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.
Cleaning nickel plated copper: When cleaning nickel plated copper it is forbidden to use any aggressive chemicals (neither vinegar) or rough materials as you may damage the plating and thus void the warranty.
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.
Does baking soda damage brushed nickel? Even though common household items may occasionally splash on nickel faucets, baking soda, peroxide, sodium fluoride or phosphates can damage the nickel if left on for too long.
Bar Keepers Friend is amazing on nickel and stainless steel finishes, ceramic surfaces (stove top), shower glass, and hard water surfaces (sinks and toilets - use light grit sander). $2 at Walmart.
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. For tougher buildup, wrap the damp cloth and solution around the problem area of the faucet and let sit. Remove and rinse after a few minutes.
Directions for Cleaning Brushed Nickel Fixtures:
Spray Simple Green Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner onto the surface. Scrub. Use a wet, soft toothbrush to scrub, paying close attention to crevices. Rinse.
#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.
The trick is to soak a cotton cloth, for example a dish cloth, with vinegar or lemon juice and water, and wrap this around the tap. Leave the vinegar-water mixture to work for a while – or, in the case of extremely stubborn scale, leave it overnight.
A good brushed nickel cleaner, such as a mild dish washing liquid and warm water, will be gentle and effective, and does not contain abrasives or harsh chemicals. For regular cleaning, mix a few tablespoons of mild dish soap and water, then apply it to the faucet with a soft toothbrush or edge of a terrycloth towel.
If CLR Grease & Oil Remover is left on a surface for too long it begins to dry and can be very difficult to remove.
Directions for Cleaning Brushed Nickel Faucets:
Add 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner to 1 cup of water in an empty spray bottle. Apply. Spray the solution onto the brushed nickel surface and let it sit for a minute or so.
A: Weimans Stainless Steel Cleaner is the only thing that will take the water spots off of my brushed nickel fixtures.
Combat limescale with a vinegar solution.
Wipe down the surface using gentle circular strokes. Don't lay the cloth on the surface. Even diluted vinegar can ruin a brushed nickel surface from too much exposure. Use a clean dry cloth to dry the surface, moving in gentle circular strokes.
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.
The primary difference between satin nickel and brushed nickel is the texture. Satin nickel is slightly smoother and glossier while brushed nickel is recognizable for its slightly rougher feel and appearance. The contrast is subtle, but significant enough to suit different home aesthetics.
*White vinegar is usually sufficient to remove the calcium buildup, but if you plan to use store-bought cleaners with these instructions, be sure to wear rubber gloves and avoid breathing the fumes as you clean.
Fill a plastic bag with half water and half vinegar, ensuring there is enough liquid to submerge the faucet head. Put the liquid-filled bag over the faucet head and secure it with a rubber band. Let stand for 30 minutes to one hour. For more sensitive fixture finishes, do not surpass 30 minutes.
Apply directly to the stain with a brush, cloth or sponge. After 2 minutes rinse promptly with cold water. Never leave Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover on an area for longer than two minutes. If the stain does not disappear, repeat this process and add more Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover solution as necessary.
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.
The Brilliant Bath can be used on faucets made of chrome or stainless steel and should not be used on any other finishes including, but not limited to bronze, oil rubbed bronze, nickel, brushed nickel, brass or copper.
For those stubborn spots that occasionally pop up, a simple solution of equal parts water and white vinegar usually does the trick. Apply it with a soft cloth, gently rubbing the affected areas, then rinse thoroughly with water and dry. This method keeps your tapware spot-free and shining brightly.
Get a new sheet of very fine sandpaper, glue it to something flat (glass, steel plate) attach a guiding rail to one side (clamp a piece of wood on the sandpaper) and carefully slide the top over the sandpaper along the guide rail, in one direction, making sure the object does not change orientation.
The benefits of the matte finish of brushed nickel mean it's easy to keep clean. Not only does it hide fingerprints well, but it also offers a soft, warm tone.
Cleaning and Care
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.