June 11, 2024

Is It Easy to Clean and Maintain the Shine of Polished Grab Bars?

Polished grab bars can add a touch of elegance to your bathroom, but maintaining their shine and mirror-like appearance requires a bit more effort compared to a brushed grab bar finish. 

How should I clean my Polished Grab Bars?

• Polished grab bars are relatively easy to clean: Polished stainless steel is generally easy to clean. You can use a similar approach to brushed grab bar finishes; just use a mild soap and water mixture with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Polished grab bars are fingerprint prone: However, polished surfaces are more prone to showing fingerprints and water spots. You might need to wipe them down more frequently to maintain a spotless look.

How can I maintain the shine of my Polished Grab Bars?

• Polished grab bars will need a bit more attention to maintenance: Unlike brushed finishes that hide imperfections, polished surfaces require more attention to maintain their shine. Scratches and water spots will be more noticeable.
• You may need special Polished finish products: You can find stainless steel polishes or wipes specifically designed to restore shine and remove minor scratches. However, use these products sparingly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as overuse can damage the polished grab bar finish.
• Microfiber cloths are key: Always use microfiber cloths for cleaning and polishing. Regular cloths might leave streaks or tiny scratches.

What are alternatives for Polished Grab Bars?

If maintaining the shine of polished grab bars seems like too much work for you, consider this grab bar finish which is a common alternative to polished:

• Brushed Finish: If maintaining a mirror-like shine feels like a chore, brushed stainless steel might be a better choice. It offers a more forgiving finish that hides imperfections and requires less maintenance.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. If a sleek, polished look is important, be prepared for a bit more maintenance. If ease of cleaning and a finish that hides wear and tear are your priorities, consider brushed stainless steel, which has a satin-like appearance.

Why do Polished Grab Bars require a bit more upkeep than other grab bar finishes?

This is due to their mirror-like, shiny appearance. Here’s why polished grab bars require a bit more maintenance than other finishes:

• Polished Shows Water Spots and Fingerprints: Polished surfaces are more prone to showing water spots and fingerprints. These blemishes become more noticeable as they collect on the shiny surface, making it appear less clean.
• Polished Makes Scratches More Visible: Scratches and imperfections are significantly more noticeable on a polished finish compared to a brushed finish. Brushed stainless steel has a textured surface that helps hide minor scratches and imperfections, whereas polished finishes tend to show them quite clearly.
• Maintaining Shine Requires Extra Effort: To maintain that mirror-like shine, polished grab bars may require more frequent cleaning and polishing with specialized products. Regular cleaning with just soap and water won’t be enough to restore shine or remove minor scratches.

                    

Overall, polished grab bars offer a higher-end and more upscale appearance than many other grab bar finishes. That said, to maintain the shiny, mirror-like appearance, a bit more extra maintenance will be required to keep polished grab bars looking their best for many years to come. If low-maintenance is a priority, a brushed stainless steel finish may be a better choice. Brushed finishes hide wear and tear better and offer a subtle sheen that’s easier to maintain than a polished finish.

Take a look at all of the grab bars available in both Polished and Brushed finishes here: Grab Bars

Also take a look at the below up-close looks at both finishes:

• “What are Polished Grab Bars?”

• “What are Brushed Grab Bars?”

If you have any additional questions about polished grab bars or need help deciding which grab bar finish is the best option for you, email us at [email protected], live chat with us on GrabBars.com, or give us a call at 704-800-4629 and we’ll be happy to help.