How To Clean Chrome Hardware

When you think of a modern, bright bathroom or kitchen, you no doubt envision white tiles, mirrors, and plenty of chrome hardware. These shiny taps, shower heads, and other bathroom and kitchen items keep the room bright, and they bounce light off them effortlessly. Keeping them clean and polished is a must if you want them to look their best. 

What are some of the problems with keeping chrome at its best, and how do you overcome them? Chrome is a magnet to water spots and streaks, and if it gets damaged, then rust may also set in. Regular maintenance is key in keeping on top of any issues and making sure to use the correct cleaning products in the right way. Home Affluence warned that chrome is a soft metal that can easily become damaged if improperly cared for. Any cleaners must be suitable for chrome, and you should avoid harsh things like scouring pads or sharp edges.

An easy way of making sure your cleaning product is chrome friendly is to make your own. Green Gobbler recommended using vinegar to keep your chrome hardware in tip-top condition. It helps to get rid of any tarnished areas or chalky deposits left from minerals in the water.

For this method, you will need vinegar, water, a spray bottle, and a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge. You might also want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush if there are any stubborn marks or stains. Mix the vinegar and water in equal quantities into the spray bottle. Spray on the chrome and use the soft cloth to wipe it down and bring your hardware back up to its shiny best. For a bit of extra strength, add some baking soda into your mix and use the soft-bristled toothbrush to gently work into hard-to-reach areas.

Green Gobbler also suggested getting some chrome polish from an automotive place to make your freshly cleaned chrome really shine and gleam. It will look brand new in no time.

If you have rust on your chrome, you might be surprised, as chrome is supposed to be resistant to rust. However, if it gets scratched or dented, then the metal underneath the chrome plating comes in contact with the air. Bathrooms, in particular, are rooms high in moisture, so rust can settle in quickly.

How do you tackle it so you can get your chrome back to its best? Family Handyman had some solutions that worked well. One way is going back to vinegar, but this time it's neat vinegar. Leave it on the rusted areas for 10 minutes, and then scrub it hard with a sponge. Once all the rust is removed, fill and seal any scratches or dents with some car wax to prevent more rust problems from occurring.

Another useful tip is to use aluminum foil. Screw a piece up into a ball, dip it in water, and rub the foil ball onto any rusted areas until they are gently removed. Then use a soft cloth to polish it up to a nice shine. Family Handyman added that this method works well as the action of rubbing the foil onto the chrome actually fills any tiny scratches or dents at the same time, so that should help to prevent more rust from forming.