This material tends to look dull over time because of mineral deposits, soap scum accumulation, and hard water stains. Despite these bathroom and kitchen faucets and fixtures being quick to collect blemishes, they are not necessarily hard to clean. It's important to steer clear of abrasive cleaning pads and products.
Tarnishes Faster Than Chrome
One of the key differences between brushed nickel and polished chrome is that brushed nickel will tarnish faster.
I switched to all brushed nickel, couldn't be happier. Yes, there is some spotting, there will be with any type, but by far, the brushed nickel shows it the least and is easy to clean. These days, the ease of cleaning always factors in to my choices.
Chrome is tough and scratch-resistant to protect the surface of the faucet, and is the most economical. Nickel – Brushed nickel is warmer and softer than chrome and hides water spots and fingerprints better, so it's easier to clean.
According to Logan, you should not use Clorox wipes on brushed nickel. 'You should not use cleaners that contain alcohol or ammonia to clean brushed nickel faucets,' says Logan. If you do, you may affect the finish and shine of the nickel.
Can I use vinegar on my brushed nickel tapware? While vinegar and water can be effective for removing water spots, it's best used sparingly to avoid potential damage to the finish. Always dilute it with water and rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Best Faucet Brands According to Plumbers
You want something that is durable, attractive, and a great value for the money. The best brands according to plumbers are Moen, Delta, and Kohler. Plumbers prefer these brands due to their quality, their reliability, and their availability.
Polished Chrome: The Classic and Timeless Favorite
It's like the little black dress of bathroom fixtures: simple, timeless, and always appropriate. Chrome faucets are perfect for those who love a sleek, contemporary look. They are versatile, matching just about any color scheme or style, from traditional to modern.
Brushed nickel is comparatively simpler to clean and maintain, while chrome requires more careful cleaning to avert damage and sustain its shine. To clean brushed nickel fixtures, a soft cloth and a solution of white vinegar and water or other mild cleaner can be used to remove tarnish.
Brushed nickel is generally more forgiving in hard water areas, as it's better at hiding water spots and fingerprints. Chrome, while durable, may show water spots more easily, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Avoid Harmful Cleaners: Avoid using cleaners with bleach, alcohol, or ammonia as they can damage the nickel finish. Gentle Cleaning Solutions: For light cleaning, mix equal parts water and vinegar, spray it on the nickel surface, and buff with a clean cloth.
Brushed nickel is dominating the 2024 kitchen faucet trends so far as it is stylish, sophisticated, and can easily conceal blemishes.
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.
The two materials offer different advantages, with brushed nickel being rust-resistant while stainless steel is more hygienic. Brushed nickel is also more suited for traditional spaces, whereas stainless steel faucets fit contemporary ones.
From faucets and cabinet handles to towel bars, matching metals in your bathroom creates a cohesive, intentional look that most homeowners prefer. Switching out the hardware can make a bathroom vanity look new.
Brushed nickel or satin nickel is popular, stylish, durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel is stylish and won't show water spots, though it is often more expensive.
While not required, matching fixtures can help a bathroom look more polished. Most bathrooms have a uniform style and use the same color palette throughout. The sink, faucet, towel bar, cabinet hardware, and lighting all fall within this category.
Short answer: Both Kohler and Moen are reputable plumbing brands known for their quality, durability, and innovation. The choice depends on personal preferences and specific needs.
With a Net Trust Quotient Score of 117.3, Moen ranked first, followed by other trusted brands such as Kohler, Delta, American Standard, and Pfister.
Moen, Delta, and Kohler are all reputable brands with impressive reputations for quality and durability in the plumbing industry. Moen is renowned for its durable, metal-constructed products that promise long lifespans.
Keep brushed nickel fixtures and faucets clean with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. The concentrated cleaner easily eliminates everyday grime and water stains without corroding metal when it's used as directed.
#2 – Try a simple soap (dish-soap), a clean rag (not from the work-shop please) and water. These are usually soft enough to remove finger-smudge marks, which Brushed Nickel is most prone to. Avoid using scented hand-soaps as these might leave additives or have things like scrubbing-grit.
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.