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.
Clean with vinegar: Cleaning with vinegar is an effective way to lift grease. Either soak a clean soft cloth and wring out any excess before rubbing the tarnished areas, or make a warm water and vinegar solution to soak larger items in for 30 minutes or so before thoroughly rinsing.
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.
To keep your Polished Nickel fittings looking shiny we recommend polishing with a proprietary brand of silver polish (we use Autosol or Silvo which are generally available from local DIY stores).
Pour your coins into one bowl and fill with cold water until the money is well covered. In the other bowl, pour about 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Dip the toothbrush into the bowl of baking soda and scrub the coins. The baking soda should remove any dirt and grime and won't scratch the metal.
Brushed nickel kitchen faucet
Just a little Bar Keeper's friend on a damp cloth will polish the kitchen faucet and accessories very well.
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.
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).
Easier To Clean
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.
Prolonged exposure to vinegar will damage chrome finishes by eating the finish right off of your fixtures.
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.
They specifically state 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).
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.
Avoid using any harsh cleaners or abrasive pads that can scratch the finish of your polished nickel. You can use glass cleaner as long as you do not allow the cleaners to soak on the polished nickel.
Don't use steel wool or scratch-pad sponges on brushed nickel. Don't use bleach, oven cleaner, rust cleaner or toilet cleaner on your brushed nickel. Avoid harsh chemicals.
On a bathroom faucet, besides cleaner residue, you also have to worry about spatter from toothpaste, acne medicine and mouthwash. These often contain ingredients such as baking soda, peroxide, sodium fluoride or phosphates, which can damage faucet finishes when they are left in contact with the metal for long periods.
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.
Scrubbing Bubbles can cause discoloration to some plastics, so while it can be used on the exterior of the toilet and the seat, you're better off sticking with the Windex Multi Surface Cleaner for those parts.
#2 Tends to tarnish faster than polished chrome
It is important to note that brushed nickel does not tarnish easily. However, when it does, brushed nickel tarnishes faster when compared to polished chrome, especially when the fixtures are not maintained.
Dampen the soft cloth in the warm soapy water and rub over the handle, going from side to side and top to bottom. Take your dry cloth and dry the handle from top to bottom to avoid any streaks. To maintain the gloss of your handle, apply a thin layer of wax or polish using another cloth.
General Cleaning Instructions
A damp cloth and mild liquid dishwashing soap may be used for a limited amount of time, followed by rinsing with water and drying with a soft cloth. Most common household cleaners (including mild abrasives) can be used, when used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions for use.
While Comet, Ajax and other household cleaners are bleach-based and alkaline, Bar Keepers Friend is an acidic cleaner. Stainless steel manufacturers and fabricators actually warn against the use of bleach or bleach-based products, as it deteriorates the integrity of stainless steel over time.
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.