, but they should not be used on stainless steel, glass, glossy paint surfaces, marble & granite countertops, and wood. As a general rule of thumb, keep your Magic Eraser use to the toilet and tiled shower walls in your bathroom. Find something more gentle for the faucets, vanity, and fixtures.
Windex – When you are cleaning your bathroom mirror with Windex, avoid over-spraying on your light fixture. The ammonia in Windex can damage the metal finish on your fragile light fixtures. Choose to use a gentle solution of warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth on your fixtures to keep them from deteriorating.
Chrome finishes on faucets and other bathroom fixtures hold up the best to any mistreatment. Faucets and accessories with metal finishes like brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, or matte black, however, are treated with a protective coating and require a little extra care when cleaning. Some all-purpose cleaners contain chemicals that will eat away at this protective coating over time. Instead, simply use warm soapy water with a splash of vinegar in it to gently disinfect these well-used surfaces. Keep this solution in a spray bottle under the sink with a supply of microfiber cloths for easy cleaning!
It’s always a good idea to check out the manufacturer’s website to see what cleaning products they recommend. Then, test a small inconspicuous area with any new products you haven’t tried before. We keep our favorite cleaning products in stock to get you started!