The matte surface of brushed nickel is made by dulling the shiny metal surface via sanding it. A twice-weekly cleaning schedule, along with polishing, is recommended for keeping your brushed nickel fixtures in ideal shape, preventing surface blemishes and even corrosion.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to remove rust from nickel plating is using white vinegar. All you need is some white vinegar and a clean cloth. Soak the cloth in the vinegar and then rub it onto the affected area until the rust has been removed.
Both chrome and brushed nickel are corrosion resistant, though nickel can tarnish more easily. Chrome and brushed nickel are both durable finishes, but each is susceptible to wear and tear depending on the application of the finish to the metal, as well as its care and cleaning.
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. Acidic substances left on the nickel finish for extended periods of time may leave a slight dark mark, but this is easily removed with a chrome polish.
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.
Be sure to avoid using acid, alcohol, or solvent-based cleaners. These types of cleaners can ruin or discolor the more delicate surface of the brushed nickel finish. Vinegar is a popular faucet cleaning solution, but should be avoided on brushed nickel.
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.
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.
My Greener Living — Cleaning with Bar Keeper's Friend
“On my kitchen sink, I have a brushed nickel faucet, handle, and soap dispenser. These get a lot of water spots on them when I am washing dishes. Just a little Bar Keeper's friend on a damp cloth will polish the kitchen faucet and accessories very well.”
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).
The cause is usually improper cleaning — either too much (by using harsh chemicals or abrasives) or too little (by leaving spatters of acids or other harmful ingredients on the metal until all the moisture evaporates).
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.
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.
Is the CLR product nickel safe? We do not recommend that CLR products be used on any metals except for chrome or stainless steel. Any 'polished' finish usually has a coating and most nickel materials are combination metals (containing zinc) and CLR products could compromise the finish.
Brushed nickel is one of the durable finishes available, and it can keep its look for longer than chrome. The finish is incised with a metal brush to make the matte sheen, and then it is coated with a lacquer to shield it from wear. Due to incorrect cleaning over time, it wears.
BKF cleans and polishes most hard, nonporous surfaces. However, never use BKF on the following: cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces. Although many of our fans have used BKF on mirrors, gold, and silver (sterling silver is OK), we advise against it.
Is vinegar safe for polished nickel? Vinegar can be really effective on nickel plating, just be sure to not soak any items in neat vinegar as this will be too corrosive.
If your nickel-plated item has stains that won't come off with soap and water alone, try using baking soda or white vinegar as an abrasive cleaner. Sprinkle some baking soda onto dampened cloth or sponge (or saturate it in white vinegar) and gently rub the area affected by stains until they vanish.
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.
Soak Parts in Vinegar
Immerse the showerhead completely in vinegar to dissolve and remaining limescale deposits. For extra cleaning power, scoop a few tablespoons of baking soda in the vinegar before soaking them. The natural abrasive will help release clogged passages. Rinse again.
The main difference between brushed nickel and satin nickel is the apperance. Brushed nickel has a matte, dull appearance compared to satin nickel. Comparatively, satin nickel has a glossier, more lustrous finish that gives it a brighter and more modern appearance.
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.
Prolonged exposure to vinegar will damage chrome finishes by eating the finish right off of your fixtures.
Satin Nickel is very close in appearance to stainless steel, but is available in a much wider variety of design styles. One of the most popular finishes, it is an available finish option for nearly every hardware design.