You only need a soft cloth to clean brushed nickel. It's easier to keep clean because you can't see smudges and fingerprints as brushed nickel hides smudges.
The main disadvantage of brushed nickel is that it is difficult to match to other fixtures. Because the process of making brushed nickel involves etching it with a wire brush, you may not be able to find the exact same finish in all of your finishing touches for your bathroom.
Brushed nickel complements warmer colors while chrome works best with cooler tones. A cool color scheme can be soothing and refreshing, including blues, greens, and light purples. A warmer one featuring oranges, reds, and yellows, or a combination of these, generally creates a cozier feel.
Fill a small bowl with one part white vinegar and three parts water. Use a fresh microfiber cloth to thoroughly wipe down the fixture. The white vinegar can help restore shine to the finish, and also descale any remaining buildup.
Don't use abrasive, alcohol-based, acid or solvent-based cleaners on brushed nickel. These cleaners can damage the finish. Although vinegar does contain acid, you can dilute it for use on stubborn mineral deposits if other methods haven't worked. Do this carefully and by testing an inconspicuous area first.
Avoid bleach. Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol or ammonia to clean brushed nickel. Abrasives should never be used as they may affect the finish.
Bleach-based cleaners or other products that claim to "remove rust or tarnish" can be detrimental to the surface of the nickel, as they likely contain hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and/or phosphoric acids.
Delta®: Avoid abrasives and polishes, including bleach-based cleansers. Delta specifically states to avoid Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol Basin Tub, Soft Scrub and Tile Cleaner (avoid on the brushed nickel – it probably works just fine on tile/tubs/sinks).
Brushed nickel gets its slightly matte appearance from being treated with a wire brush. We're seeing more and more clients navigate towards a brushed nickel finish, and for good reason. This finish has a luxurious, almost hand-crafted aesthetic that hides water spots and fingerprints well.
Brushed nickel is easier to clean than chrome because it hides fingerprints and smudges. Chrome lets everything show. Use vinegar to clean both if soap and water aren't sufficient.
The Winner: Brushed/Satin Nickel
Other easy-to-maintain finishes include solid brass, oil-rubbed bronze and other bronze finishes. Chrome and stainless steel are popular and very affordable choices, although they might require more cleaning.
In a test of durability, stainless steel will always come out on top. This is because stainless steel kitchen hardware is composed of solid metal, as opposed to chrome and brushed nickel plating.
Both finishes have positive and negative aspects, so it isn't always easy to choose which will serve your home and family best over the long term. Brushed nickel is extremely durable and tends to keep its finish longer than chrome. It doesn't show fingerprints or water spots and is easy to clean.
Does this mean brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze are out of style? Nope. And in even better news, there's no need to replace all the metals in your kitchen all at once anymore. Because mixed metals in the kitchen create a curated look in the kitchen that is so 2023.
While brushed nickel may not be one of the top finishes for 2023, it is certainly a safe option that will not require updating any time soon. Get more home decor tips here.
Nickel (Ni) is a hard, silvery-white metal that may cause irritation to the skin. Exposure can harm the lungs, stomach, and kidneys. Exposure to nickel may lead to cancer.
TIP: Once a month, spread a layer of paste wax onto the surface using a soft, dry cloth. Apply in small, circular motions. After you've covered the entire surface, buff it out with a new cloth. Paste wax is generally made from mineral spirits, which makes it gentle on brushed nickel finishes.
Brushed nickel finishes, which are rubbed with an abrasive while still at the factory to create their special look, are especially susceptible to damage from bathroom and kitchen cleaners that contain low-concentration phosphoric acid. If not rinsed promptly, these can damage or even remove a brushed nickel finish.
Beside high-gloss surfaces, the label warns not to use the product to clean polished, brushed or satin surfaces -- such as brushed-bronze or satin-nickel faucets -- or stainless steel.
Since these usually has water deposits, softer cleaners like Bon-Ami, Barkeeper's Friend, Zud or Soft Scrub might be good. Again – beware of anything that is made for harder substances like tile or flooring. #4 – Do not use scratch-pad sponges like Brillo or steel wool.
It's tough to scratch, and the brushed finish makes it difficult to see any blemishes even if it happens. This has to do with the way light reflects off a matte finish compared to a shiny one.
Prolonged exposure to vinegar will damage chrome finishes by eating the finish right off of your fixtures.
Brushed nickel, also called satin nickel, has a more subdued, matte finish, lending itself to a more traditional look. Brushed or satin nickel also works well in both light and dark spaces and with just about any color scheme.
Is brushed nickel rustproof? Brushed nickel hardware resists rust, but it's not 100% rust proof forever. The plating will wear off at some point, and that depends on how often it's handled and cleaned. Don't worry, the hardware can still last for years without rust.