How To Clean Chrome Fixtures With Common Items You Already Have In Your Home
From bathroom faucets to kitchen fixtures, chrome is a beloved metal finish for a reason. It reflects light and looks luxurious, yet it is also one of the most affordable finishes on the market.
However, if it’s not cared for properly, chrome can show fingerprints, rust stains, and water spots. The surface can also become duller if soap scum and mineral deposits build up over time.
The good news is that you can keep your chrome pieces in tip-top shape by cleaning them with some simple items you probably already have in your home. Here’s how!
Easy Chrome Cleaning Methods
First up is the classic soap and water duo, which will get rid of dirt that accumulates from your day-to-day routine. All you have to do is grab a bucket, put in a few drops of dishwashing soap or mild detergent, and add warm water.
Then, use either a microfiber cloth or a sponge to dip into the solution and wipe down your chrome surfaces. Just don’t forget to rinse and dry using a towel or microfiber cloth afterward to prevent any water spots from forming.
A more natural method involves lemons. The best part? You can use store-bought or freshly squeezed juice!
Lemons are stellar options for getting rid of soap scum, streaks, and limescale on chrome due to their acidity. Simply slice a lemon in half or squirt some lemon juice on a microfiber cloth and rub it right onto any stains.
Next, leave the lemon on your chrome for up to five minutes before wiping it clean with a wet microfiber cloth. It’s that straightforward!
Joseph Hendrickson – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
If you’d prefer not to use lemons, distilled white vinegar is another natural alternative. This product is a bit more acidic and has antibacterial properties, making it great for use on water stains and other stubborn spots.
Start by mixing vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio before spraying it onto your chrome. As with the lemons, allow the solution to sit for a couple of minutes before wiping it with a wet cloth. And for tougher stains, you can even use an old toothbrush dipped into the vinegar solution to get a better scrub.
When you’re finished, take a cloth to wipe your chrome clean and dry it. But be wary of using the vinegar technique too often, as it can be corrosive.
You Can Get Rid Of Rust Spots With Vinegar, Too
Now, if you have some rust on your chrome fixtures, vinegar can come to the rescue. You’ll just need to use a slightly different application method.
Begin by mixing a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water in a bucket again. But, instead of spraying it onto the surface, grab a piece of aluminum foil, crumble it up, and dip it into the vinegar solution.
Use the aluminum foil to scrub the rust spots gently, and repeat this process as many times as needed. When you’re done, just rinse the surface with clean water and wipe a microfiber cloth on your chrome to dry the surface.
If you run out of vinegar or want to try another technique, soda, specifically cola, is actually a surprisingly easy way to remove spots because it has phosphoric acid.
You can take a can or bottle of cola out of your fridge, pour some of the beverage on a microfiber cloth, and wipe the liquid over any rust spots. Afterward, allow it to sit for around an hour before rinsing, and repeat if rust stains are still visible.
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