Tile and Porcelain Enamel finishes are hard, smooth and glossy like a mirror, but they are not indestructable. Accidents or improper cleaning will cause chipping, scratching and stains. A blow from a heavy or sharp object will chip the surface. Scraping or banging metal utensils in a sink will gradually damage the surface with scratches and will dull the surface. Once damaged, the surface is susceptible to stains, which become increasingly difficult to remove. Shiny new fixtures can also be dulled or stained within a short time through improper or excessive use of strong abrasive cleaners. Most household cleansers are mildly abrasive, but used with plenty of water, some of them are not harmful; however a non-abrasive cleanser is safer. A safe natural cleanser to try is baking soda and vinegar. Most stains are caused by dirt, food, grease, rust or water minerals.

 

   Stainless steel fixtures and sinks generally resist staining and only need a thorough scrubbing occasionally. Many people find that harsh abraisive cleaners and steel wool pads remove the fine shiny finish from the stainless steel. Instead, it is better to use a non-abraisive cleanser or a commercial stainless steel cleaner. Many commercial cleaners leave a shiny oil residue for added protection.

 

   Powdered cleansers or any other abraisive cleansers should never be used on Fiberglass tubs and showers. Special Fiberglass cleaners are available at most supermarkets. For long term protection, many people regularly use a high quality automobile wax along with their cleaning schedule.

 

   As noted with other types of materials, steel wool or scouring pads can cause damage to the finish. These very abraisive products will remove the protective finish  applied by the manufacturer, and can scratch the finish.

 

   For regular cleaning, ordinary dishwashing detergent (not dish soap) will do a good job to clean shower enclosures. For mineral deposits, using a diluted vinegar solution regularly as a cleaner will help. Some have had good results using a commercial glass cleaner containing ammonia, or a homemade solution consisting of 1 tablespoon of ammonia in a quart of water. WARNING: Be sure to read the cautions noted on the label of the ammonia bottle.

 

To prolong the life and beauty of your plumbing fixtures, you can folow these precautions:

 

1.   Never let food wastes stand in the sink. It is best to  dispose of food waste through your disposal as it accumulates.

2.   Never use plumbing fixtures to hold paint cans, trash, or tools when you are re-decorating. It is best to protect them by covering them when painting walls and ceilings.

3.   Never step into a bathtub or shower stall with shoes on for any reason. Shoe soles can carry an untold number of abraisive or other contaminants that can stain, scratch or otherwise damage the finish.

4.   Never use the sink, tub or toilet as receptacles for photographic or developing solutions. Developer stains for example, are extremely difficult to remove.

5.   For maintenance and to reduce water stains or tub rings, it is best to wipe shower and tub area dry after each use.

6.   To remove excessive moisture, bathroom exhaust fans or bathroom windows should be used regularly.

 

Countertops

To prevent leaks, it is best to monitor the condition of all caulking at countertops. If separation or shrinkage occurs the caulking should be replaced.      If you have a ceramic tile countertop, see "Ceramic Tile" section above for care information.    Your bath and vanity tops, and perhaps your bath sinks may also be made of a cultured marble product. You can care for your cultured marble with any good quality non-abrasive bathroom cleaner. For mineral deposits, using a diluted vinegar solution regularly as a cleaner will help. Some have had good results using a commercial glass cleaner containing ammonia, or a homemade solution consisting of 1 tablespoon of ammonia in a quart of water. WARNING: Be sure to read the cautions noted on the label of the ammonia bottle.      To prolong the life and beauty of your countertops, you can folow these precautions:   1.   Always be expecially careful with razor blades, manicure equipment and bathroom appliances. 2.   Cigarette burns are almost impossible to remove without professional assistance. 3.   Most spots, glass rings, etc. will usually wipe clean easilly with a damp cloth and mild soap solution. Caution should be taken with inks used in marking grocery products, especially meat and produce. Newspaper ink acan also produce and indelible stain that can be extremely difficult to remove. 4.   Caulking of vanity countertops and backsplashes should be monitored closely, and should be considered an important element of homeowner maintenance.

   Every plumbing fixture in your home has a drain trap designed to provide a water barrier between the air in your home and the dangerous gasses present in the sewer. The trap holds water which prevents the airborne bacteria and the odor of the sewer gas from entering the house. If any fixture is used infrequently, the water should be turned on at regular intervals in order to replace evaporating water in the trap. This can help to ensure that the water barrier remains intact.

