Unless you’re Donna Reed, you probably dread doing housework. I don’t blame you! However, one must always have an acceptably clean home in case, you know, the president was to drop by for dinner. Read these four easy and environmentally safe ways to keep your plumbing fixtures looking brand new without causing damage or breaking the bank.
Clean Fixtures
- Chrome and Stainless Steel – Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar. Use a rubber band to submerge the fixture in the bag. Leave the bag around the fixture for at least one hour. Rinse with water and dry with soft cloth to eliminate water marks.
- Bronze and Brass – These types of fixtures do not require cleaning with anything other than water. In fact, using certain chemicals can cause abrasive ramifications. Check with the manufacturer to see what it recommends (there may have a special cleaner available for purchase). Also, if you insist on using a chemical, try testing a small unseen portion of metal first to gauge the chemical reaction.
Clean Bathtub
- Porcelain and Ceramic – A simple, homemade concoction should be able to handle most cleaning (one cup of vinegar for every one cup of water). For deeper stains, try baking soda and water.
- Acrylic and Fiberglass – Dish soap and water should be all you need for these gentle surfaces. Make sure to dry with a soft cloth to eliminate streaking and water marks.
Clean Toilet
- Exterior – A vinegar and water concoction should be used to clean the stains around the toilet.
- Seat – Dish soap and water will take care of the stains on the seat and under it.
- Bowl – Use a quarter cup of bleach to one gallon of water. This will sanitize the bowl and leave it white and clean.
Clean Sinks
- Minor stains and soap scum can be handled with the vinegar and water concoction.
- Major stains and soap scum can be cleaned with a baking soda and water mix.
- Always dry with a soft cloth to decrease the chances of water marks and stains.
Regularly maintaining and cleaning these plumbing fixtures will decrease the time needed to clean them in the future. Over the counter bathroom cleaners can do a fine job, but you should always test a small amount on any new metal or material you’re cleaning to ensure it won’t be damaged by the chemical cleaner.
Want more? Take a look at our write-up on what Hollywood teach us about plumbing.
