Care Guide

Care Guide

General Maintenance

• You should remove dust from your fittings on a regular basis, this will help prolong the life of the fitting and protect the finish.
• Clean with a soft dry cloth or duster. If the fitting requires further attention, moisten the cloth with fresh water and wipe down.
• Make sure to dry the fitting thoroughly with a separate cloth to remove any water spots and to enhance the shine.
• Some metals will require a more specific cleaning to bring back the original appearance, these are listed below.

Brass & Bronze

Over time brass will start to age from atmospheric elements, even when used in interior settings.

• We recommend rinsing with a fresh water and a cloth every few months to reduce the ageing process.
• If the brass has aged and started to darken in colour, use brasso cleaner to restore the natural finish.

Aluminium

• Aluminium should be cleaned with a damp cloth only, excluding any type of solvents or detergents.
• You should avoid all contact with fertilisers, chlorinated water and other chemicals as this can cause corrosion of the fitting.

Stainless Steel

• We recommend washing this product with a solution of detergent, diluted in warm water to remove surface deposits, every couple of months.
• Rinse with fresh clean water and dry with a soft clean cloth.
• If you require further cleaning, you can use a stainless-steel cleaner wipe or cream paired with a non-abrasive cloth.

Chrome

It is important to dust chrome regularly. Dust build up can give the illusion of rust if not maintained.

• We recommend wiping chrome fittings with warm soapy water, using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
• If the dust is hard to remove, use a soft bristled brush.
• It is important to make sure you dry the fitting thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water marks.

Plaster & Ceramic

Bare plaster and ceramic are a porous material; therefore, it is important avoid using water or liquids to clean to retain the look of the fitting.

• If the plaster has been painted, you can use a damp cloth to clean.
• Dust can be removed with a soft dry cloth or a soft bristle brush.
• Dirty marks on bare plaster or ceramics should be removed by carefully rubbing, using a “smoke sponge’’ or similar made from Vulcanized rubber.

Porcelain

• Dust fittings when required.
• Small marks on the raw porcelain can be removed with a clean cloth and soap or creme cleanser.

Concrete

Very minimal cleaning is required with interior concrete fittings however if needed:

• We recommend washing concrete with a solution of detergent, diluted in warm water to remove surface deposits, every couple of months.
• Rinse with fresh clean water and dry with a soft clean cloth.

Organic & Natural

Rattan, Wicker & Cane

Many of our natural rattan, cane and wicker fittings are hand made with intricate wrapping and binding techniques. Because of this they can have many hard to reach nooks and crannies that can collect dust and dirt.

• We recommend dusting once a week or vacuuming with an upholstery brush to remove any hard to reach dust.

Fabric

Avoid placing fabric fittings in an area that is susceptible to moisture or mildew to prolong the life of your fittings. Prolonged sun exposure may affect the material over time.

• You should remove any dust with a fine brush or lint remover.
• If there are any marks that need further cleaning, use a soft cloth which is slightly moist with fresh water and either dab or gentle wipe with the grain to remove.
• DO NOT fully submerge fittings in water to clean or use harsh chemicals or detergents.

Cotton & Linen

• We recommend removing any dust with a fine brush, duster or lint remover.
• If further cleaning is needed, wipe with a damp cloth.
• If the material loses shape, you may use a handheld steamer to soften the material and mould the fitting back into its original shape.

Painted Products

• Clean with a soft dry cloth.
• If particularly dirty, you can moisten the cloth using fresh water.
• Remember to dry thoroughly using a separate soft cloth to avoid water spotting.

Wood

• Clean with a soft dry cloth or duster.
• If the fitting requires further attention, moisten the cloth with fresh water and wipe down.
• Make sure to dry the fitting thoroughly with a separate cloth to remove any water spots.

Glass

• Remove dust with a microfiber cloth or dusting wand.
• If the glass is due a more intimate clean, you can use a soft cloth with a mild solution of detergent and water or you can use a glass cleaner if needed.
• Spray the cleaner into a cloth first and then wipe the fitting and avoid contact with any other materials.
• Some items may need to be disassembled for cleaning. Make sure you have a copy of the instructions to avoid damage.

Polycarbonate

• Clean with a soft dry cloth.
• If particularly dirty, you can moisten the cloth using fresh water and then wipe the fitting.
• It is important to dry thoroughly using a separate soft cloth to avoid water spotting.

Coastal & Extreme Weather

If you are located in a coastal area or the fitting is susceptible to extreme weather conditions such as acid rain or industrial pollutants in the air from factories, we recommend that you follow the same care instructions as noted above for the material type however, these will need to be maintained multiple times per year or as needed depending on the exposure and the fitting itself.
Please refer to our Coastal blog to see if the material you have selected is suitable for these conditions, as well as information on the aging process.

If you are unsure what materials the fittings you are interested in are made of, please contact one of our consultants on info@lightingcollective.com.au and they will be able to specify.

Landscape Lighting

• Follow the principals as per the recommended cleaning care for the particular material.
• It is important to make sure that any fittings which may be exposed to or come into contact with any chemicals for lawn care, decking or motor vehicles are washed down regularly. These chemicals can damage the fitting and reduce its lifespan.

Metals

In normal settings and environments if your fitting is graded to be used externally it should be protected and resistant to external elements however, they still require general maintenance and cleaning.

• We recommend washing down the external fittings with warm soapy water to remove all surface deposits and residue.

Concrete

• We recommend washing down the external fittings with warm soapy water to remove all surface deposits and residue.
• DO NOT use a pressure cleaner.