If you’ve chosen a special finish, such as brushed brass, brushed bronze or matt black, the right care will help keep your taps, showers, sinks and accessories looking as good as the day they were fitted.
Different materials and finishes need slightly different treatment, so this guide explains how popular finishes are created, their key properties and the best ways to clean and care for them without causing damage.
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Cleaning special finishes
Whatever the finish, avoid steel wool, abrasive brushes, scouring pads and toothbrushes, as these can scratch or damage the surface. You should also stay away from harsh spray cleaners, bleach, rust removers and vinegar, particularly on special finishes.
For everyday cleaning, use warm water, mild soap and a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse the surface thoroughly and dry it afterwards to help prevent water marks, soap residue and limescale build-up.
For a tougher clean, a solution of 75% lemon juice and 25% water may help remove limescale. On special finishes, apply it with a soft cloth, leave it for no more than a couple of minutes and rinse thoroughly. Acidic solutions may not be suitable for every coating, so check the product’s care instructions before use.
It’s important to remember that two products can have the same colour but different coatings. A brushed brass tap, for example, could have a PVD, electroplated or lacquered finish, while another may be made from unlacquered brass. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning your product.
| Finish | Everyday cleaning | What to avoid |
| Brushed brass | Warm soapy water and a soft cloth | Abrasives, vinegar, bleach and harsh spray cleaners |
| Matt black | Warm soapy water followed by a dry cloth | Abrasives, vinegar, baking soda, bleach and harsh spray cleaners |
| Chrome | Warm water and a soft cloth | Abrasives, bleach, rust removers and harsh spray cleaners |
| Stainless steel | Warm soapy water and a soft sponge | Steel wool, bleach, acids, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda |
| Unlacquered brass | Mild soap and a soft cloth, if required | Metal polish if you want to retain the patina |
How are special finishes created?
Special finishes can be applied in several ways. PVD, electroplating and powder coating are three of the most common methods used to create the colours and surfaces found on taps, showers and bathroom accessories.
The method used can affect how durable a finish is and how it should be cleaned, so it’s worth checking the product information before choosing any cleaning products.
PVD
PVD, or physical vapour deposition, is a process used to apply a thin yet highly durable coating to a product’s surface. It can be used to create a range of colours and finishes, including brushed brass, brushed bronze and matt black.
PVD finishes offer excellent resistance to scratches, corrosion, high temperatures and everyday wear. They’re also highly resistant to fading, helping the product retain its appearance over time.
Although PVD is particularly durable, it isn’t completely maintenance-free. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools, and use mild soapy water and a soft cloth for regular cleaning.
Electroplating
Electroplating uses an electrical current to apply a thin layer of metal or coloured coating to the surface of a product. The process can improve its appearance, durability and resistance to corrosion and everyday wear.
It’s commonly used to create chrome and other decorative finishes on bathroom and kitchen taps, showers and accessories.
Electroplated finishes should be cleaned gently. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, then rinse and dry the surface thoroughly. Avoid abrasive pads and strong chemical cleaners, which may scratch or weaken the coating.
Powder coating
Powder coating involves applying a dry, free-flowing powder to a product before curing it under heat. This creates a smooth, durable outer layer and is often used to produce coloured finishes, including matt black.
Powder-coated products can withstand everyday use, but the surface may scratch or become damaged if cleaned with abrasive tools or strong chemicals. Regular gentle cleaning will help maintain the finish for longer.
How to clean PVD, electroplated and powder-coated products
For everyday care, clean the surface using warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth. Rinse away any soap residue and dry the product afterwards to reduce water marks and limescale build-up.
Don’t leave water, toothpaste, soap or cleaning products sitting on the surface for long periods. If you need to tackle stubborn marks or limescale, check the manufacturer’s guidance before using vinegar, lemon juice or a specialist cleaner, as acidic products aren’t suitable for every coating.
Brushed brass
Brushed brass brings warmth to a kitchen or bathroom and its softer sheen makes it a popular alternative to polished chrome. However, “brushed brass” describes the appearance of a product rather than one particular material or coating.
Some brushed brass products are PVD-coated or electroplated, while others may be lacquered. Unlacquered brass is different again, as it’s designed to change appearance and develop a patina over time.
How to clean brushed brass
For everyday cleaning, wipe your brushed brass taps and accessories with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse the surface to remove any traces of soap before drying it thoroughly.
Don’t use scourers, abrasive pastes, bleach or harsh chemical cleaners. You should also avoid polishing the surface unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it, as this may alter the colour or remove the protective coating.
In hard-water areas, drying the product regularly will help prevent visible water marks and limescale from building up.
For more advice, take a look at our complete guide to cleaning brushed brass.
Matt black
Matt black taps, showers and accessories can add contrast and definition to both modern and traditional interiors. The finish may be created using PVD, electroplating or powder coating, depending on the product.
Water marks, soap residue and limescale can be more noticeable on a black surface, so regular gentle cleaning is the best way to keep it looking its best.
How to clean matt black
Use warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth to clean matt black products. Rinse away any remaining soap before drying the surface carefully with a clean microfibre cloth.
