Matte black faucets and fixtures have revolutionized the bathroom décor, and more and more people are now opting for them. No doubt, these bathroom faucets look fantastic, but the problem with black tapware is that you need to take care of the cleaning.
Cleaning a matte black faucet is not like cleaning a regular fixture. You cannot just wipe it off to get rid of stains. Also, abrasive materials are a strict no for black faucets.
Proper care and maintenance can prolong the life of the faucet, while it’ll look like new for years. If you are tired of searching for how to clean matte black bathroom faucets properly, you are at the right place.
In this article, you will find a detailed and easy process to keep the matte black fixtures clean. Also, I’ve talked about the dos and don’ts you should know about black faucets.
Why is Cleaning a Matte Black Faucet Different?
Unlike faucets with chrome and bronze plating, matte black faucets are electroplated. Or the process of plating black color on these faucets is entirely different; thus, it distinguishes the cleaning process as well. Modern matte black faucets usually go through the following processes:
1. PVD
PVD is physical vapor deposition and is a popular process of coating black faucets. The process involves creating a thin layer of black finish over the faucet. Bathroom fixtures that undergo PVD are expensive and require more care as well.
However, if proper care is taken, the black finish lasts longer, and your faucet always looks fresh from the box.
2. Electroplating
The electroplated layer of matte black finish requires less care than PVD, so you don’t have to invest a lot of time in cleaning it. The finish looks very even, and big brands like Moen use it for their bathroom fixtures.
The main problem with electroplated faucets is that the topmost layer may chip off after some time if you use any abrasive material or acid.
Matte black faucets are very different from a regular faucet, so cleaning them requires more care. Also, the water stains over these faucets are highly visible, and you need to clean them frequently.
Easy Steps to Clean the Matte Black Bathroom Faucet
I saw a lot of videos on cleaning a matte black bathroom faucet and tried several methods on my fixture. In the end, I was able to compile a list of steps you can use to clean the faucet. Also, there is no need to look for any other cleaning regimen, as this one will suffice your requirements.
Step 1: Prepare
Start with preparing the faucet for cleaning, and gather all items required for it. Since the process does not involve using chemicals, you don’t have to cover the basin or the tiles. Instead, just keep some paper towels handy to clean the water.
Here are the following items you need to clean the faucet:
- Warm water
- Mild soap
- Soft cloth
- Paper towels
- Wax (with natural blends)
- Soft sponge
Step 2: Wipe off the Faucet
Take a soft cloth and clean the matte black bathroom fixture to get rid of stains. Don’t rub the cloth vigorously, but be gentle so that you don’t end up scratching the matte black finish.
Some stubborn stains may require water. Dip the cloth in water, and then wipe off the faucet properly.
Step 3: Disassemble the Aerator
A lot of homeowners clean their matte black faucets without disassembling the aerator, but this is not the right approach. You need to disassemble the aerator so as to clean the faucet properly.
Thankfully, most modern faucets have a twist-and-turn aerator that you can remove without any tools. Instead, grab the aerator using a soft cloth and rotate it anti-clockwise.
After removing it, rinse it with water, and place it carefully so that you don’t miss the O-rings.
Step 4: Rinse it Properly and Apply Mild Soap
Now rinse the faucet thoroughly using lukewarm water. I prefer using a mug to pour water over the fixture and rub it with my fingers to remove the water stains.
Make sure to clean every part of the faucet, be it the handle, the spout, and the base. For cleaning around the base, you may need to scrape off the grime, but do it with care so as to protect the faucet from scratches.
Next, take a bowl with a mild soap mixture, and rub it on the faucet. You can even use a soft sponge to rub the soap solution and get rid of the stains.
Don’t let the soap sit for more than 5 minutes, and hop on the next step to rinse it.
Step 5: Rinse Again and Wipe to Dry
Rinse the bathroom fixture to get rid of the soap solution. You may need to rub the faucet to remove the soap and prevent any stains. Right after rinsing it, wipe it off with a soft microfiber cloth.
Just dab the cloth over the faucet’s body, and you are good to go. Lastly, install the aerator back in place before applying the polish.
Step 6: Apply Mild Polish and Buff
Using polish is not mandatory, but if you prefer a little shine on the faucet, you can use it. Choose a polish like Flitz Faucet Wax that’s free from chemicals and helps create a layer over the fixture. Buff the polish using a soft sponge and let it dry for a few minutes.
Do’s and Don’ts When Cleaning Matte Black Bathroom Faucets
Now that you know everything about cleaning a matte black bathroom faucet, it is essential to know about the dos and don’ts as well.
By knowing what to do and what to avoid, you can prolong the lifespan of the finish, and the faucet will look like new for years.
The Do’s
1. Do Use a Mild Soap Solution
Some soaps can have chemicals that can damage the matte black finish. Thus, you should use mild soap only. Also, add the soap to water, and create a thin solution to neutralize the effect of soap while cleaning the faucet better.
2. Do Wipe the Faucet Gently
After rinsing, wipe the faucet gently and in circular motions. Your goal should be to clean the water droplets before they dry and form water stains. Keep dabbing the faucet for even cleaning.
3. Do Rinse it Promptly
When you are cleaning a matte black faucet, you need to be prompt. Rinse the fixture right away after applying soap solution. Promptness is essential, as soap dries quickly and may leave a layer over the faucet.
The Don’ts
1. Don’t Use Waxes with Harsh Chemical Agents
Never use waxes and polishes that contain harsh chemicals. There are some polishes designed especially for a matte black finish. Also, use low amounts of polish so that it does not shine too much.
2. Don’t Use Acids like Vinegar
Acids like white vinegar may be a good cleaner for regular faucets but not for matte black fixtures. You should avoid using any type of acid-containing items to clean the fixture.
3. Don’t Leave the Faucet Unattended for Long
Leaving the faucet unattended can result in many stains. So, you should wipe it off quickly. Moreover, keep rinsing it frequently for efficient cleaning.
Best Selling Matte Black Bathroom Faucets
FAQs
Q1: Are Matte Black Faucets Hard to keep Clean?
Matte black faucets are not hard to clean, but they need more care than regular faucets. In addition, you have to clean the faucet in one go only, else you may see some stains over it.
Q2: How often should you Clean a Matte Black Faucet?
It depends on how frequently you use the faucet and the age of the faucet as well. In general, you should clean the faucet once or twice a month. Make it a habit to wipe off the soap foam every time you use the faucet.
Q3: How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Matte Black Faucets?
Rinse the faucet, and then apply a mild soap solution over it. Rub the solution on the stains using a soft sponge, and rinse it again. Wipe to dry, and you can easily remove the hard water stains.
Q4: Can I use WD-40 on Black Faucets?
No, WD-40 contains harsh chemicals that can damage the matte black finish of the faucet. You should always use a gentle, mild solution and avoid using any chemical-containing solutions.
Q5: How to Remove Calcium Deposits from Matte Black Bathroom Fixtures?
Removing calcium deposits can be pretty tricky, but you can get them off. In this case, you need a mild cleaning solution like Kohler K-EC23723-NA Faucet Cleaner. It contains lesser chemicals and can easily remove calcium deposits. Make sure to rinse the faucet after applying this solution.
Final Thoughts
With great matte black faucets for bathrooms comes great responsibility, and with these steps, you can easily take care of the bathroom fixtures. Next time you wonder how to clean a matte black bathroom faucet, go through this guide again, and follow the steps as mentioned.
One thing you should keep in mind is the dos and don’ts. Never use abrasive materials like steel scrubbers to clean the faucet because the matte black finish is a scratch-magnet and requires more care.
Happy cleaning!
