Care & Maintenance

1. Introduction

Your AquaArts products are built with premium materials designed to last for decades. With proper care and maintenance, they’ll maintain their beauty and functionality for years to come. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your fixtures in perfect condition.

Why Proper Care Matters:

• Longevity: Proper maintenance extends the life of your products
• Appearance: Regular care keeps finishes looking new and pristine
• Performance: Well-maintained fixtures operate optimally
• Warranty: Following care guidelines helps maintain warranty coverage
• Value: Maintained products retain better resale value
• Safety: Regular checks catch issues before they become problems

2. Daily Care Basics

Simple daily habits can significantly extend the life of your fixtures and keep them looking beautiful.

What to Do Daily:

The Golden Rule:

Dry your fixtures immediately after use. This single step prevents 80% of maintenance issues including water spots, mineral deposits, and corrosion.

3. Cleaning Schedule

Follow this schedule to keep your fixtures in optimal condition year-round.

4. Bathroom Fixtures Care

Bathroom fixtures face daily moisture exposure. Here’s how to keep them in perfect condition.

Faucet Care:

• Daily: Wipe dry with soft cloth after each use
• Weekly: Clean with mild soap and water using soft sponge
• As Needed: Soak aerator in warm water to remove mineral deposits
• Monthly: Check that all handles move smoothly without sticking

Vanity & Basin Care:

• Daily: Wipe surfaces with dry cloth after use
• Weekly: Clean with mild soap and soft cloth
• Avoid: Leaving standing water or wet items on surface
• Protect: Use coasters for items that could scratch finish

Mirror & Hardware Care:

• Use glass cleaner for mirrors (avoid edges with water)
• Polish chrome/brass hardware monthly with soft cloth
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch or dull finish

5. Kitchen Fixtures Care

Kitchen fixtures handle heavier use. Here’s the proper care approach.

Faucet & Sprayer Care:

• After Each Use: Wipe dry with cloth to prevent water spots
• Weekly: Clean spout and body with soft, damp cloth
• Check Sprayer: Ensure spray function works properly
• Hose Inspection: Look for kinks, cracks, or damage

Sink & Counter Care:

• Daily: Wipe dry after each use
• Weekly: Clean entire sink and surrounding counter
• Remove Stains: Use soft cloth and warm water (baking soda for tough stains)
• Avoid: Leaving hot pots directly on surface without trivet

Drain Maintenance:

• Use drain screens to catch debris
• Clean screens weekly
• Never pour grease down drain
• Use hot water flush weekly to keep drain clear

6. Faucet Aerator Maintenance

The aerator screen is small but critical for water pressure and quality. Keep it clean for optimal performance.

Why Clean Your Aerator?

• Maintains consistent water flow and pressure
• Prevents mineral deposits from restricting water
• Improves spray patterns on kitchen faucets
• Prevents sediment from clogging outlets

How to Clean Your Aerator:

1. Unscrew: Hold faucet spout and gently unscrew aerator (counter-clockwise)
2. Inspect: Remove any visible debris or sediment
3. Rinse: Hold under warm running water to flush out particles
4. Soak (if needed): For mineral buildup, soak in warm water for 30 minutes
5. Reassemble: Put components back together in correct order
6. Reinstall: Screw aerator back onto faucet (clockwise) – snug but not over-tight

Signs Your Aerator Needs Cleaning:

• Water pressure suddenly decreased
• Spray pattern is uneven or weak
• Visible particles in water stream
• Unusual noises from faucet
• Water flows mostly to one side of sink

7. Hard Water & Mineral Buildup

Hard water causes mineral deposits. This doesn’t damage your fixtures – it’s preventable and removable.

What Causes Mineral Buildup?

Hard water contains minerals (calcium and magnesium) that accumulate on fixtures and surfaces. This is not a defect – it’s a water condition issue.

Prevention Tips:

• #1 Priority: Dry fixtures immediately after use – this is 90% of prevention
• Ventilation: Run exhaust fans during and 20 minutes after showers
• Water Softening: Consider a whole-house water softener if buildup is significant
• Point-of-Use Filters: Install filters on specific faucets
• Regular Cleaning: Weekly cleaning prevents buildup accumulation

How to Remove Mineral Deposits:

Removing Buildup Step-by-Step:

1. Remove aerator and soak in warm water for 30 minutes
2. Gently brush with soft toothbrush to loosen deposits
3. For stubborn buildup, make paste of baking soda and water
4. Apply paste and let sit for 15 minutes
5. Gently wipe away with soft cloth
6. Rinse thoroughly and reinstall

8. Finish Protection

Your fixtures come in various finishes. Here’s how to protect each type.

