Nickel coating is used to protect metal objects. This coating is widely used in industry, but can also be found in household appliances such as grills, door hinges, or water taps. When a grease stain appears on the nickel coating or the color starts to fade, you should clean it. By first washing it in warm water, using a metal cleaner for stubborn stains, and then polishing it, the nickel coating will come back strong and shiny for a long time.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Cleaning with Water
Step 1. Wipe off the nickel coating with a soft cloth
Before trying other methods, try wiping the dirt off the surface of the nickel first. Grease, stains, and dirt can often be removed with a rag and a little warm water. Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth and rub it over the nickel-coated surface while pressing firmly on the dirty area. Wipe the rag in a circle to remove the stain.
Step 2. Prepare a soap solution
Cleaning with soap and water is a gentler option than acid so it's best to try that first. Choose a mild dish soap. Fill the container with warm water until it's full, and add laundry soap until it starts to foam. Be aware that hot water, cold water, and abrasive soaps can damage the nickel coating.
Step 3. Wash the nickel coating
You can decide for yourself how to wash the nickel coating according to the soap solution you have. Small items can be washed in or near the soap solution container. Meanwhile, for larger items such as nickel-plated stoves or non-movable items such as shower heads, you can dampen a soft cloth with water and then wipe it to remove the stain.
As much as possible avoid the use of abrasive abrasives because they can damage the nickel coating
Step 4. Wash off the soap solution
Place the object you are cleaning under a stream of warm water. For items that are larger and cannot be moved, prepare more clean water. Pour water over the item or use a soft cloth dampened in water to wash off any remaining soap.
Try to do this treatment once a year so that stains and stress on the nickel coating are minimized
Step 5. Dry
Take a clean soft cloth. Apply to the wet part. Be sure to drain any remaining water so it doesn't seep into the nickel coating. In this step, you can also make sure that there is no more soap left. Continue wiping the nickel coating to dry.
Method 2 of 4: Using Cleaning Products
Step 1. Apply metal polish
If the nickel coating is not so dirty that it needs to be cleaned with a stronger product, try using a non-abrasive metal polishing product. Chrome polish is suitable for use on nickel coatings. Pour a small amount of this polish on the nickel coating, then rub it in a circular motion as if you were cleaning it.
Alternatively, try doing this step after trying other cleaning techniques to maintain the luster of the nickel coating
Step 2. Use metal cleaner on the discolored part
Look for non-abrasive metal cleaning products at a store. Chrome cleaning products are suitable for use on nickel coatings. Pour this product directly onto the stained area, especially the green areas that form easily on the nickel coating. Leave it for a few minutes.
- WD40, which can seep into the oil can also be used.
- Oven cleaning products are another useful option for removing grease.
- You may want to try this technique on a small hidden patch of nickel. If the nickel coating on the object is very thin, the use of steel fibers or abrasives will cause damage.
Step 3. Scrape off the nickel coating
After pouring the cleaning product on, try wiping the rag on the nickel-coated surface first. You can also use steel fiber or a washing sponge to remove stubborn stains and stains. Rub as gently as possible so that the nickel coating is not scratched.
Method 3 of 4: Cleaning with Vinegar
Step 1. Wet a rag with vinegar
Vinegar is a strong weak acid for removing stains. Pour some vinegar into a bowl. Soak a clean, soft cloth in the vinegar, then squeeze out the excess liquid.
Step 2. Scrub the dirty area
Attach a cloth that has been moistened with vinegar and gently wipe to remove the stain. Gently move the rag in a circular motion so that the nickel layer is not too stressed. Wet the rag again if necessary.
Step 3. Make a solution of vinegar and water
To clean stubborn stains, you can soak the nickel coating. Mix 4 parts water with 1 part vinegar in a container that can hold the object or volume of solution that can soak the stain.
- Do not use concentrated vinegar as it is often too abrasive if it is in contact with the nickel coating for a long time.
- Nickel coating is easily damaged by acids. So, the use of vinegar should only be used for stubborn stains.
- You can heat the vinegar solution to enhance the effect if you want. However, only heat the vinegar solution if the object to be cleaned will not be soaked in it.
Step 4. Soak the nickel object in the vinegar solution
Soak nickel-plated objects in this solution for several hours. The stain will start to lift. Alternatively, pour the vinegar solution over the surface and let it sit for 30 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Step 5. Wash off the nickel coating
Use warm running water or wipe with a damp soft cloth. Make sure there is no vinegar left. The vinegar residue on the nickel coating will continue to damage it. Wipe a second rag if necessary to make sure all of the vinegar has been removed.
Method 4 of 4: Using Ammonia
Step 1. Wet a rag with ammonia
Just like vinegar, ammonia is also effective at removing stains. Pour a small amount of household ammonia product into a bowl. Wet a washcloth or sponge with ammonia.
Step 2. Rub into the dirty area
Attach the rag or sponge to the nickel object. Rub vigorously on heavy stains. This technique is best used on pure nickel coatings to minimize abrasion from sponges and cleaning products.
Step 3. Make a solution of ammonia and water
To make a stronger cleaning solution, mix 1 part ammonia with 3 parts water. Never immerse a nickel layer in pure ammonia because after 30 minutes it will start to crack and peel.
Step 4. Immerse the object in the solution
Place the object in the container. You can also pour the ammonia solution over the object. Let the object soak in the ammonia solution for up to 30 minutes.
Step 5. Rinse off the nickel coating
Use warm running water to wash off any remaining ammonia. Another option is to use a clean soft cloth dampened in warm water. Pour water or wipe the rag over the nickel object to remove any remaining ammonia.
Warning
- Be careful when using chemicals like ammonia. Wear rubber gloves and a mouth and nose protective mask. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
- Do not mix chemicals. Many combinations of chemicals can produce harmful effects.
