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Cleaning handles & taps without ruining them!

April 7, 2020 Leave a Comment

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Priyanka Rao from luxury hardware boutique Spark & Burnish, shares how to clean your cabinet handles (with most of this advice also applying to your taps) so they’re safe and clean but also looking their best and keeping their sparkle!

Youโ€™re at home, reading or watching the news and likely cleaning everything to ensure no virus remains in your home. Regular sanitising of hard surfaces such as your cabinet handles and door knobs could go a long way in preventing the spread.

But if youโ€™ve bought high quality hardware, there are special treatments required to ensure these last beyond this crisis. In general, we would not recommend using any harsh solvents or abrasive cleaners as this could affect the protective coatings such as plating, powdercoating, wax and lacquer.ย For most of these finishes a damp microfibre soft cloth and very mild dishwashing detergent is all that is recommended, taking care that nothing contains bleach.

Hereโ€™s our guide through all the finishes that we hope will assist you:

SOLID COPPER, BRASS AND BRONZE

Deco Pull

These finishes are antimicrobial by nature and will disinfect themselves in four hours so we highly recommend these finishes if youโ€™re in the middle of making selections and are immuno-compromised. A recent US Government funded studyย found that the COVID-19 virus can survive up to three days on steel and plastic, 24 hours on cardboard and four hours on copper.

Copper and its alloys brass and bronze, are susceptible to tarnishing when they are not lacquered, known commonly as a ‘living finish’. To work out if it’s solid brass, put a magnet next to your handle. If it sticks then it is not solid brass.

There are a few options for cleaning โ€˜unlacqueredโ€™ products (this will apply to your tapware too):

  • Create a paste from equal parts of flour, white distilled vinegar and salt. Gently rub the paste onto your handles and allow it to remain for a few minutes before buffing the paste off with a soft cloth.
  • Take a ripened lemon, cut in half and coat the exposed inside pulp with salt. Rub the coated surface upon your brass or copper to scrub away dirt, bacteria and tarnish, then follow up with a cotton cloth to remove any residue.

After cleaning your unlacquered handles, you can protect them from future tarnishing by rubbing a thin layer of olive, lemon, linseed, or mineral oil over them. Just dab a clean cloth or paper towel in an oil of your choice, then rub it along the surface of the brass handles.

For ‘lacquered’ or ‘polished’ finishes we would recommend to remove surface dust with a soft cloth then use a very mild solution of soapy water. Once clean, dry with a soft cloth. A light coating of natural wax done monthly will then give them an extra bit of protection.

Never use commercial or harsh cleaners on this finish as this will damage them.

ELECTROPLATED IRON, STEEL OR ZINC

These should only be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft microfibre cloth. Rough polishing or using abrasives is likely to remove the brass plating and damage your hardware.

BLACKENED STEEL

Peek Sliding Door Pull

Blackened steel is a stunning finish beloved by architects such as Tom Kundig whose hardware collection we represent. Where it comes to cleaning, special care must be taken.

While our blackened steel products are sealed with oil and wax, over time they become less moisture resistant. This is another โ€˜living finishโ€™ so will develop its own character over time and patina with use.

In your regular cleaning we would recommend wiping with a slightly damp soft cloth and buffing immediately with a dry cloth. It’s critical you donโ€™t use any household cleansers with bleach or ammonia. You can use very diluted โ€˜Dawnโ€™ dishwashing liquid if you like and ensure a regular routine of waxing your handles with โ€˜Carnaubaโ€™ paste wax.

If the surface starts rusting, we recommend rubbing the affected area lightly with very fine Scotch Brite, and re-sealing with a lightly buffed coating of carnauba paste wax.

STAINLESS STEEL

L Bar by Buster and Punch

With stainless steel, we recommend a soapy damp soft cloth with cold water and then a second rinse with clean cold water. Be careful with household cleaning products and abrasive steel wool as these damage the surfaces, especially anything containing chlorine bleach or chloride.
If there is any residue or gunk we recommend a mix of olive oil and vinegar till everything is shiny again. Another option is soda or WD40 for cleaning any dirt out.

PLASTIC

Ocean Plastic Knob

We have a collection made from ocean plastic and often get asked how best to clean. Most general purpose cleaners can be used however be careful with strong solvents. Just spray a bit onto the surface, let it soak for a minute and then dry and polish with a clean cloth.

POWDERCOATED FINISHES
A damp cloth and mild detergent is all that is required. The finishes may chip with rough handling so take care.

We hope this assists you maintain your hardware and keep your home or office as hygienic as possible. Of course washing your hands is also recommended.ย For any further questions please feel free to contact us.ย 

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Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into tiled steps ๐Ÿค•

Oh what a night. Thankfully Hornsby Hospital were as amazing as always and we avoided stitches. All taped and glued  back together and now to keep him calm for the next few days (๐Ÿคช) and watch for signs of concussion. 

Bravest little patient ever. Yes I've had a ๐Ÿท

Funny how we go into super organised mama mode in times like these. Grabbed dinosaurs, textas and scrapbook on the way out in case we had a long wait!
Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

The new @studio.xox ONLY sells Australian brands. Like @nood_co coloured basins, lead-free eco brass from @faucetstrommen and @lindseywherrett's  ceramic basins made by hand in Tassie.

