PRODUCT CARE & CLEANING GUIDE

ST GEORGE | BATHROOM & KITCHEN COLLECTION

Care and maintenance guidance to help preserve the appearance, finish and performance of your St George products.

01 | GENERAL CARE PRINCIPLES

St George products are designed for everyday use. Appropriate cleaning, regular maintenance and correct operation help maintain their appearance and performance over time.

To care for your products:

  • Use a clean, soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge with warm water and a small amount of mild, pH-neutral detergent, unless otherwise specified in the product instructions.

  • Rinse away cleaning products and residue with clean water, then dry with a soft cloth where practical.

  • Avoid abrasive cleaning pads, steel wool, metal scourers, scraping tools and harsh chemical cleaners that may scratch or damage product surfaces.

  • Do not leave cleaning chemicals, soap residue or personal-care products in prolonged contact with product surfaces.

  • Avoid excessive force, heavy impact, sharp objects and unintended mechanical loads.

  • Always follow the installation, operation and maintenance instructions supplied with the specific product.

Important: Different materials and finishes have different cleaning requirements. A cleaning method suitable for one product may not be suitable for another. When uncertain, use clean water and a soft cloth first, or contact St George for guidance.

02 | CERAMIC SANITARYWARE

Toilets, basins and other vitreous china products

Ceramic sanitaryware features a durable glazed surface designed for regular bathroom use. Gentle routine cleaning helps preserve the appearance of the glaze and minimise surface deposits.

  • Clean with warm water, mild household detergent and a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge.

  • Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove soap, detergent and chemical residue.

  • For stubborn marks, repeat gentle cleaning rather than using excessive force or highly abrasive products.

  • Avoid metal scourers, abrasive powders, scraping blades and hard tools that may scratch or damage the glazed finish.

  • Remove staining substances and chemical spills promptly.

  • Avoid impact from heavy or hard objects that may chip, crack or damage ceramic surfaces.

  • Do not expose ceramic products to sudden extreme temperature changes or uses outside their intended purpose.

Certain mineral deposits, surface marks or discolouration may develop depending on water quality, cleaning practices and environmental conditions. Regular cleaning can help minimise these effects.

03 | SMART TOILETS, TOILET SEATS & PLASTIC COMPONENTS

Smart toilets contain electronic components, sensors and precision mechanisms that require particular attention during cleaning and maintenance.

Plastic toilet seats, lids and other components may have polished or coated surfaces that are more susceptible to visible scratches than ceramic materials.

  • Clean seat and lid surfaces using a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a small amount of mild, neutral detergent.

  • Wipe gently without excessive rubbing or pressure, then remove detergent residue using a clean damp cloth.

  • Do not use abrasive sponges, scouring pads, rough towels, solvent-based cleaners, concentrated bleach or aggressive chemical products.

  • Do not spray or pour water or cleaning solutions directly onto electrical controls, sensor openings, power connections, ventilation openings or other electronic components.

  • Do not use steam cleaners or high-pressure cleaning equipment on smart toilet components.

  • Avoid placing hot objects or sharp items on plastic surfaces.

  • Do not sit, stand or place excessive weight on the toilet lid or other components not designed to support such loads.

  • Avoid forcing automatic lids, seats or motorised components beyond their intended operating range.

  • Check visible seat and hinge fittings periodically. If any component becomes loose, damaged or operates abnormally, discontinue the affected operation and arrange appropriate inspection or adjustment.

Surface Appearance: Light surface marks or fine scratches may become visible on polished plastic components through contact, wiping or everyday handling. The nature and extent of any marking will depend on the material, surface finish and usage conditions.

For cleaning or maintenance involving internal components, always follow the model-specific instructions. Electrical servicing and repairs should be carried out by appropriately qualified personnel.

04 | TAPWARE, SHOWERS & BATHROOM ACCESSORIES

Mixers, taps, shower fittings, hand showers, rails and bathroom accessories

Tapware and bathroom accessories may feature chrome, brushed, electroplated, PVD or other decorative finishes. Regular gentle cleaning helps maintain their appearance.

  • Clean exposed surfaces with a soft cloth and warm water. Where necessary, use a small amount of mild, pH-neutral detergent.

  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean, soft cloth to minimise water spotting and surface deposits.

  • Avoid abrasive cleaners, metal scourers, steel wool, hard brushes, scraping tools and polishing compounds.

  • Do not use cleaners containing strong acids, strong alkalis, concentrated chlorine-based chemicals or other corrosive substances unless specifically approved for the product finish.

  • Remove toothpaste, liquid soap, shampoo, cosmetics and other personal-care products from the surface after contact.

  • Do not leave cleaning products or chemical residues on the surface for extended periods.

