Different Metals - Different Care
- , by Trudy Chuoke Trudy Chuoke
Last week I had a customer come and talk to me about their faucets. Thinking that the conversation would steer towards the workings of the faucet she quickly asked me something different. She said that her faucets showed every fingerprint, water spot and soap scum and she was having a tough time making them look good. What was frustrating to her was that these were all new faucets. She was at the stage that since they were new, she wanted them to look spotless. But unless she went and cleaned after every use the spots were had to get off. And she knew to only use gentle cleaners, but which one?
Gel-Gloss makes Faucet Brite. Faucet Brite is a faucet fixture polish. It’s exceptionally formulated polymer resin technology with carnauba, which leaves a protective finish. It will remove all fingerprints, water spots and soap spots with a quick cleaning. It further repels water and is tarnish resistant. It will extend the life and durability of your fixture. It’s the perfect cleaner for brass and chrome fixtures. I know I’m talking about faucets, but you can use Faucet Brite on towel bars, and towel rings and especially on the bars on your glass shower doors. Those bars get exposed to so much hot water and soaps. They are the first thing in your shower to show age. Once you polish them, they will repel water and look cleaner longer. Use Faucet Brite on the shower head and metal handles and back plate. Gel Gloss is inexpensive and easy to use.
Shake Faucet Brite well. Apply to a dry surface with a soft dry cloth. Rub vigorously onto the fixture, especially soiled or water spotted areas. Allow the fixture surface to dry throughout. Remove haze with a soft cloth. A soft bristle brush may be used to remove residue and polish from intricate design patterns.
But what if you have oil rubbed bronze fixtures, can you use the same product? The answer is no. Oil Rubbed Bronze is a softer metal, so you need to use a Flitz product called Faucet Wax+. It’s made of Carnauba and Beeswax. With both of those waxes it not only cleans but seals, polishes, and protects. And it’s great for most finishes, however it’s more expensive so only use it on the more delicate metal finishes. Apply it just like Gel Gloss, let it dry to a haze and then buff with a soft cloth.
Do you have a question about any surface in the bath, well give me a call at the store 210-341-1573 and we can solve the problem.
Now to the email….
Question: I have a film that is all over my tile in the shower. It looks like a water stain, but I can’t seem to remove it. What do you think it is?
Answer: It’s hard water stain and probably soap scum. It’s really easy to remove from ceramic tile. Just use Delete Germ – it’s on the website. I’ll send directions with the product, so you know exactly how to use it.
Question: I want a product that will clean off mildew on the outside of my home. The house is all brick and the areas that are behind foliage get stained. What is the best way (ok easy way) to clean the brick?
Answer: Use 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner. It comes in a quart, hose end product and a concentrated gallon. Get the gallon and mix it half and half with water and it will make two gallons of an excellent cleaner. It will be a maintenance thing- so you will have to clean when it gets stained again. But it’s fast and easy. Start with a dry surface, spray on 30 Seconds let work (don’t let it dry before rinsing) and then rinse. This product can be used on decks, fences, vinyl siding and concrete. It’s a great way to prep the house when you are thinking of painting.
Question: I have a chip on the side of my bathtub where the shower head fell. Well now it’s rusted where I lost the porcelain. So, I guess I better take care of this small spot before it gets any bigger. Tell me what to do.
Answer: Clean the area with a degreaser first and rinse well. Then since this is a small area, use Chip Fix and just paint over the chipped area. Do thin coats. Let dry between. And don’t use the tub until the area is cured. You won’t even notice the chip when you’re done.