Keeping taps tip-top
Preventing corrosion is the key to long life of brushed nickel faucets
Q I have a brushed nickel kitchen faucet that has developed blemishes over the years. What causes these? Can they be removed? Is there any way to prevent them from happening if I were to obtain a new faucet?
A Corrosion is relatively easy to prevent, but it can be difficult or even impossible to undo. The cause is usually improper cleaning: either too much (using harsh chemicals), or too little (leaving spatters of acids or other harmful ingredients on the metal until the moisture evaporates).
“Many fibrous pads or sponges contain microscopic mineral particles that can scratch a faucet’s finish,” Gary Parobek of customer quality improvement for Moen (moen.com) says.
“In addition, cleaners that contain abrasives, harsh chemicals, alcohol or other organic solvents can cause damage and corrosion.”
On a bathroom faucet, besides cleaner residue, you also have to worry about spatter from toothpaste, acne medication and mouthwash. These often contain ingredients such as baking soda, sodium fluoride or phosphates, which can damage faucet finishes when they are left in contact with the metal for long periods.
Leaving cleaners or other spatter to evaporate on a faucet increases the risk of corrosion because the concentration of the cleaning chemicals increases as the water disappears. That’s why Parobek’s key advice is to wash faucets with mild soap, rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft, clean cloth. (Non-creamy hand-dishwashing liquid, such as Dawn, works well.)
To remove mineral deposits, Parobek recommends using a half-and-half solution of vinegar and water, followed by a thorough rinsing and then drying with a soft cloth. Some faucet finishes can be damaged by any acidic cleaners, however, so if you know the brand and model of your faucet, read the manufacturer’s care instructions first.
For extra protection, Parobek recommends an occasional final step: “Just as a car can be waxed to protect its finish from damage, consumers can use an automotive wax to protect the finish of their faucet.”