And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

See and read more on the blog now via link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop
#creatingbeautifulspaces #homestylingdesign
#designbywomen #homestylingtips #sydneycreatives
#homestylingsydney #interiorstyling #interiordesignsydney
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I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

๐Ÿฆ˜๐ŸจForget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

It's the first business to business trade event connecting retailers with Australian made products to champion our local makers๐Ÿ™

Apply to exhibit or find out more at their website, via their bio, now!

Are YOU buying more Australian made post covid?

#madeinaustralia #australianmade #aussiemade #aussiedesign
Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! ๐Ÿ’ง 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!๐Ÿค—

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

But I'm so pleased with this solution, I have to say! Took the plumber less than an hour to remove the sink, install the top and connect the sink back up. We didn't need to move the tap and it isn't too close to the basin.

The kids are allowed to brush their teeth and wash their hands (liquid soap ๐Ÿฅด) in here again and I can leave my hair straightener on there with gay abandon ๐Ÿ˜†

The reflective surface (which I can clean with whatever I like!๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป) brightens the room up too!

Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too ๐Ÿ˜‰

#interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #timbervanity
Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than F Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than French onion?

I think not!

Grab the recipe on the blog this morning via link in bio.
Get to know me! I haven't done one of these in YE Get to know me!

I haven't done one of these in YEARS so there's possibly thousands of you who don't know my back story. Here's a few things you may not know about me!

โœ”๏ธ I'm English ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ and I moved here (just for one year) back in 2008๐Ÿ˜† 

โœ”๏ธ I can't end the day without a bath, even if I get home really late or on a really hot day. It's a mental health thing and my happy place. ๐Ÿ› 

โœ”๏ธ Before becoming a blogger and running my own small business, I was a journalist from the age of 18. My favourite news gathering times were as a newspaper crime reporter (bit different to interiors!) ๐Ÿ““ 

โœ”๏ธ I once worked at New Scotland Yard in London ๐Ÿš” 

โœ”๏ธI had an interview at Oxford (didn't get in!) but chose not to go to uni at all after being offered a job on the local paper #universityoflife ๐Ÿ˜

โœ”๏ธ My mum died when I was 3, I have an excellent dad and one sister (younger) in the UK โค๏ธ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง 

โœ”๏ธ At school, my favourite subject was French ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท and I was head girl ๐Ÿค“๐Ÿค“

โœ”๏ธ I'm addicted to โ˜•๏ธ , long hot baths and๐Ÿ’„ (been wearing it since I was about 14!)

โœ”๏ธ I'm not a phonecall person and will never ever pick up an unknown number. Ever. They can leave a message ๐Ÿ˜

โœ”๏ธ My favourite cuisine is Japanese ๐Ÿฃ ๐Ÿœ and Damian and I honeymooned in Tokyo and Venice 

โœ”๏ธ I have zero design qualifications. I just started blogging about my passion, which is trying to persuade everyone to #heartyourhome That was 11 years ago...

โœ”๏ธ My favourite tipple is a good GnT or๐Ÿท 

โœ”๏ธ Cheesy as it sounds, ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธbeing a mum is my absolute biggest joy in life ๐Ÿง’๐Ÿ‘ฆ

โœ”๏ธ I will never give up my old school paper diary! Has to be A5 and week to view ๐Ÿ“– 

โœ”๏ธ My official surname isn't Bishop. I kept my maiden name for work after I got married but changed it for everything else. Often confuse myself!

โœ”๏ธ I didn't get my Ps until I was 37 and I'm still a terrible parker ๐Ÿ˜ฏ ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ

Hope you feel like you know me a bit better ๐Ÿ˜˜

๐Ÿ“ธ @vanlowvanlow
Blue, green or lilac? ๐ŸŽจ @nood_co coloured con Blue, green or lilac? ๐ŸŽจ 

@nood_co coloured concrete basins is a great Aussie business success story. Although co founder Matt Di Costa first found fame as one half of Matt and Kim on The Block, he hasn't relied on this to build his brand.

โ€œWe are very honoured to have been a part ofย The Block, and all they have done for us. I am, however, a believer in letting the product take centre stage,โ€ he says.

Read our interview with Matt via link in bio now.

๐Ÿ™Share your favourite colour basin in the comments!

#colouredconcrete #noodco #colouredbasin #blockheads #the block #bathroomtrends2022

Pic 1 by @naibudesign_ and 2 by @twostyleinteriors
I'd love to see more colour in Aussie interiors! I'd love to see more colour in Aussie  interiors! ๐ŸŽจ 

At the end of the day though, it's a matter of personal taste. I love pops of colour but it's not for everyone. 

We couldn't resist featuring this Canadian house tour today. The amazing Kelly Green  hutch (swipe) was an upcycled $200 find ๐Ÿค—

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the rest including one of the best playrooms we've seen in ages!

Project by @in.house.design
๐Ÿ“ธ @philcrozier
Create an unexpected city oasis with an emphasis o Create an unexpected city oasis with an emphasis on light and nature.

That was the brief for the conversion of a corner shop and a warehouse bakery into a luxury family home in Sydney's Newtown. And how about the library?!

Take the tour of this very special @annacarindesign project on the blog now, via link in bio.

Pic: @justinalexanderphoto
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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