Chrome & Polished Finishes:

• Best Approach: Wipe dry after every use
• Cleaning: Soft cloth with warm water and mild soap
• Polish: Monthly polish with dedicated chrome cleaner
• Avoid: Any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals
• Water Spots: Dry immediately to prevent spotting

Matte & Brushed Finishes:

• Cleaning: Use soft cloth and mild soap
• Direction: Wipe in the direction of the grain
• Avoid: Circular motions that can make scratches visible
• Polish: Some matte finishes may have special care requirements
• Drying: Always dry thoroughly

Gold & Brass Finishes:

• Premium Care: These finishes require gentle handling
• Cleaning: Soft cloth with warm water only
• Avoid: Soaps and cleaners that can dull finish
• Polishing: Use only products safe for gold/brass
• Drying: Dry immediately after each use

Stainless Steel:

• Grain Direction: Clean following the grain pattern
• Avoid: Chlorine, bleach, and harsh chemicals
• Water Spots: Dry to prevent spotting
• Fingerprints: Use dedicated stainless steel cleaner monthly
• Protection: Avoid acidic foods directly on surface

9. Seasonal Maintenance

Different seasons bring different challenges. Here’s how to maintain your fixtures year-round.

Spring Maintenance:

• Deep Clean: Thoroughly clean all fixtures after winter
• Inspect: Check for any damage from winter weather
• Aerators: Clean all aerators after heating season
• Seals: Verify all caulking and seals are intact

Summer Maintenance:

• Increased Use: More frequent cleaning due to higher usage
• Heat Exposure: Protect from direct sunlight when possible
• Ventilation: Ensure bathrooms are well-ventilated
• Water Quality: Hard water deposits increase in warm weather

Fall Maintenance:

• Winterization Check: Ensure outdoor fixtures are prepared
• Aerator Check: Clean before cold weather arrives
• Inspection: Check all connections before temperature drops
• Preventative: Address any issues before winter

Winter Maintenance:

• Protection: Protect exposed outdoor fixtures from freezing
• Indoor Care: Heaters can create dry conditions – extra moisture care needed
• Humidity: Run exhaust fans to control bathroom humidity
• Regular Checks: Monitor for any freeze-related issues

10. Common Issues & Solutions

Here are solutions to common maintenance issues you might encounter.

Water Spots & Stains

Problem: White or cloudy spots on fixtures

• Cause: Mineral deposits from hard water
• Solution 1: Dry fixtures immediately after use
• Solution 2: Soak in warm water for 30 minutes
• Solution 3: Use baking soda paste for stubborn spots

Discoloration or Dull Finish

Problem: Finish looks dull or discolored

• Check: Is this actual damage or just mineral buildup?
• Clean: Clean thoroughly first with warm water
• Polish: Use appropriate polish for your finish type
• Protect: Keep dry to prevent further dullness

Reduced Water Pressure

Problem: Water flows weakly from faucet

• First Check: Is this happening at all faucets or just one?
• Clean Aerator: Remove and clean aerator screen (see Section 6)
• Check Shutoff: Verify main shutoff valve is fully open
• Call Plumber: If pressure still low, contact a plumber

Leaky Connections

Problem: Water drips from nuts or connections

• Quick Fix: Try gently tightening with wrench (1/4 to 1/2 turn)
• If Still Leaking: Turn off water immediately
• Contact Support: Reach out to warranty team for assessment
• Don’t Force: Over-tightening can cause damage

Stuck or Stiff Handle

Problem: Handle is hard to move or stuck

• Try: Gently move handle back and forth (don’t force)
• Mineral Deposits: May be buildup in internal mechanism
• Lubrication: Apply small amount of silicone-based lubricant
• Professional: If stuck persists, contact a plumber

Discolored Caulk

Problem: Caulk is stained or discolored

• Clean First: Try gentle cleaning with warm water
• Mold/Mildew: If due to mold, ensure good ventilation
• Replacement: May need to recaulk if heavily stained
• Prevention: Dry bathroom thoroughly after use