Care & Maintenance Guide

Proper care and maintenance will help preserve the appearance, performance and longevity of your products.

Different materials and finishes require different care. Always follow the specific manufacturer's care instructions where provided.

1. General Care

Clean products regularly using appropriate products and methods.

Always use a cleaning product that is suitable for the particular material and finish.

Never use harsh detergents, solvents or acidic cleaners, citrus-based cleaners, limescale removers, household vinegar or cleaning agents containing acetic acid on any products, as these may scratch, etch or damage the surface.

Avoid abrasive scourers, steel wool and other materials that may scratch or damage surfaces.

Wax-based furniture creams should also be avoided, as these may result in a build-up of deposits that detracts from the appearance of the product.

2. Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

2.1 Choosing the Right Tile

Tiles are manufactured for different environments and applications. There is no single tile suitable for every situation.

When selecting a tile, both its aesthetic appearance and technical suitability must be considered.

Customers should seek advice regarding the suitability of a particular tile for its intended application, including wet areas, outdoor areas and areas where slip resistance is important.

2.2 Slip Resistance

There is no such thing as a completely non-slip tile.

Slip and fall risk is influenced by many factors, including:

• Surface contamination
• Water
• Cleaning and maintenance
• Building design
• Footwear
• User behaviour
• Age and mobility of occupants

Tiles are rated according to their contribution to slip resistance.

Customers should consider the intended use of the area and seek appropriate advice when selecting tiles.

Simple measures such as suitable floor mats, appropriate drainage, handrails where required and regular cleaning can assist in managing slip risks.

2.3 Installation

Tiles should be installed in accordance with the applicable Australian Standards, National Construction Code and manufacturer's requirements.

We strongly recommend using a suitably qualified and experienced tiler.

The substrate, waterproofing, adhesive, grout and installation system must all be suitable for the intended application.

2.4 Before Installation

Ensure sufficient tiles have been ordered to complete the project.

We recommend retaining spare tiles for future repairs, as matching tiles may not be available later.

Before installation:

• Check all cartons
• Confirm batch and shade
• Inspect tiles
• Check colour and tone
• Check for visible damage
• Confirm the tiles are suitable for the intended application

Do not install tiles if you have concerns. Contact Sydney Taps before proceeding.

2.5 During Laying

We recommend mixing tiles from several cartons during installation to achieve an appropriate blend of any shade or colour variation.

Periodically check that:

• The intended blend and effect is maintained
• No visibly defective tiles are installed
• The layout remains consistent

If there are concerns during installation, stop work and contact Sydney Taps before proceeding.

2.6 After Installation

The installer should remove grout, grout residue, adhesive, waxes and construction residues using products suitable for the tile.

Tiled surfaces should be inspected after installation and before the tiler leaves the site.

Minor marks, blemishes and variations may be inherent characteristics of ceramic and porcelain products.

Under normal viewing conditions, these characteristics may not be noticeable but can become more visible under strong or oblique lighting.

3. Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles may display greater shade variation than other ceramic products.

Ensure you are satisfied with the colour, tone and shade variation before installation.

Glass mosaics are translucent and the colour of the adhesive and grout can influence the final appearance.

Use compatible adhesives and grouts recommended for the particular mosaic and application.

Mosaics should be stored in a clean, dry environment before installation.

4. Polished Porcelain

Polished porcelain is generally unglazed and may require sealing depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.

Before sealing, all cementitious, grout and wax residues must be completely removed.

4.1 Optical Hazing

Polished porcelain may display optical hazing under certain lighting conditions.

This can be more apparent under:

• Early morning sunlight
• Halogen lighting
• High-intensity white lighting
• Oblique lighting

This is a characteristic associated with polished surfaces and does not necessarily indicate a defect.

5. Swimming Pools & Spas

Tiles and mosaics used in pools and spas must be specifically suitable for full immersion and the intended environment.

Installation should be undertaken by experienced and appropriately qualified contractors.

Installation should comply with applicable Australian Standards and manufacturer's requirements.

For pool and spa applications, adhesives and grouts must be chemically resistant and suitable for full immersion where required.

Glass mosaics require particular consideration because of their translucent nature.

6. Natural Stone & Marble

Natural stone and marble are porous materials and require appropriate care.

Clean regularly using a suitable stone cleaner and a soft cloth or mop.

Where recommended, surfaces should be sealed and periodically resealed.

Avoid:

• Acidic cleaners
• Vinegar
• Citrus products
• Harsh chemicals
• Solvents
• Abrasive cleaners

Clean spills promptly, particularly oils, wine, coffee and other staining substances.

7. Sinks

7.1 Fireclay & Stainless Steel Sinks

Clean using warm water, mild soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.

Avoid:

• Steel wool
• Abrasive scourers
• Metal brushes
• Harsh chemicals
• Acidic cleaners
• Solvents
• Bleach and chlorine-based products unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer

For stainless steel, clean in the direction of the grain where applicable and dry after cleaning to minimise water marks.

For fireclay sinks, metal marks should only be removed using suitable non-abrasive products.

