How to Clean Black Bathroom Taps
If you take a look at the top home interior Instagram accounts, you'll see black bathroom taps and brassware.
Black taps have been a hot trend in bathrooms over the past year. They are now a must-have for trendy bathrooms.
It's not enough to have a stylish bathroom that is loved by thousands on social media. You need to keep your brand new matt black taps, fittings and faucets clean.
While you could continue to do the same, matt-black basin taps and baths require a different cleaning approach than those with metallic finishes.
A single mistake with a strong chemical cleaning product could lead to the loss of that matt black finish, and possibly the demise of your gorgeous bathroom space.
You won't have to worry about it! Here are some tips to help you clean your black bathroom taps so you can keep the stylish dark noir look that you always wanted.
Why are Cleaning Black Taps Different?
As you can see, matt-black taps have a different finish than standard bathroom tap designs. And we don't mean the colour.
Contrary to chrome taps, matt-black taps are made to look 'total black' and absorb light rather than reflect it. This gives them the matt black appearance.
Because black taps have a matte finish, the processes that give them this look are a little more sensitive to basic brassware. So it is not always advisable to just go with the first cleaner you find.
There are many ways to achieve that matt black finish. Most manufacturers employ either an electroplating process, or something called PVD.
Other ranges come with painted coatings which are just as durable and can be mixed to achieve a sophisticated dark finish.
Electroplating
Electroplating can be a very scientific way to get the black on the surface of brassware and taps.
It involves the manipulation of a water-based solution to paint, at the atomic levels. The current of electricity then transforms it into super-thin black coating.
This creates a durable finish which can withstand daily wear and tear. However you should still be careful when cleaning.
PVD - Physical Vapour Deposition
PVD is somewhat like using a vacuum forming machine at school. It involves using a vacuum in order to add a thin-film layer to the metal.
The vacuuming method is claimed to be more efficient than electroplating. It will also create a more durable matt black finish. Therefore, it is becoming more popular.
Beating back Black Tap Wear & Tear
While both finishes enhance the quality and look of black taps, they can be damaged by harsh disinfectants or chemical cleaners.
You should take the time and learn how to maintain your black taps once they are done.
How Do You Clean Matt Black Taps?
Even though you might be afraid of causing harm if you do not clean your black taps correctly, cleaning brassware and black taps is easy.
A few things to keep in mind before you start.
These aren't the right things to do when you clean black bathroom taps.
- Scourers and anything abrasive and scratchy
- Chemical-based cleaners
- Bleach
- Polish or wax
- Anything acidic such as homemade lemon spray
These dark taps are your pride & joy!
They are stylish and delicate, but they are not a stainless-steel saucepan.
Can Black Taps Be Scratched?
You can. Similar to your car, you shouldn't run sharp objects along the sides and across the tops of your designer taps to see how it scratches.
Although you wouldn't, rings can be problematic with matte black taps. This is something that most people forget to do.
To avoid removing your rings completely, you can be a little more careful and not scratch the tap.
What is O-Ring Stains?
It is common for your black tap to become stained after a period of time.
This grease lies between the bottom of your tap and the tops of your basin/bathtub.
It is possible to clean the grease off the tap with some warm soapy waters.
However, be careful.
If you are concerned that the cleaner might be too strong, contact the manufacturer or drop us an email.
Careful when Installing
Most damage to brassware or taps occurs during the construction and renovation phases - basically, when you put it in.
Check your new black taps right away.
Make sure you and the tradesperson installing the tap take special care. After all, these are costly bath ware pieces that you want to keep clean!
Can Hard Water Make a Difference to Black Taps?
It is possible because limescale is produced more by hard water.
Limescale is a chalky, white colour that will stand out against any black brassware. However, it's important to maintain its finish.
Limescale can be kept away by regular cleaning. Don't let yourself get lazy!
Take Extra Care With Makeup
You can be pretty certain that any makeup that you apply in the bathroom will end-up on your black taps.
These dusty particles can cause black faucets to appear cloudy after being wiped away. To eliminate this, it is a good idea keep a microfiber cloth nearby.
What about Cleaning Other Black Brassware?
Naturally, if your bathroom has black taps, or an en-suite with black taps, there's a good chance you'll have a dark shower head, black shower head, and other accessories.
Should you use the same cleaning techniques for these?
If you want them to maintain their good looks, then yes.
Your luxury black bathroom will last a lot longer if you treat it with the same care that your taps.
How will you use Black?
Although black taps and brassware might require more attention than others, we don’t want this to discourage you.
You'll love your matt-black taps for years if you keep it simple.
