How Do You Clean Matte Black Bathroom Fixtures?

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Matte Black Bathroom Fixtures

1. Gather the right tools. For each room, you’ll need two clean, soft, absorbent washcloths that have not been washed with fabric softener. Alternatively, you can use a synthetic sponge, but be sure it is very clean as sponges can trap small bits of dried toothpaste and other abrasive substances. Why stay away from fabric softener? Fabric softener stays behind on fabrics and will leave streaks when it deposits the softener onto the fixture. You’ll also need two new or very clean spray bottles. Wearing rubber gloves isn’t necessary as you won’t be using any chemicals. Don’t use dirty cloths, natural sponges or any type of brush.
2. Choose the right cleaning solvent. The very best choice is distilled water and degreasing dish soap, like Dawn. Using distilled water isn’t mandatory, but as it doesn’t contain the minerals found in most tap water, it is best for removing water spots while not creating new ones. If you have particularly difficult-to-remove buildup on your bathroom fixtures, you can also add in white vinegar. Avoid using other types of cleansers/chemicals on matte black finishes!
3. Fill one of your new spray bottles with the distilled water and then add a four-second squirt of dish soap. If needed, also add in a half cup of vinegar. The second spray bottle should be only distilled water for rinsing.
4. Remove towels from towel bars and toilet paper rolls from their holders. Spray the fixture, then wipe, don’t rub. Remember, you’re not releasing a genie. Press firmly and wipe around the base of the faucet, then up the front end of the spout and then up the back of the spout. For toilet roll holders and towel rings, wipe around the base of the holder, then cup your hand around the cloth and with one motion, wipe from the base to the end of the toilet roll. The same technique is also applied when cleaning towel bars. When your cloth gathers any gunk at all, grab a clean one or rinse it out very thoroughly. Let the solution sit on the fixture for a minute or two if you encounter build-up, especially on matte black showerheads.
5. Finish it up with a rinse. Spray the matte black fixture with your second bottle of only distilled water once or twice, then wipe with your second clean cloth. Remember which cloth does the washing and which does the rinsing.
6. Congratulations! Your matte black bathroom fixtures are now not only clean, but undamaged. Follow this guide to keep them looking gorgeous for decades to come.

Using a Steam Cleaner to Clean Matte Black Fixtures

Pro tip from Pioneer: consider using a steam cleaner, for the quickest and best results! This requires a modest up-front investment, but is well worth it. Steam cleaners can be purchased at home improvement stores and range in price from $30 for a simple handheld steam cleaner to $700+ for commercial-quality steam cleaner with attachments for cleaning hard flooring. Steam loosens soap scum and hairspray from matte black fixtures and sanitizes the surface at the same time. If you decide to use a steam cleaner, here are the steps.

1. If your steam cleaner has attachments, choose one with a pointed wand. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Follow the instructions included with the particular steam cleaner you have to fill it and power it up. Then, point and shoot! Be sure to thoroughly cover the fixture with steam from a couple of inches away.
2. Wipe the fixture as mentioned above in step 4 above. Done!

 Matte Black Finish for the Bathroom and Kitchen

Pioneer has a large collection of faucets and other fixtures in our signature high-quality, stylish matte black finish. They’re all designed to be easy to install, easy to clean and built to last.

• Matte black bathroom faucets
• Matte black kitchen faucets
• Matte black tub and shower sets
• Matte black bathroom accessories (toilet roll holders, towel bars, and towel rings)

Reach out for more information, inspiration and solutions by visiting our website or calling (800) 338-9468.