Generally, chrome is used as a protective coating or to polish other metals. It is this chrome-plated metal that usually rusts. With a little effort, removing rust on chrome using home appliances is surprisingly easy to do. However, you may need further maintenance if the rust is extensive and a lot of the chrome has peeled off.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Aluminum Foil
Step 1. Use aluminum foil to remove rust on chrome easily and cheaply
Aluminum reacts chemically with rust, and produces a material that is easy to clean. Because aluminum is softer than most other metals, it won't scratch the surface of the chrome or the metal underneath.
Step 2. Clean the chrome
Before attempting to remove rust from chrome, remove any dirt and grime from the surface using soapy water or car wash soap if you are removing rust from car components. This will make it easier for you to find and clean the rusty part.
For very dirty or heavily rusted surfaces, use the vinegar or weak acid suggested below, then follow up with aluminum foil
Step 3. Dip the aluminum foil in the water
You can use any water, but salt water is best because the electrolytes and salt will help speed up the chemical reaction. Tear off the aluminum foil sheet so you can easily apply it to the rusty part.
Step 4. Rub the aluminum foil on the rusty area
Rub the aluminum foil back and forth across the rusty surface. You don't have to press too hard, although in certain areas you may need to press hard enough and rub longer.
- Dip the aluminum foil in the water again when it dries.
- If the area you're cleaning is curved deep enough, try filling the hollow with a roll of aluminum foil. The edges of the aluminum foil roll will smooth the metal surface and fill in the rusty voids.
Step 5. Stop every now and then to clean off the peeling layer of rust
If the rust flakes thicken, stop and wipe them off with a rag or towel first. That way, the rusty residue will be visible and you can rub it back with aluminum foil.
Step 6. Rinse the chrome surface
After you've removed the layer of rust, wipe the surface so that the shiny metal underneath is visible.
Step 7. Dry the entire chrome surface
Drops of water can easily stain the chrome surface, and cause the metal underneath to rust. Use paper towels or a hairdryer to dry the chrome surface. If necessary, take the part to a repair shop to repair the damage and prevent further rusting.
Be sure to apply a polish or wax to the chrome you've cleaned to prevent it from rusting again
Method 2 of 4: Using Weak Acid
Step 1. Use a cola drink, lime juice, or other weak acid at home
Fizzy drinks or colas containing phosphoric acid can be used to remove rust. Another option is lime juice and vinegar. Weak acids can remove rust without causing heavy damage to the surrounding metal.
- Diet cola drinks don't contain sugar so they won't be too sticky. But the sugar can help the acid stick to the rust layer.
- Do not use strong or concentrated acids, which can scratch and weaken the metal layer under the chrome. If this weak acid isn't effective enough, try using phosphoric acid, but turn on a fan to expel the toxic fumes from your face.
Step 2. Clean the chrome
Before you try to remove rust from chrome, it's a good idea to remove any dust and other debris first. That way, it's easier for you to see and clean the layer of rust. Use car wash soap to clean chrome on car equipment, and soapy water can work on other chrome-plated items.
Step 3. Soak the chrome plated object in a weak acid, or pour a weak acid over it
If you can't soak the item, simply pour some weak acid over the surface.
Step 4. Wipe or scrub until the rust layer is peeled off
You may have to use a sponge or a soft dish brush to remove the rust. Glass cookware cleaning brushes are usually safe enough to scrub chrome. To remove a thick layer of rust, rub with a sheet of aluminum foil or scrub with a dishwashing sponge.
Step 5. Clean the rest with a mild soap
If you're cleaning your car, use car wash soap to remove rust and acid residue. Dish soap should not be used on car paint, as it may peel it off. Unpainted parts can be cleaned with plain soap and water.
Step 6. Dry and maintain your car
Dry the car with paper towels to prevent rust from recurring. If rust causes considerable damage, see the advanced maintenance section.
Apply a coat of polish or wax to the chrome surface to prevent rust from reoccurring
Method 3 of 4: Using Oil or Chrome Polish
Step 1. Use a chrome polish for a quick rust remover, or grease if you want to save money
Chrome polish is the most expensive option for removing rust, but a quality product will make this process easy and fast. A permeable oil such as WD40, CLR, or CRC can be used instead of chrome polish and is usually less expensive.
Step 2. Clean the chrome with soapy water
Before you try to remove rust on chrome, it's a good idea to clean the dust and dirt first. That way, you can see and clean the rust layer more easily.
If the dirt on the chrome is difficult to remove, you can also use vinegar to clean the surface. Vinegar is a weak acid and can help with the rust removal process as well
Step 3. Apply oil or chrome polish to the rusty part
Spread the cleaning product over the rusty part of the chrome, and make sure it is evenly coated to prevent scratching.
Step 4. Apply grease or chrome polish using a steel fiber or brass wire brush
Steel fiber or a soft brass wire brush are best for this method, as they are less likely to cause scratches. If you don't have a brass brush, use the softest steel fiber instead, preferably #0000. Coat the steel fibers with chrome polish again to prevent them from scratching.
Step 5. Rub the steel fiber gently on the rusty part
Rub in a gentle circular motion while making sure the area you are rubbing remains damp. No need to rub while pressing, or you risk damaging the chrome surface.
If the part dries up, add more oil or chrome polish. Rubbing dry surfaces with steel fibers can cause scratches and damage
Step 6. Rinse the part with clean water
Remove metal polish and rust by washing it with water.
Step 7. Check other parts for rust
If the chrome surface is not completely clean of rust, use the chrome polish again to clean it in the same way.
Step 8. Dry the entire surface of the chrome
Drops of water can easily stain the chrome surface, so it's a good idea to dry it to maintain its shine and luster.
- Be sure to apply a polish or wax to the chrome surface to prevent rust from reoccurring.
- If you still need follow-up care, read the section below.
Method 4 of 4: Repairing and Protecting Chrome After Removing Rust
Step 1. Dry and scrub the chrome surface
If the rust only appears as a scratch on the chrome surface, simply drying it with a towel after cleaning may be enough to restore the chrome's appearance.
Step 2. Protect the metal using a polish or wax
Apply wax or polish to the chrome surface to prevent further damage. Use a product specific to this step, such as car wax for chrome-plated vehicles.
Generally, the wax is applied, rubbed, and allowed to dry, then a second coat is applied over it and rubbed again
Step 3. Coat with silver paint
This paint will maintain the chrome luster, but its ability to protect against rust is determined by the brand and the method of coating. Choose a paint that is suitable for chrome, especially automotive paint, and apply it evenly on the areas that are sunken due to rust. Use 1200 grit sandpaper to smooth it out once it dries, being careful not to peel off the unpainted area.
Step 4. Re-coat with chrome
This option is quite expensive, and is usually only done on cars that have been heavily damaged by rust. Ask a mechanic who offers professional chrome painting services if you want to re-chrome your car. If you feel able, you can try to plate chrome yourself at home, especially on small objects.
Tips
- Generally, the purpose of chrome plated objects is to prevent them from rusting. Rust starts to appear usually if the chrome layer peels off at some point, making the iron or steel underneath more susceptible to rusting. In severe cases, rust can spread to the surrounding area and cause the metal underneath to swell.
- Rust can resurface quickly if the surface of the object is wet, so be sure to dry it if it comes in contact with water. Apply chrome polish to the surface after it dries to prevent it from rusting again.
Warning
- Some cars use plastic or paint that resembles chrome, but not chrome. While the methods in this article are aimed at removing rust, not chrome, the results are unpredictable on a car coated with an unknown material.
- Sanding or sharpening is not recommended to remove rust, as they can cause damage to the metal underneath.
