Finish Care

CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE OF LIVING FINISHES
Many of the finishes sold by Alexander Marchant are LIVING finishes, with the exception of Chrome. These living finishes will naturally age, patina, and take on their own individual appearances as they are exposed to time, climate, environment, and handling. Unless sold as a PVD finish, it is the nature of the material to change over time.

CARE & CLEANING

The lustrous finish on your fitting, fixture, lighting, hardware or accessory should be treated with care as it is a living finish, meaning it will evolve over time. Most finishes will age gracefully and develop a unique patina depending on the climate, exposure, handling, cleaning, and waxing routine that is established.
For best results, please remember the following General Cleaning Guidelines:
• Wash surfaces gently with a soft damp cloth; use a neutral liquid soap* with water for daily cleaning.
• Rinse completely with water, dry any over spray.
• Never use an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad to clean surface. The use of abrasive cleaners, cleansers or disinfectants will alter the surface finish and void the warranty.
• Alexander Marchant recommends Dawn® dish-washing detergent and warm water in a ratio of 1 teaspoon of Dawn per gallon of warm water. Waterworks also recommends the general practice of spot testing all cleaning agents on an inconspicuous area prior to applying.
To preserve finishes as they look when new, follow our General Cleaning Guidelines and a semi-annual Wax Routine. Using a high quality clear carnauba paste wax, massage a small amount of wax and polish with a clean soft cloth. If a natural patina is desired, simply clean regularly using the General Cleaning Guidelines without waxing to allow the finish to take on its own aged look. Note that prolonged contact with certain items such as toothpaste, air freshener, cologne, shaving cream, nail polish remover, vinegar, anti-bacterial soap and wines will also alter all surface finishes and void the warranty.

Simichrome® may be used on Chrome, Nickel and Unlacquered Brass finishes only to remove the effects of age and patina, and to return a bright living finish to its original luster. Simichrome® is not an approved polish for any other finish and may not be used with unlacquered brass plated copper sinks. Use of Simichrome on any other finish may damage the finish and void the warranty. If a finish is described as “Antique” or “Burnished”, it has been aged from the factory, creating a patina that normally takes months or years to achieve. This patina will continue to develop and change with handling and exposure unless the Wax Routine is followed. Iron and Guilded Iron are cared for with a simple cleaning and wiping of the surface with a dry cloth. No cleaning agents should be used on these finishes.

LEATHER
Leather will patinate with use and as it ages. For general dirt, dust, and food, please wipe with a damp cloth, mild soap solution (1 part soap to 12 parts water), wipe off excess water and allow to dry naturally. Never clean leather with abrasives or solvents.

CARE OF GENERAL FIXTURES

ACRYLIC AND COMPOSITE BATHTUBS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR, CAST IRON WITH ENAMEL INTERIOR
In addition to the general cleaning guidelines, a non abrasive basin tub and tile cleaner can be utilized for regular cleaning and disinfecting.

BURNISHED BATH TUB EXTERIOR
General cleaning guidelines are recommended for this exterior finish. For our Burnished tubs, it is also important to ensure the interior enamel surface and the exterior surface do not get chipped or scratched; this can result in the rusting of the cast iron and will void the warranty. If the tub will be stored for more than 30 days, it is recommended that the tub be stored in dry, ventilated conditions in temperatures not exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

COPPER INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
Copper will patina with exposure to climate and use. The general cleaning guidelines are recommended, as well as the semi-annual wax routine, to keep this finish close to its original luster.
CORIAN®
In addition to the general cleaning guidelines, ammonia-based cleaners or commercially available solid surface cleaners will remove most dirt and residue from Corian® surfaces. Stubborn residue will require a slightly stronger cleaner. Follow the recommendations at www.corian.com to properly clean your Corian® vanity top or washbasin.MARBLE FIXTURES/STONE COUNTERTOPS
All marble should be sealed with Miracle Sealants 511 Porous Plus after installation and periodically as needed. Clean the surface with a nonabrasive, mild and PH neutral cleaner such as Miracle Sealants Tile and Stone Cleaner. Do not use bleach or acidic cleaners, ammonia, abrasive or soft paste cleaners, vinegar, alcohol, window cleaner or lemon juice. In addition, do not use abrasive cleaning pads, steel wool, metal brushes or scouring pads. Wipe up any remaining water off the deck of counter after use as over time water may leave behind mineral deposits. When installing drains and fittings, use 100% silicone or marble safe plumbers’ putty; use of incorrect putty may result in stained marble and void the warranty. For a thorough understanding on specific care and cleaning options, please refer to the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) at www.tileusa.com and the MIA (Marble Institute of America) at www.marble-institute.com. Please visit www.miraclesealants.com for Miracle Sealants product information.

