IMPORTANT – Installation and Care Instructions
(Please read prior to installation)
CLAWFOOT CAST IRON BATHS
Installation – Bath feet fitting instructions will be packaged inside the bath. If you need a copy of these please contact us on 01723 585896 or email [email protected].
To keep your bath in great condition we recommend the following:
- Always rinse the bath after use to ensure that any residual soap or shampoo is washed from the bath; the bath should then be towel dried to avoid mineral or limescale deposits building up as any water evaporates. This is especially important if you live in a hard water area.
- Never use any acidic or abrasive cleaning materials. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge should be sufficient to keep the inside of the bath clean; all soapy water should be rinsed from the bath after cleaning and the bath should then be dried (see the point above).
- Dripping taps should be fixed as soon as possible as they may cause mineral or limescale damage to the surface of the bath.
- Clean the bath surface regularly with a soft cloth and warm soapy water, washing up liquid is great for this.
BATEAU BATH (LA ROCHELLE/DELAUNAY/ KAHLO)
Installation – It is recommended that you apply a bead of silicon to the underside of the skirt of the bath in order to prevent movement. Should the bath need to be weighted down, it is recommended to use physical weights (such as books) rather than filling the bath and leaving for a number of hours as evaporating water can leave limescale or other mineral deposits behind.
To keep your bath in great condition we recommend the following:
- Always rinse the bath after use to ensure that any residual soap or shampoo is washed from the bath; the bath should then be towel dried to avoid mineral or limescale deposits caused by evaporating water. This is especially important if you live in a hard water area.
- Never use any acidic or abrasive cleaning materials. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge should be sufficient to keep the inside of the bath clean; all soapy water should be rinsed from the bath after cleaning and the bath should then be dried (see the point above).
- Dripping taps should be fixed as soon as possible as they may cause mineral or limescale damage to the surface of the bath.
- Clean the interior bath surface regularly with a soft cloth and warm soapy water, washing up liquid is great for this.
TAPWARE AND SHOWERS
Installation – Instructions will be included in the box with your product. If you need a copy of these please contact us on 01723 585896 or email [email protected].
To keep your tapware in good condition we recommend the following:
- Dust the products regularly using a soft, dry cloth to prevent dust and dirt buildup as this helps maintain the shine and prevents the need for more intensive cleaning.
- Clean regularly to reduce the formation of limescale and water marks.
- Wipe away fingerprints and water marks as soon as you notice them to prevent them from setting in and causing staining.
- After use wipe with a soft cloth and mild soapy water; rinse with clean water then dry with a soft cloth.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or abrasive pads as this can scratch the surface or damage the finish (for plated finishes this can strip the surface plating).
- Do not use harsh cleaning agents containing alcohol, bleach, acids, vinegar, ammonia or antibacterial ingredients as this can damage the finish (for plated finishes this can strip the surface plating).
- For Chrome and Polished Nickel finishes we recommend the occasional application of beeswax, carnauba wax or ‘Autoglym Aqua Wax’. This will help to protect the surface and help resist the formation of limescale or water marks.
Remember, a little preventive care goes a long way in maintaining the beauty of your taps or shower. If you're unsure about a specific cleaning product, it's always a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the finish.
LIVING FINISHES
Polished Nickel and Polished Brass should be considered ‘Living Finishes’. As such, they have no protective coating and form a natural patina that will age naturally. The surface patina will darken in areas that are infrequently handled and appear highlighted in those that are frequently handled. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the living finish to fade. If your taps are near windows, consider using curtains or blinds to shield them from sunlight.
Polished Brass
All of The Cast Iron Bath Company's and Ashbee and Stone's tapware and showers are casted from solid brass. While hand polished to order, the surface of the finish will still patina over time. If unwanted, this surface patina may be removed with the application of a suitable metal polish (such as Peek metal polish). Always ensure that the surface has been cleaned prior to the application of metal polish. We do not recommend doing this often as it can abrade the surface. We do not accept responsibility for any damage caused by polishing. It is important to clean the surface thoroughly after polishing to remove all polish residue.
VANITY UNITS (MARBLE/GRANITE WORKTOPS)
Natural stones such as Marble, Slate, Limestone and Granite are prone to variations in colour, texture, shade and veining and may differ from the samples shown on our website.
All stone is naturally porous to varying degrees and we strongly advise that your stone is sealed to improve stain resistance. Select a high quality sealer to provide maximum surface stain protection.
It is imperative that good practice is observed when installing tiles or grouting around your unit to ensure that no building residue is sealed into or marks the product as this can be difficult to remove.
To keep your natural stone in great condition we recommend the following:
- Dust and clean surfaces frequently
- Clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap (it is important to use a stone cleaner that is specifically designed for your particular stone)
- Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
- Blot up spills immediately
- Protect countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats
- Do not use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble or granite surfaces
- Do not use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners
- Do not use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
CONCRETE BASINS
Installation – If you are mounting the concrete basin on our brackets and you wish to achieve an 'invisible mounting' then the brackets need to be chased into the wall or mounted prior to any tiling work - please contact us on 01723 585896 or email [email protected] for more details.
To keep your concrete basin in great condition we recommend the following:
- Warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge should be sufficient to keep the inside of the basin clean. Never use any acidic or abrasive cleaning materials as these may damage the basin.
- Dripping taps should be fixed as soon as possible as they may cause mineral or limescale damage to the surface of the basin.
- To maximise the longevity of the basin you should reapply a wax or sealer every six months.