8. Baths

8.1 Acrylic, Stone & Mineral Composite Baths

Clean using warm soapy water and a soft cloth.

Avoid abrasive powders, scourers, solvents and strong chemicals.

Hair dye, nail-polish remover, paint remover and similar chemicals may permanently damage surfaces.

Do not place hair straighteners or other heated appliances directly onto bath surfaces.

Where applicable, avoid thermal shock by running cold water before adding hot water.

Water temperature should not exceed the manufacturer's recommended maximum.

9. Cabinetry

9.1 General Care

Sydney Taps cabinetry is designed to withstand normal bathroom conditions; however, bathroom furniture and cabinetry must not be considered completely waterproof.

The purchaser is responsible for ensuring that cabinetry is correctly installed, adequately protected from moisture and properly maintained.

Wipe up spills, splashes and standing water immediately.

Avoid exposing cabinetry to high or continuous levels of moisture, steam or humidity.

Use a soft, damp cloth with warm soapy water for routine cleaning. Mild household cleaners may be used sparingly where suitable for the particular surface.

Always wipe the surface dry after cleaning.

9.2 Thermolaminated Cabinets

Thermolaminated doors are manufactured using Moisture Resistant Medium Density Fibreboard (MR MDF). As with any wood-based panel, they cannot be made completely waterproof.

Care should be taken to:

• Wipe up spills immediately
• Prevent water from pooling
• Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture
• Avoid excessive steam and humidity
• Ensure adequate bathroom ventilation
• Avoid contact with sharp objects

Cleaning products to avoid — do not use:

• Commercial or industrial cleaning products
• Abrasive cleaners
• Scouring pads
• Abrasive papers
• Acids or alkalis
• Solvents
• Thinners
• Turpentine
• Ammonia
• Bleach
• Acetone
• Oven cleaners
• M.E.K.
• Organic solvent-based cleaning products
• Other harsh or unsuitable chemical cleaners

9.3 Vanity Tops

Care requirements vary according to the vanity top material.

Always follow the specific manufacturer's care instructions.

To minimise thermal shock to the bowl, run cold water into the bowl before adding hot water to reach the desired temperature.

9.4 Acrylic Vanity Tops

Clean using warm soapy water and a soft cloth.

Mild household cleaners may be used sparingly where suitable.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, scourers, strong chemicals, acetone and paint remover.

Do not place hair straighteners or other heated appliances directly onto the surface.

9.5 Engineered Stone – Vanity Tops

Clean regularly using warm soapy water and a soft cloth.

A mild household cleaner may be used sparingly where confirmed suitable for engineered stone.

Avoid:

• Abrasive cleaners
• Scouring pads
• Harsh chemicals
• Strong acids or alkalis
• Solvents
• Acetone
• Paint remover
• Unsuitable bleach or chlorine products

Do not use the vanity top as a cutting surface.

Avoid placing excessively hot items directly onto the surface.

Wipe up spills promptly.

Do not use abrasive materials or aggressive cleaning methods.

9.6 General Cabinetry Precautions

• Do not allow water to remain on cabinet surfaces.
• Wipe spills immediately.
• Keep cabinetry away from prolonged direct water exposure.
• Ensure plumbing connections are maintained and free from leaks.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning products.
• Do not use sharp objects directly against cabinet surfaces.
• Do not hang from or sit on doors or drawers.
• Do not place excessive weight on doors or drawers.
• Ensure adequate bathroom ventilation.

10. Tapware & Bathroom Accessories

10.1 Inspection Before Installation

Thoroughly inspect tapware and bathroom accessories immediately after removing them from their packaging and before installation.

Damage to finished surfaces can occur during installation and removal.

10.2 Installation & Handling

Tradespeople should use clean hands or clean gloves when handling products.

Take care to prevent plumbing products, compounds, lubricants and other materials from contacting finished surfaces.

Under NO circumstances should silicone sealant be used when fitting or handling tapware or bathroom accessories.

If silicone comes into contact with the product, the residue must be removed and the affected area washed immediately.

10.3 Protection During Construction

Once installed, fittings should be protected until construction is complete.

Cover exposed surfaces to prevent contact with:

• Paint
• Plaster
• Grout
• Adhesives
• Construction dust
• Debris
• Commercial cleaning products
• Chemicals
• Solvents

10.4 Cleaning & Ongoing Care

Clean using warm soapy water or a mild, non-abrasive detergent and a soft, clean cloth.

Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

Never use harsh detergents, solvents, acidic cleaners, citrus-based cleaners, limescale removers, household vinegar or cleaning agents containing acetic acid.

Avoid abrasive scourers and steel wool.

Wax-based furniture creams should also be avoided.

11. Toilet Seats

Clean using warm soapy water and a soft cloth.

Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals.

Check fixing hardware periodically and maintain in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

12. General Cleaning Warning

If you are unsure whether a cleaning product is suitable for a particular product or finish, do not use it until its suitability has been confirmed.

Damage caused by unsuitable cleaning products can be permanent.