Finishing Care

All Designer Doorware products are made with superior quality materials and finishes to meet strict standards. However, it is necessary that the products be cared for during and after installation to aid in their longevity.
 

Caring for Door Handles during Installation

The cleaning of new door handles should prevent special problems, although more attention may be required if the installation period has been prolonged. Where surface contamination is suspected, immediate attention to cleaning will promote a trouble-free service life. It’s important to know that these products need constant maintenance or they will appear to oxidize.
 

Caring for Stainless Steel Door Furniture

There are many advantages with stainless steel, however it is steel, and steel will rust. Regardless of grade, cleaning is paramount, especially in coastal areas. The attractive and hygienic surface appearance of stainless steel products cannot be regarded as completely maintenance free. All grades and finishes of stainless steel may in fact satin, discolour or attain an adhering layer of grime in normal service.

To achieve maximum corrosion resistance the surface of the stainless steel must be kept clean. Frequency and cost of cleaning stainless steel is lower than for many other materials. Surface contamination and the formation of deposits are critical factors which may lead to drastically reduced life. These contaminants may be minute particles of iron or rust from other non-stainless steel items nearby. Industrial, commercial and even domestic applications as well as naturally occurring atmospheric conditions can result in deposits which can be quite corrosive. An example is salt deposits in marine conditions.
 

Ongoing Care of Stainless Steel Door Handles

People often ask about the frequency of cleaning stainless steel. The answer is quite simply to clean the metal when it is dirty in order to restore it to its original appearance. This may vary from once to numerous times a year for external application or it may be once a day for an item in hygienic or aggressive situations. Stainless steel is quite easy to clean. Washing with soap or mild detergent and warm water followed by a clean water rinse is usually quite adequate for domestic and architectural conditions. Rust and other corrosion can be removed by adding one part nitric acid to nine parts warm water. Leave for 30 - 60 minutes then wash off with plenty of water. For slight scratches, use impregnated nylon pads (e.g. Scotchbrite) following the satin lines.
 

Choosing a Stainless Steel Cleaning Product

There are many cleaning products from which to choose. Depending on the type of cleaning and level of contamination, some products are better than others. Although some products are called “stainless steel cleaners” they may scratch the surface and may contain bleach which will dull, tarnish or discolour the metal if not completely removed. We recommend Eagle One Never Dull (available from Designer Doorware).

As previously mentioned, the mildest cleaning possible should be used for most tasks. Any rubbing should follow satin lines of the steel and always ensure thorough rinsing after cleaning. For routine cleaning (as indicated above) the cleaning products most recommended are gentle soaps or detergents or mild mixtures of ammonia.
 

Caring for Brass, Plated and Powder-Coated Door Furniture

To maintain the superior finish of these Designer Doorware products, please ensure that only a damp cloth is used with diluted, mild detergent to remove any stains or fingerprints.

Residue build-up may cause discolouration of the original finish. To avoid such damage, please wipe products with a damp cloth, and dry thoroughly. It is recommended that this be done regularly, and incorporated into a general cleaning routine.

Do not use harsh solvents, abrasive cleaners or scourers on any of Designer Doorware's products. This may affect the thickness of protective coatings, such as plating, powder coating and lacquer.

We recommend a light clean with methylated spirits only for our satin or polished chrome finishes. Do not use methylated spirits on any product with a brass or antique finish, as it may strip away any aesthetic or protective coating. Likewise, powder-coated finishes should be cleaned only with a damp cloth and mild detergent.  Note: Powder-coated colour finishes may chip with rough handling, and therefore caution should be taken during maintenance and use.

For further information, talk to our friendly, specialist consultants +613 9300 8888 or email us.