STAINLESS STEEL
Only the general cleaning guidelines are recommended for this finish. In addition, clean stainless steel once a week with a stainless steel cleaner.
Always apply stainless steel cleaner with a nonabrasive cloth, working with, not across the grain.

VITREOUS CHINA AND FIRECLAY
The general cleaning guidelines are recommended.

CARE OF SURFACES

CERAMIC, GLASS, STONE , CONCRETE, PORCELAIN AND TERRACOTTA

Grout joints should be sealed with Miracle Sealants 511 Porous Plus after installation and periodically as needed. It is recommended that all stone, concrete Concourse Collection, sanded glass, terracotta and glazed ceramic should be sealed before and after installation. Non-sanded glass, concrete Promenade collection (Promenade is shipped presealed) and porcelain does not require sealing (grout joints do require sealing). Clean the surface with a non-abrasive, mild and PH neutral cleaner such as Miracle Sealants Tile and Stone Cleaner. Do not use bleach or acidic cleaners, ammonia, abrasive or soft paste cleaners, vinegar, alcohol, window cleaner or lemon juice. In addition, do not use abrasive cleaning pads, steel wool, metal brushes or scouring pads. For marble or stone counter tops, wipe up any remaining water off the deck of counter after use. Over time water can leave behind mineral deposits. When installing drains and fittings use 100% silicone or marble safe plumbers putty; use of incorrect putty may result in stained marble and void the warranty. For a thorough understanding on specific care and cleaning options, please refer to the TCNA (Tile Council of
North America) at www.tileusa.com and the MIA (Marble Institute of America) at www.marble-institute.com. Please visit www.miraclesealants.com for Miracle Sealants product information.

MARBLE
All marble should be sealed with Miracle Sealants 511 Porous Plus after installation and periodically as needed. Clean the surface with a non abrasive, mild and PH neutral cleanser such as Miracle Sealant’s Tile and Stone Cleaner. Do not use bleach, acidic cleaners, ammonia, abrasive or soft paste cleaners, vinegar, alcohol, window cleaners or lemon juice. In addition, do not use abrasive cleaning pads, steel wool, metal brushes or scouring pads. For marble or stone counter tops, wipe up any remaining water off the deck of counter after use. Over time water can leave behind mineral deposits. When installing drains and fittings on marble counter tops only use 100% silicone or marble safe plumbers putty. The use of incorrect putty will result in stained marble and void the warranty. For a thorough understanding on specific care and cleaning options, please refer to the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) at www.tileusa.com and the MIA (Marble Institute of America) at www.marbleinstitute.com. For more detailed Miracle Sealants product information visit www.miraclesealants.com.

WOOD FINISH
All wood furniture surfaces should be maintained with a soft damp cloth. Test cleaners in a discreet location first to ensure that there is no adverse reaction.
It is recommended that Bona® Cleaning Products are used for regular care and maintenance of wood products. Microfiber dusting is recommended for daily care. Avoid water and vinegar, soap based cleaners and wax that can dull the finish and leave a residue. Avoid use of steam cleaners and use care with wet mops and vacuums on floor applications.

CARE OF FURNISHINGS
Do not expose wood furniture to direct sunlight, drying heat sources or dampness. Dust frequently with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain. Use only products specifically made for cleaning wood. Avoid using oily polishes or waxes, or products containing silicone.