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How to Clean Brushed Brass

If you’ve bought a new brushed brass tap, shower or accessory and are in need of some cleaning and aftercare guidance, you’re in the right place! Here’s a handy guide for how to treat brushed brass at home.

How to Clean Brushed Brass

As long as you regularly clean your brushed brass assets, they will continue to look great in your bathroom and stand the test of time. Here’s what you need to know:

Daily Cleaning

To maintain the sparkling finish of your brushed brass, ensure you rinse away traces of soap and grime with a soft cloth after each use. Regularly cleaning your tap with a mix of hot water and washing up liquid with a microfibre cloth will help to prevent limescale forming.

To ensure you don't forget, we suggest placing a cloth next to the taps to give it a polish when it needs it. Regularly drying your brassware will prevent water damage and watermarks from appearing on the surface.

Deep Cleaning

Similar to above, warm soapy water is enough to preserve the coating of your tap and 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.

brushed-brass-tap

Harsh Chemicals

For special finish taps such as matt black, chrome or brushed brass, it’s especially important to avoid using harsh chemicals such as vinegar and bleach when cleaning. Harsh chemicals can also affect the quality and plating of the material, causing it to tarnish the surface.

Soft Materials Only

Brushed brass is a delicate material, therefore easy to scratch. Using soft cloths is the best practice for brass, as brushes and scouring pads could damage the material, creating permanent marks that are unsightly.

brushed-brass-tap

Unlacquered Brass

Unlacquered brass is slightly different from the classic brushed brass material;  it has a more rustic, tarnished finish and is manufactured without a coating to expose it to the elements and create a ‘living’ finish. This makes it a great choice for industrial bathrooms and kitchens.

How to Clean Unlacquered Brass

Unlacquered brass is pretty low maintenance to care for, as the rustic finish looks best when it’s left alone to age. Frequently wiping unlacquered brass with a soft cloth and dish soap will be enough to remove smudges and grime, and a paper towel can be used to buff it if needed.

If you’re looking to keep your unlacquered brass polished, you can buff a small amount of brass polish on the surface to keep it looking how it did the day you bought it!


For more cleaning information, we have guides for how to clean your matt black taps and much more, all over on our handy blog.

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