What You Should Know to Maintain Your Kitchen Taps and Mixers
Your kitchen accessories need proper maintenance to ensure they last longer. Bring an added gleam to your kitchen taps and mixers with these simple tips.
Smart Cleaning
For daily polish, use plain water and a microfiber cloth. You can also use a mild or gentle cleaning solution. If you opt for something stronger, read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions carefully with regard to application time and dosage. Don’t mix different cleaning products together. Also, first test the cleaning product on an inconspicuous spot before using it to clean your sink and taps.
Clout-Free Spout
The end of a spout is a limescale magnet. Soak some cotton wool in limescale remover or vinegar, then, wrap it around your tap. You can secure it using a rubber band. Let it sit for some time before you rinse it off.
Lemon Fresh
The use of lemon cannot be overstated. Lemon juice effectively performs the cleaning duties of various cleaning agents. All you need to do is soak cotton wool in lemon juice. Then, drape it around the base where the limescale collects. Leave it for about an hour, then scrub using a brush before rinsing. If the limescale is stubborn, repeat the process. You can also use vinegar. Both vinegar and lemon are acidic, so best keep them away from marble or stone worktops.
Cleaning the Aerator
It’s also called the jet former or jet regulator. The aerator is the spray nozzles found on the spout of taps. Some aerators have an anti-limescale function. In that case, you can clean them by hand without using cleaning agents.
In case the aerator needs to be intensively cleaned, you can unscrew it then place it in a citrus-based cleaning agent for 10 minutes before thoroughly cleaning it with water. You might need to repeat the process to completely descale your aerator.
Kitchen Sink
While cleaning your taps and mixers, you shouldn’t neglect the kitchen sink’s surface. To keep it unmarked and clean, you rinse it with clean water and dry it with a towel at least once every week. This ensures that it maintains its bright shine and prevents stubborn mineral deposits from building up.
When cleaning your taps and mixers, remember:
● Aggressive cleaning solutions and vigorous cleaning methods may damage the taps and mixers.
● Do not spray your cleaning agents directly onto taps and mixers; alternatively, spray the cleaning agents on a soft piece of cloth then use it to wipe the surfaces. Once you’re done the cleaning, remember to thoroughly rinse the taps and mixers using clean water.
● Avoid using cleaning agents containing acetic acid, chlorine bleach, formic acid, or hydrochloric acid, as they can cause significant damage. Also, avoid abrasive sponges and cleaning agents.
● If the limescale deposits are properly removed, a lot of consequential damage can be avoided. Besides, limescale isn’t only problematic aesthetically, but it also impairs certain functions, for instance, the spray pattern.
Taps and Mixers Tip
If you are planning to buy new kitchen taps and mixers and your water are hard, choose a non-shiny finish like brushed nickel or brushed steel as marks won’t be easily visible. Pick a design without a lot of dirt-collecting nooks and crannies.
