he surface of the Sultan Bronze Collection is easy to clean and maintain. The natural finish of the bronze has been created to make the normal care of the bathtub and basin practical for everyday use by the owner. The cleaning and care of the products in our collection are for the most part similar to that indicated for conventional products on the market, with the exception of the polishing process for the bronze. The Sultan baths and basins have a "Living Finish". This means that the bronze surface has a natural finish that will organically change with exposure to elements in the environment. Over time, the bronze will slowly oxidize if the surface is not cleaned and maintained properly. All changes that occur to the surface can be easily removed and brought back to the original finish and appearance by following the instructions as indicated below. A patina has not been placed on the surface of our bronze pieces. The luminous golden finish is all natural and is the true color of the bronze. Sealants, oils or waxes are also not used to coat the surface of the bathtubs and basins. The finish is therefore pure bronze. The eight stage polishing process involved in the production utilizes a different mineral for each stage. The absorbion of the combination of these minerals, creates a protection that naturally seals the surface of the bronze and makes it more resilient to water. NOTE: The outside surface may be waxed in order to provide additional protection of the bronze finish. Doing so would decrease the amount of oxidization that may occur over time, which in turn would decrease the frequency of our recommended cleaning and polishing schedule. CLEANING: We recommend cleaning the bathtub and basin with soap and water after every use or once a week when not in use. This will eliminate the build-up of harmful substances that may cause a slow change in the finish appearance. Always use a soft cloth to clean the bronze surface. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Do not use abrasive chemicals or abrasive cloths or abrasive wipes to clean the bathtub and basin. Do not use corrosive, acid based or ammonia based cleansers such as vinegar or lime/rust removers. Removing harmful substances from the bronze surface will reduce/eliminate the occurrence of oxidization of the bronze. POLISHING: Use a high quality bronze cleaner to polish, protect and remove any possible oxidization from the surface of the bathtub and basin. To prevent damage to the surface of the bronze, it is imperative that the polishing cream does not contain abrasives or ammonia. Before using the polishing product, please read the entire label carefully. The polishing procedure itself may be completed by hand or by using a polishing/buffing machine. INSTRUCTIONS: Apply the polishing cream with a damp soft cloth, making sure to cover the entire surface; do not let dry. Buff the surface briskly with a soft, dry towel until all of the polishing cream has been removed and the surface is completely clean and brilliant. It is very important to thoroughly rinse the entire surface after polishing in order to remove all of the cream, thus avoiding future irritation to the skin when bathing or washing. All surface oxidation, tarnish, rust, lime deposits, fingerprints, hard water stains, salt and fresh water corrosion may be easily removed utilizing a proper bronze cleaner. Apply the cream to the specific area and follow the process as previously indicated for polishing. Should an affected area become more advanced with time, use of a polishing machine will be able to apply a stronger buffing treatment in order to restore the bronze to the original finish. Should any areas of corrosion be noted, application of the polishing cream with a synthetic scrubbing pad will most effectively address this. To maintain and protect the original luminous golden finish of each bronze piece, polishing every 12-16 weeks is recommended. To achieve a dark, rustic appearance, do not polish, but thoroughly clean the surface with soap and water every week. With proper cleaning and care, we guarantee that the beautiful finish of each bathtub and basin will be maintained for its entire life. Should one have any questions or wish to have any additional information regarding the cleaning and care of the Sultan Bath Collection pieces, please do not hesitate to contact us. Click here for a printable version of these instructions      © Sultan Bath Inc., 2007. All rights reserved.