Keeping fixtures and fittings clean and shiny can seem like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. With some simple cleaning methods and products, you can make short work of polishing up faucets, cabinet hardware, and more.
Clean Faucets and Fixtures
Faucets and fixtures like shower heads tend to attract hard water stains, soap scum, and mineral deposits that dull their shine. Here are some tips for making them sparkle again:
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For solid surface faucets, use a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a couple drops of mild dish soap. Rinse and buff dry with a microfiber cloth. Vinegar or baking soda also helps cut through buildup.
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For brass, copper, or chrome, use a polish made for the specific metal. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub gently. Flitz Metal Polish works well for brass fixtures.
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For stainless steel, rub in the direction of the grain with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar. Rinse and dry.
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For porcelain or ceramic sinks, use a non-abrasive soft scrub cleanser and rinse well. Dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
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For shower heads, fill a plastic bag with equal parts hot water and distilled white vinegar. Place it over the shower head and secure it with a rubber band. Let sit for 30 minutes before removing buildup with an old toothbrush.
Make Cabinets Gleam
Wood and metal cabinets also get grimy and benefit from regular polishing. Here’s how to make them shine:
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Dust cabinets first before cleaning. For wood cabinets, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth and wipe in the direction of the wood grain.
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For deeper cleaning, mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water and wipe down cabinets with a soft cloth. Rinse with a damp cloth and immediately dry.
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For metal cabinets or hardware, use a metal polish and buff dry with a soft cloth. Simichrome Polish works great on chrome, steel, and brass.
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For cabinets around sinks, a non-abrasive soft scrub cleanser helps remove grime. Avoid using it on wood cabinets.
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For a simple homemade polish, mix equal parts olive oil and lemon juice. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub onto cabinet surfaces.
Clean and Protect Glass and Mirrors
Glass shower doors, mirrors, and windows are magnets for hard water stains, smudges, and grime. Here are some easy cleaning methods:
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Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray glass and use a microfiber cloth to wipe clean. This helps eliminate streaks.
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For tough hard water stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Rub gently with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.
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Newspaper is a great glass cleaning tool. The ink helps wipe away grime. Just spray with cleaning solution first.
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Rain-X Glass Cleaner helps repel future water spots and makes cleaning easier. Apply after normal cleaning.
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For mirrors, spray a small amount of ** vodka** onto a microfiber cloth and rub gently. It prevents re-streaking and fogging.
With minimal effort, you can make fixtures, cabinets, and glass gleam. Consistent cleaning also helps maintain their shine and prevent major buildup. Try mixing different eco-friendly cleaners and keep microfiber cloths on hand for easy polishing. The results will brighten up any room.
