The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Ironmongery 

 

Table of Contents

• Aged Brass
• Aged Bronze
• Antique Pewter
• Beeswax
• Black
• Electro Brass
• External Beeswax
• Matt Black
• Natural Textured
• Pewter Patina
• Polished Brass
• Polished Bronze
• Polished Chrome
• Polished Marine SS
• Polished Nickel
• Satin Brass
• Satin Chrome
• Satin Marine SS

 

Introduction

Ironmongery, the collective term for products made from iron, steel, brass, and other metals, including handles, knobs, and fixtures, plays a pivotal role in the functionality and aesthetic appeal of homes and buildings. Proper maintenance not only extends the lifespan of these products but also ensures they remain as captivating as the day they were installed. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials of cleaning and caring for your ironmongery, with a focus on safety and sustainability.

Understanding Your Finish
Ironmongery comes in various finishes, each requiring specific care to maintain its beauty and integrity:

 

Aged Brass

Aged Brass naturally darkens over time, adding character to its appearance. To keep it looking its best, you can polish it with a dry cloth or use Brasso for a more significant shine. This helps manage any tarnishing or darkening that occurs.

Keeping the moving parts of your Aged Brass items well-oiled is key to their durability. A bit of '3-in-1 Oil' works wonders, especially right after installation. Wiping the surface with an oily cloth occasionally also helps protect it from the wear and tear of daily use and the elements.

 

Aged Bronze

For Aged Bronze, it's best to steer clear of Brasso and similar cleaning products, as they might harm the lacquer finish. To keep your Aged Bronze items functioning smoothly and looking great, a little maintenance goes a long way. Regularly oiling any moving parts with '3-in-1 Oil' can greatly extend their life, a practice that's particularly useful when you first install these items. Additionally, an occasional wipe with an oily cloth can help shield them from daily exposure and maintain their condition.

However with bronze, a distressed look can sometimes be preferable, discover our blog about bronze and the different finishes that it can produce. 

 

Antique Pewter

Keep your Antique Pewter pieces in top condition with simple care. Applying '3-in-1 Oil' to any moving parts can significantly extend their lifespan, especially if done right from the start. Additionally, an occasional wipe with an oily cloth not only keeps your pewter looking polished but also offers extra protection from the outside world. 

 

Beeswax

To keep your beeswax-coated items looking their best, occasionally reapply ‘Maintenance Wax’. It not only enhances the metal's protection but also helps prevent rust and the appearance of white blooms. If you notice any white bloom, often due to temperature changes or packaging, easily buff it away with a soft cloth.

For your beeswax-coated items, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, consider using External Beeswax to better withstand the environment. Standard beeswax might show light surface rust in damp areas, but this can be easily managed with 00 grade wire wool and a fresh coat of Maintenance Wax. External Beeswax is recommended for these conditions to ensure optimal protection and longevity of the finish. 

 

Black

For black finishes, ensuring their longevity and maintaining their aesthetic appeal is straightforward with regular care. Apply '3-in-1 Oil' to all moving parts to keep them functioning smoothly. This is particularly recommended right after installation and periodically thereafter. Wiping the surface with an oily cloth occasionally can also protect against environmental damage. If minor scratches appear over time, a 'Black Touch Up Paint' is available to easily rectify these marks, keeping your black-finished products looking pristine.

 

Electro Brass

The Electro Brass finish, applied to stainless steel products, is celebrated for its high-quality brass plating. This special coating ensures resistance to discolouration and oxidation, making these products an excellent choice for anyone seeking durability without the need for frequent maintenance. It's an ideal solution for ensuring long-lasting aesthetic appeal with minimal upkeep.

 

 

External Beeswax

For External Beeswax finishes, maintaining the strong protection against the elements involves periodic reapplication of Maintenance Wax using a cloth or brush. This extra step enhances the surface protection against environmental damage. Additionally, to ensure the longevity and smooth function of your products, regularly oiling all moving parts with '3-in-1 Oil' is recommended, particularly after initial installation. For interior products, a beeswax finish is suggested to complement the external treatment.

 

Matt Black

Maintain your Matt Black items with regular oiling of moving parts and occasional wiping with an oily cloth to protect against the elements. Available 'Black Touch Up Paint' can fix minor scratches, keeping your items looking fresh.

 

Natural Textured

For Natural Textured finishes, keep them protected, especially in damp areas, by periodically applying Maintenance Wax. If light rust appears, it's easily removed with wire wool before reapplying wax. Also, oil all moving parts regularly for durability, starting when you first install the product.

 

Pewter Patina

Pewter Patina finishes are easy to care for and work well in various settings, including wet areas and outdoors. To ensure their longevity, regularly oil moving parts and consider an initial application when installing. Wiping with an oily cloth can also help protect against the elements. 

 

Polished Bronze

To care for Polished Bronze, avoid Brasso and similar products to protect the lacquer. For cleaning, use a dry cloth or beeswax-based furniture polish to keep it shining and protect against tarnish. Regular oiling of moving parts with '3-in-1 Oil' enhances longevity, especially recommended upon installation. An oily cloth can help safeguard against environmental elements.

 

Polished Chrome

For Polished Chrome finishes, it’s best to avoid chemical cleaners to protect the plating. Instead, wiping with an oily cloth can help remove deposits and protect against environmental damage, while a dry cloth reduces fingerprints. Oiling moving parts always helps with general operation.

 

 

Polished Marine SS (316)

Polished Marine SS (316) is engineered for minimal maintenance and exceptional corrosion resistance, ideal for salt-rich or polluted environments. Although it's highly durable, occasional cleaning with mild soapy water and a soft cloth is recommended to prevent pollutant buildup. Ensure to dry it immediately after washing. For optimal performance and extended mechanical life, periodic oiling of moving parts with '3-in-1 Oil' is advised, starting from installation.

 

Polished Nickel

For Polished Nickel finishes, it’s wise to avoid chemical cleaners to maintain the integrity of the plating. Using an oily cloth for regular cleaning helps remove surface deposits and protect against environmental factors, while a dry cloth can minimize fingerprints. Additionally, applying '3-in-1 Oil' to all moving parts not only enhances their function but also contributes to the longevity of your products, particularly recommended right after installation.

 

Satin Brass

For Satin Brass, avoid harsh cleaners to protect the lacquer. Clean with a soft cloth and use wax-based polish for maintenance. Oiling moving parts with '3-in-1 Oil' enhances durability, recommended during installation.

 

Satin Chrome

Using an oily cloth occasionally helps remove surface deposits and protect against environmental damage. A dry cloth is effective for minimizing fingerprints. Additionally, regular oiling of moving parts with '3-in-1 Oil' is crucial for maintaining product longevity, particularly recommended at the time of installation.

 

Satin Marine SS (316)

Satin Marine SS (316) is designed for low maintenance and high resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for areas with salt exposure or pollution. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soapy water is recommended to prevent pollutant buildup. For enhanced mechanical life, periodic oiling of moving parts is advised, starting from the initial installation.