By Denise O’donoghue,Irishexaminer.com

Copyright irishexaminer

Luckily, keeping a black shower looking flawless doesn’t have to be difficult — especially when you have some expert advice on what to do and the common mistakes to avoid.

Shauna Barrett, director/technical expert at Triton Showers Ireland (Earthridge Ireland) has shared some of her top tips on safely cleaning and caring for black fixtures. She also explains the simple swaps that can make all the difference to avoid permanently damaging your shower.

Clean with warm, soapy water

“The safest way to clean a black shower is also the simplest,” says Shauna. “Warm water and a few drops of mild washing-up liquid are all you need to lift everyday grime. Using a soft sponge or cloth, gently wipe the showerhead, hose and other fittings, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to prevent smearing or staining from soap residue.

“There’s no need for specialist cleaning sprays or bleach-based products – in fact, they often do more harm than good. Harsh chemicals and abrasive materials can damage the electroplated finish used on black fixtures, which is much more delicate than chrome.”

Dry and polish to prevent watermarks

“Black finishes – especially matte – are more prone to visible water spots, particularly in hard water areas,” Shauna explains. “That’s why drying your shower after each use is one of the easiest ways to prevent mineral build-up and limescale streaks.

“Using a dry, clean microfibre cloth to buff the showerhead and fittings not only helps maintain the finish but also gives the surface a polished look – no extra products required.”

Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners

“Acidic cleaners, including vinegar and lemon juice, are often recommended for limescale removal, but they’re not suitable for coloured or coated finishes,” says Shauna. “These substances can break down the top layer and leave the surface looking faded or patchy.

“I would advise avoiding using vinegar, lemon juice, scrubbing or scourers altogether, as they can scratch the finish and may even invalidate your product warranty.”

As Shauna advises, a gentle cleaning routine is key to keeping your black shower looking its best. However, there will be times that something like this does not go according to plan and you may be wondering how to deal with problems that may arise. Shauna says limescale and a peeling finish are some of the most common issues she hears about and she has some tips for dealing with those issues too

Why is my black shower finish peeling?

“If you notice flaking or peeling on a black shower fitting, it’s usually a sign that the wrong cleaning method or product has been used,” Shauna explains. “Black finishes are typically applied through a process called electroplating, which creates a thin but consistent coating over the surface. Once damaged, this layer is difficult to restore, so prevention is absolutely key.”

What can I do about limescale in hard water areas?

“If you live in a hard water area such as the northeast or southeast of Ireland, you may notice limescale build-up more quickly. In these regions, regular cleaning is especially important. A weekly wipe-down with warm, soapy water, followed by a thorough dry using a microfibre cloth, will help prevent mineral deposits from settling on the surface.”