  • Inspect and clean accessible aerators, spray outlets and filters as required, following the relevant product instructions.

  • Avoid excessive force when operating handles, levers, shower heads and other moving components.

Water Quality: Minerals, sediment and other substances present in the water supply may contribute to visible deposits, staining or restrictions in water flow. The frequency of cleaning may vary depending on local water conditions.

Where persistent deposits or unexplained surface changes occur, contact St George before attempting aggressive cleaning methods.

05 | COLOURED, COATED & PVD FINISHES

Black, brushed brass, bronze, copper, gunmetal and other decorative finishes

Decorative finishes require careful handling and maintenance to preserve their intended appearance.

PVD and other protective finishes can provide enhanced surface durability, but they are not immune to scratching, chemical exposure, impact or wear.

  • Use clean water and a soft, non-abrasive cloth for routine cleaning. A small amount of mild, pH-neutral detergent may be used when necessary.

  • Rinse and dry the surface after cleaning to minimise water marks and mineral build-up.

  • Do not use abrasive cleaning pads, metal polish, polishing compounds or harsh chemical cleaners.

  • Avoid exposure to concentrated bleach, strong acids, strong alkalis, chlorine-based cleaning agents and solvents.

  • Do not use unverified protective coatings, waxes, oils or surface restoration products.

  • Avoid dragging hard or sharp objects across finished surfaces.

  • Remove chemical spills and visible residue promptly using a suitable gentle cleaning method.

Important: Water spotting, mineral deposits, physical abrasion and chemical exposure may affect the appearance of decorative finishes. Surface changes should be assessed according to their characteristics and circumstances rather than assumed to have a single cause.

06 | STAINLESS STEEL SINKS & LAUNDRY PRODUCTS

Stainless steel is designed for everyday kitchen and laundry use and offers good resistance to corrosion. However, it is not completely resistant to scratches, surface deposits, staining or chemical attack.

  • Clean regularly using warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.

  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean, soft cloth to minimise water marks and mineral deposits.

  • Where a visible brushed grain is present, clean gently in the direction of the grain.

  • Avoid steel wool, metal scourers, scraping blades and abrasive cleaning products that may damage the finish.

  • Do not leave strong chlorine-based cleaners, hydrochloric acid, drain cleaners or other aggressive chemicals in contact with the surface.

  • Avoid prolonged contact with wet steel objects, metal filings, steel-wool residue and other foreign metal particles.

  • Remove food residue, salt deposits and chemical spills promptly.

  • Avoid dropping heavy or sharp objects into the sink, as impact may cause dents, scratches or other damage.

  • Do not cut directly on the sink surface. Use an appropriate chopping board.

Surface Marks & Rust-Coloured Staining: Fine scratches may develop during normal use. Rust-coloured spots can sometimes result from external iron particles or deposits on the surface and do not necessarily indicate corrosion of the stainless steel itself.

Coloured Stainless Steel: Where stainless steel has a decorative or PVD finish, follow the additional precautions in Section 05. Do not use stainless steel polish or abrasive restoration products unless specifically approved for that finish.

07 | GRANITE COMPOSITE SINKS

Granite composite sinks are manufactured using a combination of mineral particles and binding materials to create a durable surface suitable for everyday kitchen use.

Although designed for durability, granite composite surfaces are not completely resistant to heat, impact, abrasion, chemical exposure or mineral deposits. Appropriate care helps preserve the appearance and condition of the sink.

Routine Cleaning

  • Clean regularly using warm water, mild dishwashing detergent and a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water after cleaning to remove detergent, food residue and other deposits.

  • Dry the surface with a clean, soft cloth after use where practical, especially in areas with hard water.

  • Do not allow soap residue, food waste or cleaning products to remain on the surface for prolonged periods.

Heat Exposure & Temperature Changes

  • Do not place hot pots, pans, baking trays or other heated cookware directly onto the sink surface.

  • Allow hot cookware to cool or place it on an appropriate heat-resistant trivet outside the sink.

  • Avoid pouring hot cooking oil, grease or other extremely hot substances into the sink.

  • When disposing of boiling water, avoid prolonged or concentrated heat exposure to one area. Where practical, run cool tap water to reduce localised heating.

  • Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes and repeated exposure to high temperatures outside the product’s intended use.

Excessive or concentrated heat exposure may affect the appearance, surface condition or structural integrity of some composite materials.

Scratches, Abrasion & Impact

  • Do not cut or chop food directly on the sink surface. Always use a chopping board.

  • Avoid dragging metal pots, pans, cutlery and other hard objects across the surface.

  • Do not drop heavy or sharp objects into the sink.

  • Do not use steel wool, metal scourers, scraping blades or aggressive abrasive cleaning products.

