Chromium, technically called chromium, is a very brittle and hard metal that is used as a coating/plating of other metals. Chrome plating is commonly used for fenders, rims, other car parts, bathroom fittings, bicycle parts, and so on. Cleaning and removing rust from chrome is actually quite simple, and requires no expensive cleaners and tools. However, chrome is easy to look dirty and dull so it must be cleaned regularly to maintain its appearance.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning Chrome
Step 1. Mix water and dish soap
Clean the chrome first to wash away dust, dirt, and grease, and to help reveal any rust that has formed. Fill the bucket with warm water. Add 5-10 drops of dish soap. Put your hands in the water and stir until foamy.
For washing items that can be soaked, such as small parts, pots, or pans, it's best to use a sink instead of a bucket
Step 2. Wipe the chrome with a cleaning solution
Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth in the soapy water. Squeeze the sponge or cloth so that no water drips. Scrub the chrome with soapy water and make sure you clean every inch of metal. Dip the sponge back into the soapy water to clean it and make sure it stays moistened with the cleaning solution.
- To access hard-to-reach areas, use a soft-bristled toothbrush moistened with soapy water.
- For best results, do a weekly cleaning, as soon as the chrome starts to look dull.
Step 3. Rinse
When the chrome is as clean as you want, throw away your used water. Rinse the bucket, and fill it with clean water. Rinse your sponge thoroughly with tap water. Squeeze the sponge to remove any excess water, and re-wipe your chrome to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
- For items that are cleaned in the sink, you can simply rinse them under tap water.
- For items that are cleaned outdoors, use a garden hose.
Step 4. Clean stubborn stains with vinegar
Sometimes, you will find stains or marks that are not clean with soapy water. To clean it, use a medium acid vinegar solution. Mix water and vinegar in a balanced ratio in a bucket. Wet a sponge, wring it out, and scrub stubborn stains with the vinegar solution.
Once satisfied with the cleanliness of your chrome, rinse again with clean water
Step 5. Dry the chrome and check for rust
Dry the chrome with a clean microfiber cloth. Chrome tends to leave water marks so don't let it dry out in the wind. When drying chrome, look for rust.
If you find rust, read the guide below
Part 2 of 3: Removing Rust
Step 1. Make several square pieces of aluminum foil
Provide a strip of aluminum foil 8 cm wide. Cut it into three equal pieces. Each strip is approximately 8-10 cm long. You will rub the chrome with the foil to remove the rust.
- Aluminum foil is ideal for cleaning chrome because it is a smoother metal and won't scratch the chrome.
- Do not use steel wool to clean the chrome as it is ineffective and will make the chrome look dull.
Step 2. Fill the bowl with water
Prepare a bowl and fill it with clean water. The water will serve as a lubricant between the chrome and the foil. The chemical reaction between the chrome and aluminum will remove the rust.
You don't need to use cola or vinegar as a lubricant to clean chrome
Step 3. Scrub the rust with aluminum foil
Place a piece of foil in the bowl so that it is wet. Gently rub the wet foil onto the rusty chrome surface. You don't have to press too hard or use your elbows. You only need a small friction to produce aluminum oxide which will dissolve the rust.
- When scrubbing, the rust will disappear and the chrome surface will be smooth and shiny.
- If you are working on a large area, use fresh foil every time you finish cleaning a 25 cm long area.
Step 4. Use a wad of aluminum foil to work the perforated area
Chrome is very easy to perforate, especially in areas that have rusted. You can clean the rust and smooth out these areas with a lump of aluminum. Tear the 8 cm wide aluminum strip back and squeeze it into a ball. Wet the aluminum ball by gently rubbing the hollow area.
When scrubbing an area with aluminum foil, the edges of the paper will help smooth out holes in the metal surface and remove rust
Step 5. Rinse and dry the rubbed area
Once all the rust has been removed, use a sponge or hose to rinse off the brown paste that forms when scrubbing the rust. After you've rinsed off all the paste and any remaining rust, dry the area with a dry microfiber cloth.
Do not allow the chrome to dry in the wind as this will leave water spots
Part 3 of 3: Polishing and Polishing Chrome
Step 1. Blot the chrome with a cloth
Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to scrub the entire surface of the chrome. Apply gentle pressure and rub the metal in a circular motion. This will help remove excess water, dust, dirt, and rust, as well as help polish the metal so that it shines.
You can also use an electric polish with a clean, dry polishing pad to polish the chrome
Step 2. Apply a layer of baby oil
Baby oil, which is actually mineral oil, is great for polishing wood and metal. This oil not only smoothes metal surfaces, but also helps bring out a beautiful shine. Pour a few drops of baby oil on the surface of the chrome and spread it so that one drop of the oil covers 2.5 - 5 cm of area.
You can also use car wax, Turtle Wax, or carnauba wax to polish and protect the chrome
Step 3. Rub the polished area with the cloth
Apply a dry, clean microfiber cloth with baby oil to the chrome surface. Use circular motions, and apply gentle pressure as you work. Once you have finished the entire area, repeat with a clean cloth to remove any excess oil from the surface.
