Bars, kitchen islands and even card tables now have added functionality unlike in the past. Its added feature today is the foot rail which provides a comfortable resting place for your feet. With this accessory in place, people who use those areas can enjoy their time and not worry about tiring their feet.
Toe rails are those long tubes you see attached to the bottom and front of a bar counter or kitchen island. It can be made from different types of materials such as wood, stainless steel, and brass. They not only serve an important purpose, but also enhance the beauty of your home bar or kitchen island counter.
But like any home accessory, maintenance is crucial for the foot rail. This is to prevent it from getting scratches, dirt, dust, and stains. Also, polishing is vital, especially for stainless steel and brass rails to maintain their shine.
Brass
For brass foot rails, applying brass polish and lacquer will help prevent future tarnishing. Please note that this material is prone to corrosion. This occurs due to environmental conditions, including chemicals, salty air, pollutants, and ultraviolet rays, and when this happens, the lacquer can disintegrate.
Experts recommend applying a non-abrasive car wax to the surface of the pipe at least two to three times a year. This is to prevent tarnishing.
Also keep the material away from paints and other chemicals that can affect the condition of the brass. Another option if you see signs of tarnish is to apply a lacquer remover and apply a fresh coat of polish to the brass. After that, you can add a polymer car wax cleaner, wipe it down and apply a coat of polyurethane sealer before polishing the material with a clean, soft cloth or rag.
An ideal way to clean your brass foot rail is to use a mild soap and water mixture. Soak your rag in the solution and wipe down the rail. Do not use abrasive cleaners as much as possible as they can cause scratches.
stainless steel
For your stainless steel foot rail, you can use soap and water or detergent and ammonia together with a sponge to keep it clean. Never use metal scouring pads or metal scrapers.
If you see stains and some discoloration, you can use a stainless steel cleaner or just a mild cleaner. You can choose from several types, such as alkaline, chlorinated alkaline or non-chlorine cleaners. A soft bristle toothbrush can be used.
If rust exists, mix nitric acid and warm water in a ratio of one to nine. The correct way to mix this is to add the acid to the water and not the other way around. Leave the mixture for about half an hour to prevent corrosion from spreading. Rinse afterwards and let dry.
Follow these steps regularly and you will make your foot rails more durable and attractive for a long time.