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.
How can I clean spots on a tarnished, brushed nickel mirror frame? Use a soft cloth, wet or dry, and some elbow grease. If that doesn't work, use a 50/50 vinegar and water mixture. Wipe down the frame with the solution using cotton wool or a toothbrush.
Directions for Cleaning Brushed Nickel Faucets:
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. Scrub.
Prolonged exposure to vinegar will damage chrome finishes by eating the finish right off of your fixtures.
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.
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®: 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).
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.”
For hard water, soap scum, or grease build up that didn't come away with water alone, fill a small bowl or bucket with water, adding in just a few drops of regular, liquid dish soap. Gently wipe the problem areas down with the soapy water, and let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes.
Cleaning the knives with vinegar can damage the finish on knives and leave the edge pitted, warns Jim Nanni, head of appliance testing for CR. Other common metals in the kitchen that you should keep away from vinegar include aluminum and copper.
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.
Because it's acidic, prolonged exposure to vinegar can damage the finish of chrome, brass, or nickel showerheads. Don't soak these finishes in vinegar for longer than recommended. What does calcium buildup on a shower head look like? Calcium buildup on a shower head will look like a white, crusty substance.
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.
Do not use straight vinegar. It is often too abrasive to expose to thin nickel coatings for extended periods. Nickel plating is easily damaged by acid, so vinegar cleaning should be done sparingly on stubborn stains.
If you're looking for an easy, cost-effective way to remove nickel plating from metals, vinegar is the answer! Vinegar is a reliable and non-toxic solution that can remove nickel plating from metal surfaces.
Nickel maintenance and care tips
Don't use chemical products: Anything too harsh could simply strip the nickel plating off your items. Don't over soak: As per advice above, soaking items in neat vinegar or ammonia, or leaving them longer than 30 minutes could actually cause more damaged than good.
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.
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.
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.
Don't use Vinegar or anything containing it or similarly acidic / basic on Nickel plate. Hot Soapy water first followed by metal polish if needed. Some metal polishes are abrasive so toothpaste may be of some help.
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.
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).
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.
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.