How to Clean Chrome

Posted on July 27th, 2009 by Marck

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Chrome is one of the most popular and useful ways to protect and decorate metal surfaces. The look, strength, and appeal of chrome makes it suitable for vehicles, jewelry, kitchen tools, plumbing fixtures, and household appliances. While chrome is strong, it does get dull and worn over time. Here are some ways to clean chrome quickly, safely, and efficiently.

Cleaning Products

Chrome is resistant to many causes of stains, but the surface does need to be cleaned every now and then to keep it shiny and gleaming:

Soap. Chrome is best cleaned with soapy water. When cleaning a chrome fixture or a chrome-plated tool or appliance, it’s best to use liquid cleaning soap to prevent soap residue and soap scum from accumulating on the chrome surface. Avoid using abrasives like steel wool or scouring pads on chrome, because you may end up scratching or chipping the chrome plating.
Commercial cleaning products. Many commercial cleaning products like car polish, or cleaning products specifically formulated to clean and polish chrome, are readily available from cleaning supply shops and department stores. Silver polish also works well to clean and polish chrome. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully when using commercial cleaning and polishing products for chrome surfaces.

Alternative Cleaning Remedies

There are many products in and around the home that you can use to restore, clean, and polish chrome:

Aluminum foil. Wrapping foil is not a cleaning product in itself, as it is a quick and easy way to chip off small rust deposits on car bumpers and cutlery. Simply roll a piece of foil into a ball, and use the creases and folds to rub away at the rusty spots.
Baby oil. A few drops of unscented baby oil can also be used to clean chrome. The slippery characteristics of baby oil can come in handy if you want to clean chrome surfaces in moving parts.
Vinegar. Undiluted white vinegar is excellent for dislodging, dissolving, and cleaning dirt from chrome surfaces.

Chrome always looks good when it’s clean and shiny. With these tips and products, you can clean just about any chrome surface easily, and make it look just the day it was plated and finished.