Avoid abrasive sponges, scourers, toothbrushes, vinegar, baking soda, bleach, rust removers and harsh spray cleaners, as these could damage the surface.
Keeping a soft cloth close to the sink or shower makes it easier to wipe away water marks before they have time to build up.
For a more thorough guide, check out our insightful article on cleaning brushed brass.
Chrome
Chrome remains one of the most popular finishes for kitchen and bathroom products. Most chrome taps and accessories are made from a base material, such as brass, before a layer of chrome is applied using electroplating.
It has a bright, polished appearance and is relatively easy to maintain, although fingerprints, water marks and mineral deposits can show clearly on its reflective surface.
How to clean chrome
Clean chrome using warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or microfibre cloth. Rinse it thoroughly before drying and gently buffing the surface with a clean cloth to restore its shine.
Avoid steel wool, rough sponges and abrasive cleaning powders, as these can leave fine scratches. Acidic or chemical limescale removers should only be used if the manufacturer confirms they’re suitable for the product.
Chrome itself doesn’t rust, but scratches or damage to the plating can expose the material beneath, so gentle cleaning is important.
Meet our chrome tap bestsellers
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a durable, corrosion-resistant material commonly used for kitchen sinks, taps and bathroom accessories. It’s relatively low-maintenance, but regular care will help prevent water marks, soap residue and discolouration from building up.
How to clean stainless steel
For regular stainless steel cleaning, use warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. If the surface has a visible grain, wipe in the same direction rather than across it to avoid dulling or scratching the finish.
Rinse the surface thoroughly and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots and maintain its natural shine. For a deeper clean, use a specialist product that’s suitable for the type of stainless-steel product you’re cleaning and follow the instructions carefully.
What to avoid
Avoid steel wool, abrasive brushes and scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface and leave behind particles that may rust. You should also stay away from bleach, vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and harsh cleaners containing hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, as these can leave marks or damage the finish.
Don’t leave wet sponges or cleaning pads sitting on stainless steel for long periods, as trapped water may cause staining or discolouration.
If you’re caring for a stainless-steel sink, avoid using it as a chopping board or placing hot cookware directly onto the surface. Choose washing-up bowls and drainers with a soft or rubber base, as grit can collect underneath hard plastic and scratch the sink.
Unlacquered brass
Unlike coated brass finishes, unlacquered brass doesn’t have a protective outer layer. It’s often described as a “living finish” because it reacts naturally with air, moisture and everyday use.
Over time, the surface will darken and develop a patina, giving each product its own individual appearance. This gradual change is part of the character of unlacquered brass rather than a product fault.
How to clean unlacquered brass
If you want to preserve its naturally aged appearance, keep cleaning simple. Use mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth to remove everyday dirt and marks, then rinse and dry the surface.
Avoid metal polish if you want to retain the patina, as polishing will remove some of the aged appearance and restore a brighter finish.
If you prefer polished brass, check the manufacturer’s guidance before using any specialist product. Bear in mind that the patina will begin to develop again because the brass remains exposed to the elements.
Special finish cleaning FAQs
Can I use vinegar on taps?
Vinegar is acidic and can damage plated, lacquered or coated finishes, so it shouldn’t be used on special finish taps. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth for regular cleaning instead.
Can I use lemon juice on special finish taps?
A solution of 75% lemon juice and 25% water can be used for tougher limescale deposits where the product’s care instructions allow it. Apply it with a soft cloth, leave it for no more than a couple of minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry. As acidic solutions aren’t suitable for every coating, always check the care guidance for your tap first.
How do I remove limescale from a matt black tap?
Start with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. For more stubborn limescale, you may be able to use a solution of 75% lemon juice and 25% water. Don’t leave it on the surface for more than a couple of minutes and rinse it away thoroughly. Check the product’s care instructions first and never scrape the limescale or use an abrasive pad.
Can I use bleach or bicarbonate of soda on stainless steel?
Avoid bleach and bicarbonate of soda, as these can mark or damage stainless steel. You should also stay away from vinegar and harsh cleaners containing hydrochloric or sulphuric acid. Warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge are suitable for everyday cleaning.
Why is my brushed brass tap changing colour?
This depends on how the finish was created. Unlacquered brass naturally changes colour as it develops a patina, while a coated brushed brass finish should retain a more consistent appearance. Check the product information if you’re unsure which type you have.
Can special finishes fade?
Special finishes are designed to withstand everyday use, but abrasive tools, unsuitable cleaning products and harsh chemicals can damage or discolour the surface over time. Following the product’s care instructions will help protect the finish.
How often should I clean my taps?
Regular light cleaning is better than allowing soap residue, water marks and limescale to build up. Wipe your taps frequently with a soft cloth and dry them after use where possible, particularly if you live in a hard-water area.
A little regular care goes a long way with special finishes. Keep cleaning simple, dry surfaces after use where possible and always check the manufacturer’s instructions before trying a new product.
If you’re still deciding which material or finish is right for your kitchen, take a look at our guide to choosing the best material for your kitchen sink.
Check out the Tap Warehouse product care hub for more care guides.
