When you choose a brass or matte finish, it’s not just about function, it’s about style. Maybe it's that warm glow of unlacquered brass that caught your eye, or the modern edge of a deep matte black. Either way, you're sending a message with your space: clean, curated, elevated.
But here's the thing. If you don’t care for these finishes properly, they can dull, spot, and even corrode. And once the damage is done, there’s often no going back to that original look. So let’s make sure you don’t get to that point. A little routine care goes a long way, and we’ll walk you through what that looks like for both brass and matte fixtures.
Know What You’re Working With
Before you grab the cleaning spray, stop and ask: what kind of finish do I actually have? Not all brass is the same. Not all matte finishes behave the same, either.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you identify what you’re working with:
Brass Finishes
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Unlacquered brass (aka “living finish”): Will age naturally over time, developing a patina. Not sealed. Sensitive to moisture and products.
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Lacquered brass: Has a protective coating to maintain shine. Easier to clean but can chip if handled roughly.
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Brushed or satin brass: Has a softer glow with more texture. Shows fingerprints less but still requires care.
Matte Finishes
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Matte black or white: Powder-coated or chemically finished for a soft, low-shine look.
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Flat or satin nickel/matte brass: Brushed for a smooth, glare-free finish.
Spot test any new product you use, especially on unlacquered brass or matte coatings.
Daily and Weekly Maintenance Tips
Want your fixtures to stay gorgeous? Think gentle, regular care—not scrubbing once things already look rough.
Brass Fixture Maintenance
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Wipe with a soft, dry cloth daily to prevent water spots.
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For deeper cleans, use mild soap and warm water, then dry right away.
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Avoid harsh scrubbing or acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, bleach).
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A touch of carnauba wax or Renaissance Wax can help reduce spotting on unlacquered brass.
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For polished brass: a small amount of brass polish can restore shine, but be cautious—don’t overdo it.
Matte Fixture Maintenance
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Use a microfiber cloth dampened with water for regular wiping.
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Mild soap is okay, but rinse thoroughly to prevent residue.
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Matte finishes can show soap scum—a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar helps, but test first.
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Dry completely to avoid hard water marks or streaking.
What Not to Do
Too many well-meaning homeowners ruin beautiful fixtures by using the wrong products. Let’s clear up a few myths and habits to avoid:
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No abrasive sponges or pads – They’ll scratch both brass and matte coatings.
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Skip anything bleach-based – Too harsh, especially for unlacquered or matte.
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Don’t use vinegar on raw brass regularly – It can accelerate patina in uneven ways.
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Avoid letting toothpaste, makeup, or hair products sit – These can leave permanent stains.
When in doubt, less is more.
Letting Brass Age or Keeping It Shiny
If your brass has a living finish, you’ve got a choice:
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Let it age gracefully and build a patina, embracing the depth of color and change
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Or keep it bright and polished, which requires more upkeep but keeps the original glow
If you're maintaining the shine:
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Use a non-abrasive brass polish sparingly.
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Follow with a wax to help reduce future oxidation.
If you're embracing the patina:
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Just wipe clean and avoid polishes.
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Accept that fingerprints, water spots, and variations are part of the charm.
Either way, don’t mix the two approaches. Once you commit to either patina or polish, stick with it for a consistent look.
Keep Your Fixtures Looking the Way You Chose Them
Brass and matte finishes bring a lot of personality to a bathroom, whether it’s the warm tones of a living finish or the bold edge of a matte black faucet. But to keep that look working for you, it’s all about regular care and the right approach.
No fancy products or complicated routines needed. Just a little consistency, some soft cloths, and knowing what to avoid.
Take care of your fixtures now, and they’ll keep doing their job beautifully for years to come.