  • Take care when placing heavy cookware and utensils into the sink to minimise repeated impact and friction.

Depending on the type and degree of contact, physical abrasion may produce visible marks, surface scratches, dullness or changes in surface appearance.

White Marks, Mineral Deposits & Discolouration

White, grey or cloudy marks may become visible on granite composite surfaces, particularly on darker colours.

Possible contributing factors include:

  • Mineral deposits, including calcium and limescale from the water supply.

  • Residue from soaps, detergents and other household products.

  • Repeated friction or abrasion from cookware, utensils or cleaning equipment.

  • Exposure to unsuitable cleaning chemicals.

  • Excessive heat exposure or localised surface deterioration.

These different causes may produce a similar visible appearance but may require different methods of assessment or treatment.

For white or cloudy marks, begin with gentle cleaning using mild detergent and a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and allow the surface to dry before assessing whether the marks remain.

Do not attempt to remove persistent marks using aggressive chemicals, abrasive polishing or surface restoration treatments without appropriate guidance.

Chemical Protection

  • Avoid concentrated bleach, oven cleaners, alkaline drain cleaners, strong acids, solvents and other aggressive chemicals.

  • Do not use chemical descalers, stain removers or specialist cleaning products unless their suitability for the specific granite composite material has been confirmed.

  • Remove accidental chemical spills promptly using plenty of clean water, provided it is safe to do so under the chemical product’s safety instructions.

  • Do not leave cleaning products on the surface for prolonged periods or use them at concentrations beyond their approved instructions.

Preventative Maintenance

  • Avoid leaving wet cleaning cloths, sponges, rubber mats or other water-retaining items against the sink surface for extended periods.

  • Remove staining food residues, coffee, tea, sauces and other coloured substances promptly.

  • Keep the sink free of accumulated mineral deposits and cleaning residue.

  • Do not apply oils, waxes, sealants or colour-restoration products unless specifically approved by St George.

  • Regularly inspect the surface and contact St George if unusual or persistent surface changes are noticed.

Important: Visible discolouration or white marks do not, by themselves, establish whether a product has been improperly maintained or has a material or manufacturing defect. The condition should be assessed using the available evidence and relevant product information.

08 | IMPORTANT CLEANING PRECAUTIONS

The following precautions apply across the St George bathroom and kitchen range unless specific product instructions state otherwise.

Abrasive Materials

Avoid steel wool, rough scouring pads, abrasive powders, metal brushes and scraping blades. These may scratch, wear or alter the surface finish.

Chemical Cleaners

Avoid concentrated bleach, strong acids, strong alkalis, aggressive solvents and corrosive household or industrial chemicals unless specifically approved for the particular product and finish.

Cleaning Residue

Do not leave cleaning agents, soap residue or chemical substances on product surfaces longer than recommended. Rinse and dry after cleaning where appropriate.

Unapproved Surface Treatments

Do not apply metal polish, polishing paste, abrasive restoration compounds, oils, waxes or protective coatings unless their suitability has been confirmed for the product material and finish.

Water Quality & Mineral Deposits

Regularly remove visible mineral deposits using an appropriate approved cleaning method. The frequency of maintenance may vary according to local water quality and use.

Physical Damage

Avoid impact, excessive force, sharp objects and unintended loads that may scratch, deform, chip, crack or otherwise damage products.

Electrical Safety

For products with electrical components, prevent moisture and cleaning chemicals from entering electrical connections, sensors, control panels and internal openings. Follow the product-specific electrical safety and maintenance instructions.

09 | CARE, MAINTENANCE & WARRANTY INFORMATION

This guide provides general cleaning and maintenance recommendations for St George bathroom and kitchen products.

Different products, materials and finishes may have additional requirements. Customers should refer to the applicable product-specific installation, operation, cleaning and maintenance instructions.

Regular maintenance helps preserve product appearance and performance. However, the occurrence of surface marks, discolouration, component wear or other changes does not automatically establish their cause.

Damage resulting from identifiable external factors, including inappropriate cleaning methods, unsuitable chemicals, excessive heat, physical impact, abrasive damage, misuse or improper maintenance, may not be considered a manufacturing defect.

Where a product concern is reported, St George may request relevant photographs, product details, purchase information or other reasonable evidence to assist with assessment. Where necessary, further inspection may be required to determine the nature and cause of the reported issue.

Warranty claims will be assessed in accordance with the applicable product warranty terms and the Australian Consumer Law.

Australian Consumer Law

Our products come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. Nothing in this guide is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any rights or remedies available under the Australian Consumer Law.

For product-specific care requirements, cleaning enquiries or concerns about the condition of your product, please contact St George before using unverified cleaning or surface restoration methods.