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Cleaning & Maintenance Instructions

The Vandal Stop line of heavy-duty bathroom accessories is designed for exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to wear and tear. To ensure that your units look and function like new for many years, please follow these cleaning and maintenance guidelines carefully.

Last Updated: May 18, 2025

General Best Practices & Safety

  • Frequency: Clean units regularly, with increased frequency in high-traffic or hard-water areas, to prevent build-up of soil and mineral deposits.
  • Test First: Before using any new cleaning agent or method, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the unit first to ensure compatibility and avoid unintended damage.
  • Read Labels: Always read and follow the instructions and safety precautions provided by the manufacturers of cleaning agents or tools.
  • Protective Gear: Wear appropriate protective gear, such as rubber gloves, especially when using specialized cleaners, disinfectants, or when performing restoration tasks. Eye protection may be advisable for some tasks.
  • Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation when using cleaning chemicals or heat guns.
  • Avoid Abrasives (General Rule): Unless specifically instructed for restoration purposes (like fine steel wool on certain finishes), avoid abrasive pads, harsh scouring powders, or steel brushes that can scratch surfaces.
  • Paper Products: Avoid using paper towels for cleaning stainless steel or polycarbonate mirror surfaces, as they can be abrasive and cause fine scratches. Opt for soft cloths.

Stainless Steel Surfaces

Our stainless steel products are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Proper care will preserve their appearance and hygiene.

1. Routine General Cleaning (Daily/Weekly)

This method is suitable for regular upkeep to remove fingerprints, light soil, and water spots.

Recommended Materials:

  • Soft, clean cloths (e.g., terry cloth, microfiber cloths – ensure they are free of grit)
  • Warm water
  • Mild detergent (e.g., pH-neutral liquid dish soap, non-abrasive, and free of chlorides or bleach) OR a specialized, non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner.

Cleaning Steps:

  1. Dampen a soft cloth with warm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent to the cloth if needed, or apply your specialized stainless steel cleaner to the cloth according to its directions.
  2. Gently wipe down the entire exterior surface of the unit. If the stainless steel has a brushed finish, always wipe in the direction of the grain (the faint parallel lines in the steel). This is crucial to avoid scratching and to maintain the original look.
  3. For stubborn spots, you may allow the cleaning solution to sit for a few moments before wiping, but do not let it dry on the surface.
  4. After wiping, thoroughly rinse the surface. Use a separate clean cloth dampened with fresh warm water. Wipe again to remove any residual cleaning agent. This step is vital to prevent streaks, stains, or potential corrosion from leftover chemicals.
  5. Dry the unit completely with a clean, dry, soft cloth (microfiber is excellent for a streak-free finish). Thorough drying prevents water spots and helps maintain the steel's luster.

NEVER use: Abrasive scouring powders, steel wool (except as noted below for restoration), steel brushes, or cleaners containing chlorine/bleach, hydrochloric acid, or other harsh/corrosive chemicals on stainless steel unless explicitly stated as safe by both the cleaner manufacturer and for your specific stainless steel grade and finish.

2. Addressing Tough Stains, Graffiti, or Minor Scratches (Restoration)

For more persistent issues on brushed stainless steel finishes only. Always test these methods in an inconspicuous area first. Proceed with extreme care. For polished or mirror-finish stainless steel, these abrasive methods are generally NOT suitable as they will alter the finish; contact us for guidance on those finishes.

Recommended Materials:

  • Rubber gloves
  • #0000 (superfine) steel wool OR very fine-grit abrasive pad/sandpaper (e.g., 400-600 grit). Use with caution and only on brushed finishes.
  • Stainless steel polish or passivating cleaner (optional, for after restoration).

Restoration Steps:

  1. Put on rubber gloves.
  2. For minor scratches, graffiti, or stubborn stains on brushed stainless steel, take the #0000 steel wool or fine-grit abrasive. ALWAYS rub GENTLY and EXCLUSIVELY in the direction of the existing grain. Use light, even strokes. Do not rub in circles or against the grain, as this will create noticeable new scratches.
  3. Check frequently. The goal is to blend the blemish, not to aggressively remove material.
  4. Once the blemish is addressed, it's crucial to clean the entire surface thoroughly as per "Routine General Cleaning" instructions to remove all abrasive particles, metal dust, and any loosened debris.
  5. Optionally, after thorough cleaning and drying, you can apply a stainless steel polish or a passivating cleaner (if appropriate for the environment and finish) according to the product's instructions. This can help restore an even luster and enhance corrosion resistance.

