CLEANING & AFTER CARE

Lefroy Brooks products are manufactured to exacting standards. However, to maintain their appearance and performance they should be cared for as follows:

General use

The formation of limescale is inevitable on all water fittings. For hard water areas we recommend the use of a suitable water treatment device. Please consult your Lefroy Brooks retailer for advice.

Thermostatic mixers

It is important that the thermostatic cartridge is maintained on a regular basis.

DAILY CARE FOR ALL FINISHES

• Regular cleaning will reduce the formation of limescale and water marks. Limescale formation may damage surface finishes. Aged Brass & Taunton finishes will be damaged by limescale formation.

• After use wipe with a soft cloth and mild soapy water; rinse with clean water then dry with a soft cloth.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners or abrasive pads.

• Do not use harsh cleaning agents containing alcohol, bleach, acids, vinegar, ammonia or antibacterial ingredients.

• Aged brass & Taunton finishes – Residue from toiletries and toothpaste should be rinsed with water. Do not wipe as this may remove the finish. If the finish is removed during cleaning it is best to leave the area untouched and allow the brass to age naturally. The length of time for brass to age naturally will depend on the environment e.g., frequency of use, moisture, room temperature, air quality etc. There is no set time.

Limescale

As with all things, prevention is better than cure, so we recommend the occasional application of beeswax or Autoglym Aqua Wax which is a motor car product available from most car accessory shops. This will help to protect the surface and help resist the formation of limescale. If limescale has been allowed to form use a mild non-abrasive proprietary limescale cleaner which does not contain bleach. Always check for suitability with the finish to be treated. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and always test in an inconspicuous area first.

LIVING FINISHES

With the exception of Chromium Plate and Brushed Chromium Plate all Lefroy Brooks finishes should be considered ‘living finishes’. These have no protective coating and form a natural patina that will age naturally. The surface patina will darken in areas that are infrequently handled and appear highlighted in those that are frequently handled. Never rub satin or brushed finishes as this will damage the surface.

PRECIOUS METALS

Gold is a soft metal that can easily be damaged by cleaning products and be depleted by excessive rubbing even with a soft cloth.

XO Geneva

The surface finish is grained. If marks have appeared the surface can be wiped lightly with a Scotchbrite pad (similar to green scouring pads used for washing dishes). Care should be taken to wipe in the same direction as the grain. This may cause a slightly lighter surface colour, but will match in after a period of time as the newly scoured surface ages.

Polished Brass & Copper

Polished Brass and Copper can easily be scratched, scuffed and damaged by cleaning products.
Abrasive cleansers, pads, cloths and scourers will damage the finish.
Discolouration, if not required, can be removed with the application of suitable metal polish. We recommend the use of metal polish supplied with wadding as this tends to be less abrasive. Please note that most metal polishes can damage the surface finish and cause scratches. Always ensure that the surface has been cleaned prior to the application of metal polish. We do not accept responsibility for any damage caused by polishing. It is important to clean the surface thoroughly after polishing to remove all residue.

Brushed Brass

Brushed Brass can easily be scratched, scuffed and damaged by cleaning products. Abrasive cleansers, pads, cloths and scourers will damage the finish. Discolouration, if not required, can be removed with the application of suitable metal polish. We recommend the use of metal polish supplied with wadding as this tends to be less abrasive. When using polish it is important to remember that the polish will reduce the brushed finish effect. Polish is designed to remove surface scratches, which are responsible for the brushed appearance. Always apply polish with reduced pressure.
Excessive or frequent rubbing/polishing will deplete the brushed finish. Always ensure that the surface has been cleaned prior to the application of metal polish. We do not accept responsibility for any damage caused by polishing. It is important to clean the surface thoroughly after polishing to remove all residue.

Aged Brass & Taunton

What are Aged Brass & Taunton finishes? Aged Brass & Taunton finishes are not plated, painted, or lacquered. They are living finishes and have no protective coating. They are brass that has been processed to accelerate natural ageing. The Taunton finish undergoes a further process to produce highlights across the surface.
Different brass manufacturing processes require brass with different chemical composition. The chemical composition of the brass will determine the finish hue when aged. For this reason, each product will contain brass components that have different hues. The surface patina will continue to age naturally. The surface patina will darken in areas that are infrequently handled and appear highlighted in those that are frequently handled.