From shiny copper to brushed brass and classic stainless steel, we all have metallic finishes in our homes. Warm hues are bang on trend at the moment, so brass and copper fixtures are a popular choice in bathrooms and kitchens. The only difficulty? Knowing how to keep all the different metals gleaming and clean.

Below, metals expert and Chairman at metals4U, Paul McFadyen offers his expert insight into looking after different fixtures and fittings.

Brass

A traditional finish that has had a real resurgence in the interior world over the last few years, brass golden tones complement almost every interior style. Brass taps, sinks, and light switch fittings are growing in popularity, but they require a bit more care to ensure they maintain their unique finish.

Paul says: “Newer kitchen and bathroom brass fixtures will often be coated with a clear finish to prevent discolouring or tarnishing. Cleaning coated brass is easy, simply wipe with a soft damp cloth. If it’s really grimy, use a mild mix of washing-up liquid and warm water. Wipe the surface clean, wipe with a clean cloth and dry thoroughly.”

“Antique brass can tarnish and needs more care when it comes to cleaning. Remove any dust with a microfibre cloth and wipe it down with a damp cloth soaked in a small amount of soapy water. Antique brass should be polished regularly with a polishing cloth to maintain shine.”

Copper

Copper fixtures have become very trendy and it’s easy to understand their appeal. Commonly incorporated in homes that opt for a more industrial feel through light fixtures and pipes, the metal has a very rich finish and helps bring a lot of warmth into a space.

Paul explains: “Copper is particularly impactful as a feature in bathrooms and kitchens  – just look at the famous copper bathtub. Copper also has antibacterial properties and doesn’t corrode in water. However, copper that has not been treated can oxidise and tarnish over time with a rich blueish green patina.”

“To clean copper, you’ll want to get your condiments out of the cupboards. Ketchup, salt, and vinegar are not just for chips, but also great ingredients for leaving your fixtures sparkling clean.”

“Create a paste by combining salt and vinegar, then use a soft sponge or cloth to buff out the metal. If you’re not using the paste, you can just use ketchup straight out of the bottle and do the same. Rinse away and dry well with a towel”

Bronze

Whilst a more traditional metal used most commonly in sculptures. Bronze is very similar aesthetically to copper and helps to add depth and warmth to home design. Bronze can start to look aged over time, so if you do not want a more antique look, it’s good practice to take good care of cleaning it.

Paul suggests: “Firstly, you will want to remove dust. If you can’t rinse your bronze under running water, use a cloth soaked in warm water to wipe the dust away. There are many ways to clean bronze, but the easiest way is by making a paste using a couple of teaspoons of baking soda mixed with lemon juice, and applying gently with a polishing cloth.”

“Rub in circular motions and let the paste sit before removing with a damp towel. Buff out the metal with a microfibre cloth to leave it looking shiny and new.

Stainless steel

Tricky stainless steel surfaces, such as fridge doors, light switches, and kitchen appliances can be susceptible to marks and fingerprints, meaning they need to be cleaned more often.

“Stainless steel is commonly found in kitchen surfaces and splashbacks as it’s hard-wearing and doesn’t rust like most other metals – when cleaning it you should be really careful not to use anything too abrasive that might damage the metal coating,” Paul says.

“I advise using baking soda mixed with water to form a paste to remove any dirt or grease, as it is non-toxic and food safe. Be sure to rinse the area well after treating, and dry it with a microfibre cloth to prevent watermarks.”

“You can also use baking soda to clean aluminium – so if your pots and pans are looking grubby, or you have tough-to-remove stains, use the same paste to get them looking shiny and new.”