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Remodeling Cleaning Tips Bathrooms

Which bathroom sink fixtures are the easiest to keep clean?

2 years ago

A pet peeve of mine is buildup around the base of sink fixtures. It is often difficult to clean around the fixtures and often you can spend loads of time cleaning them only for the buildup to return again in a few days. We’re embarking on a large home reno/addition later this year and I wanted to know which fixtures are easiest to keep clean.

Featured Answer

Nancy in Mich

2 years ago

Fixtures that supply you with soft water because you bought a water softener will provide the least residue build up.

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Comments (12)

Rachel Lee
2 years ago
Look for simple fixtures- no ridges at the bottom of the faucet and handles. Choose a sink that allows the fixtures to be installed on it, vs on the countertop. Make sure there is space behind the fixtures to get your hand in there to clean.
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And one point that the plumber/designers rarely address -- have enough space to each side and behind the unit for you to be able to get your hand in for cleaning! I have the little brush for the 1/2" space behind the bathroom faucet, and even so, it's a real pain to keep that area clean. I prefer the looks of chrome. I clean with 50/50 vinegar which prevents the build-up of hardwater/calcium deposits. Using an alcohol/water solution is also sanitary and leaves a lovely shine, but I don't think it does quite as well to prevent the scum. I also prefer the single-handle units as being easier to use and to clean, but not the ones with the cute "glass" knob-handle -- which is usually plastic, not glass, and seem to eventually get scum underneath (which will mildew and look awful). Voice of experience speaking there! I suspect it doesn't really matter what material or type you get as long as you swish it at least once a day to keep it clean, so get what appeals most to you.
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dchall_san_antonio
2 years ago
Can you post a picture of the fixture with the buildup? I'm not sure I know what you're talking about.
0
s_sabine
Original Author
2 years ago
Not sure if this captures it (I cleaned them last week). But I’ve noticed around the edges of the fixtures it gets grimy. And I can’t really reach the back to clean effectively. The tips about soft water and simple faucets with no ridges is already so helpful but appreciate any other thoughts.
0
Rachel Lee
2 years ago
I still get that buildup - hard water. A little Bar Keepers Friend cleans it right up. Other than that, you probably are looking at a water softener system.
dchall_san_antonio
2 years ago
You say fixtures. I say faucets. That's what I didn't understand, so thanks for the pics.

I would mix white vinegar and dish soap, 1:1 ratio, and apply with a Q-Tip or tooth brush. Let it sit for 15 minutes and see what wipes off. Of course that doesn't prevent it like a water softener would.

Your pictures worry me a little. We're using black faucets in our remodeled BR, so I don't like seeing the spots on your bronze faucets. We've always had chrome faucets which are much harder to see spots on.
ci_lantro
2 years ago
Get a streamlined single handle faucet with no escutcheon plate that mounts in a single hole lavatory. Lots less to clean around vs the wide set separate handle style shown in your photos.

I'm super impressed with Moen's Spot Resist Stainless Steel finish. Bought an inexpensive Moen Adler kitchen faucet with that finish. Really is spot resistant--and I have unsoftened moderately hard water.
Rory (Zone 6b)
2 years ago
Wall-mounted might be easier to keep clean but more expensive to install.
krissie55
2 years ago
I use Limeway and old toothbrush to clean lime deposits from around base of faucets.
scottie mom
2 years ago
Wall mount faucet! Kohler Falling Water is a great example, if ir’s still available.
socks
2 years ago
Dry sink area around fixtures after use will help.
0
andyran
last year
last modified: last year
Use a cheap paint brush (not foam ones) to clean behind and around faucets

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