 

   Traps, because of their shapes, are also the point at which drains are most likely to become clogged. When the drain pipe from a sink, shower or tub gets stopped up, first use a plunger. Be sure the rubber cap of the plunger completely covers the drain openings and the water comes well up over the cup edge. Working the plunger up and down rhythmically 10 to 20 times in succession will build up pressure in the pipe to free the obstruction. This method will do more good than sporadic, separated plunges. Be sure to plug the overflow outlet if there is one, with a piece of cloth. And remember to close the other drain when working on a double sink. If the plunger doesn't work, you can  try using a plumber's snake. These usually can be rented or purchased at a plumbing or hardware store. Be sure to turn the handle of the snake in the same direction when removing it as you did in inserting it. This will usually keep any matter attached to the snake from coming loose before it is removed. Finally, if the drain can only be partly opened with the plunger or snake, boiling water (no hotter than 140 degrees for plastic pipe) may finish the job. If not, it may be necessary to dismantle the trap under the fixture. Before taking a drain connection apart, be sure to put a bucket or pan under it to catch any remaining drain water. A piece of wire may help to dislodge the blockage. The snake can also be run at this point.

 

   Although it is sold commercially as a drain cleaner, never use caustic soda to open a drain. It will combine with any grease from the soap or food wastes to form an insoluble compound. Potash, lye or caustic potash, may be added to finish opening a drain, but never use them on a completely stopped drain. They may take as long as overnight to work, and if you ultimately have to open the trap, the chemicals would be a hazard to you.

 

   Because potash lye and caustic potash are highly corrosive, always pour them slowly into the drain to prevent splattering. Never pour water into the chemical. To protect yourself, wear old clothes, rubber gloves, and goggles or safety glasses. never use a plunger on a drain after chemicals have been added. The water may splash and cause an injury to you or damage nearby surfaces. If the stoppage is in the line past the trap, try using the snake at the clean-out plug nearest the blockage. These plugs are located on the drain lines throughout the house.

 

   To avoid stopped up drains, a cardinal rule is to never pour grease into a drain or toilet. Ordinary washing soda (not baking soda) added to a drain on a regular basis will help to keep it clear of grease from soap and cooking utensils. Run hot water through the drain, turn off the water, add 3 tablespoons of washing soda, and follow it with just enough hot water to wash it down the drain opening. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then run more hot water into the drain.

 

   Your food waste disposal has special instructions designed to help you to avoid stoppage, blockage and heavy grease build-up associated with the use of your unit. Please refer to the manufacturer's instructions manual for details.

 

Disposals    Food should not be deposited into an inactivated dosposal and the unit then turned on. The disposal will provide more effective disposing action if the cold water is running and the unit is turned on prior to depositing the food into it. When the unit is running, cold water should be used. This helps to solidify any grease in the disposal which can then be chopped up and moved out with the remainder of the waste foods. Once an month, a tray of ice cubes can be run through the disposal to be chopped up. This ice chopping action has a cleaning effect on the blades and exit areas of the disposal unit.      If the disposal is jammed:   1.   Turn off the switch for the disposal before trying to unclog. 2.   Use the allen wrench provided with the unit. 3.   Remove whatever has jammed the unit. 4.   Press the reset button  and the unit should be ready to function again.

   When you first purchase your new electrical or gas appliances, they should always be accompanied by instruction manuals and other papers. It is best if you look through these carefully.  Be sure to remove, fill out and mail any return postcards necessary to record warranties. Keep a list of the authorized service agencies in the back of the booklet. Be sure to read all of the instructional literature so that you will know how to get the most out of your appliances. This literature will also help you to understand all appliance warranties and limitations.

 

   If an electrical appliance fails to work, before calling an appliance repair person be sure the appliance is plugged in and that no circuit breakers are tripped. If a gas appliance fails to work, check to see that the pilot light is lit. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the main gas valve near the meter and call the utility company.

 

   If your home has a pitched roof, the space between the ceiling and the roof may have louvered openings installed for attic ventilation. Louvered openings in the attic should remain unobstructed all year around. If your home has soffit vents and or ridge vents, they should also be clear of debris. Ridge vents should be checked periodically to make sure that they are secure and have not come loose in high winds.

 

Cabinets

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets should never be cleaned with harsh abraisives. Wood cabinets may be cleaned like any other wood furniture with lemon oil or a good furniture oil unless it has been plastic coated. There are also excellent products that in addition to cleaning and polishing, can also hide minor nicks and scratches. Cabinet doors and drawers should be kept closed when not in use. In order to improve the operation and life of hinges, you should periodially use silicone spray lubricant.

   Exterior caulking will separate and deteriorate over time. If this situation is not monitored and corrected on a consistent seasonal basis, moisture can work its way behind wood trim or siding and cause serious rotting problems. Leaks around doors and windows can also result if this condition goes unnoticed for any length of time.

 

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile floors are generally easy to maintain. To keep them looking new, you need only to wipe them with a damp cloth or wet mop from time to time. The grout between the tiles can be cleaned with a brush and mild cleanser. Grout sealers are available to make the grout more resistant to stains. Once again, these products can be purchased at most home care centers.      Some home owners enlist the help of a professional cleaning company. In addition cleaning carpets, many companies have specialized equipment for cleaing tile and grout. Regular professional cleaning can help you to maintain your floors and help to keep them looking new.