3. Disinfection of Stainless Steel

To disinfect stainless steel surfaces effectively and safely:

  • Select a disinfectant that is explicitly stated as safe for use on stainless steel. Common options include:
    • 70% Isopropyl alcohol solutions
    • Quaternary ammonium chloride-based disinfectants (Quats) – follow dilution instructions carefully.
    • Hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants formulated for surfaces.
    • Avoid direct or prolonged use of chlorine bleach solutions unless highly diluted and immediately rinsed, as chlorine can cause pitting or corrosion. Always check compatibility.
  • Application: Always apply the disinfectant to a clean, soft cloth first, and then wipe down the unit. Avoid spraying disinfectant directly onto the unit, especially near any mechanisms, locks, sensors, or electronic components, as direct spray can lead to pooling, ingress, and potential damage or malfunction.
  • Contact Time: Allow the disinfectant to remain on the surface for the contact time specified by the disinfectant manufacturer's label to ensure efficacy.
  • Rinsing (if required): If the disinfectant product label requires rinsing (many food-grade or healthcare-grade ones do), wipe the surface with a clean cloth dampened with fresh water after the contact time has elapsed. Then, dry thoroughly. Some disinfectants are "no-rinse."

Mirrors (Including those with Polycarbonate/Lexan Protective Layers)

Our mirrors are designed for clarity and durability. Some models feature a sacrificial layer of protective polycarbonate (also known as Lexan) over a primary mirror surface (e.g., stainless steel or glass). It's important to remember that polycarbonate is significantly softer than glass and scratches more easily, requiring very gentle cleaning techniques.

1. Routine Mirror Cleaning

Recommended Materials:

  • Soft, clean microfiber cloths (use separate cloths for washing and drying/polishing). Ensure they are completely free of any grit or abrasive particles.
  • Warm water.
  • Mild detergent (pH-neutral, non-abrasive, like a gentle dish soap) OR a specialized glass cleaner specifically stated as safe for use on polycarbonate/acrylic/plastic mirror surfaces (often ammonia-free).

Cleaning Steps:

  1. If the mirror is dusty, gently wipe or dust with a dry, clean microfiber cloth first to remove loose particles.
  2. Lightly dampen another clean microfiber cloth with warm water. If using detergent, add a very small amount. If using a specialized cleaner, lightly spray it onto the cloth (not directly onto the mirror, especially if it's polycarbonate).
  3. Gently wipe the mirror surface with the dampened cloth. Use minimal pressure. Avoid circular motions on polycarbonate; try gentle, overlapping strokes.
  4. NEVER use paper towels, abrasive powders, scouring pads, or harsh chemical solvents such as acetone, benzene, lacquer thinner, carbon tetrachloride, or strong acids/alkalis on polycarbonate surfaces. These will cause immediate and irreversible damage like scratching, hazing, or crazing.
  5. If a detergent was used, "rinse" the surface by wiping again with a different clean microfiber cloth dampened only with fresh warm water. This removes any cleaner residue.
  6. Dry the mirror thoroughly and gently with a clean, dry microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.

2. Addressing Minor Scratches on Polycarbonate (Lexan) Sacrificial Layers

This technique is for very light surface scratches on the polycarbonate layer and requires extreme caution. Test on a hidden corner or a spare piece of polycarbonate first, if possible.

  1. Ensure the polycarbonate surface is perfectly clean and dry using the "Routine Mirror Cleaning" method.
  2. Set a heat gun to its ABSOLUTE LOWEST heat setting.
  3. Hold the heat gun approximately 4-6 inches away from the scratched surface. Keep the heat gun constantly and slowly moving across the scratch. DO NOT linger in one spot. Overheating will cause the polycarbonate to bubble, warp, haze, or melt.
  4. Observe the scratch carefully. If the method is working, light scratches may appear to "flow out" and become less noticeable. This is a delicate process.
  5. If you do not see improvement quickly or if you notice any adverse changes to the polycarbonate, stop immediately. This method may not be effective for all types of scratches or polycarbonate.

3. Deep Sc scratches or Polycarbonate Layer Replacement

If scratches on the polycarbonate sacrificial layer are too deep or extensive for the heat gun method to be effective, or if the layer is otherwise significantly damaged (e.g., from harsh chemicals), a replacement layer may be the best solution. Please contact Vandal Stop Products or consult your specific product manual for information on ordering replacement polycarbonate layers and for detailed installation instructions.

4. Preventing Moisture Build-up (for Mirrors with Add-on Polycarbonate Layers)

If your mirror has a user-installed or replaceable polycarbonate layer, it's important to prevent moisture from getting trapped between the polycarbonate and the main mirror surface, as this can lead to mold, mildew, or fogging.

  • Ensure Dryness During Assembly: When installing or reinstalling a polycarbonate layer, make absolutely certain that both the mirror surface and both sides of the polycarbonate layer are completely clean and thoroughly dry before assembly.
  • Edge Sealing in Humid Environments: In persistently high-humidity environments (e.g., shower rooms, pool areas), consider applying a thin, clear, waterproof edge-sealing tape (available at most local hardware or automotive stores) around the perimeter where the polycarbonate layer meets the frame or mirror edge. This can create a barrier against moisture ingress. Ensure the surfaces are clean and dry before applying tape.

By diligently following these cleaning and maintenance instructions, you will help ensure the longevity, functionality, and pristine appearance of your Vandal Stop products for years to come. If you have any questions or encounter issues not covered here, please do not hesitate to contact Vandal Stop Customer Service.