PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Due to chrome's spectacular shine, there is little wonder why it's become such a hot commodity on the commercial market. However, the metal's softness can make it susceptible to damage if it come into contact with abrasive chemicals. Because dirt and gunk show up easily on chrome's shiny finish, it's important to clean the surface regularly. Fortunately, much of the grime can be cleaned with a simple compound of soap and water, and cleaning materials specifically suited to cleaning chrome are available for more glaring problems. When cleaning chrome, you should also finish with a polishing stage.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Chrome with a Cleaning Solution

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Chrome
    Because chrome is a relatively soft metal, appropriately lightweight cleaning solutions are the best choice for it. Most of the dirt pileup on chrome won't need more than soap and water to dispel. Here are some of the most common cleaning solutions used on chrome:
    • Baby oil.
    • Ethanol or rubbing oil.
    • Cola.
    • Lemon and baking soda.
    • You can also use a chrome-friendly cleaning spray. Commonplace household cleaners like Vim Bathroom cleaning spray are well-suited to cleaning chrome.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Chrome
    [1] If you have a variety of cleaners to choose from, pick the lightest solution first. Generally speaking, chrome does not require a lot to get the grime off. Due to chrome's fragility, you should only use heavier cleaning solutions if the lighter ones don't work to clean the surface.
    Advertisement
  3. As you would with soap and water, dab the edge of your towel into the cleaning solution. If you're using a spray bottle, spray directly into the towel, and apply from there. This method will allow you the most control over how much cleaner is used.
    • Paper towels also work in lieu of a cloth hand towel, although you'll probably have to go through quite a few in order to clean any large chrome surface.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Chrome
    [2] Once the cleaner is on your towel, apply it to the chrome surface in a gentle smooth and circular motion. In spite of the soap, some grime may take a bit of pressure to wipe away properly. You may exert some force without needing to worry about the chrome being damaged.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Chrome
    After using a cleaner, give the chrome a quick once-over with a towel damp with hot water to remove any cleaner. Following that, take a fresh towel and dry the surface completely, working in a circular motion.
    • If you don't dry it, it may result in residual water marks in the chrome finish.
  6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning Chrome with Soap and Water

PDF download Download Article
  1. As with any type of cleaning, you'll have an easier time cleaning your chrome if the water is at least warm. Fill a bucket two-thirds of the way full with warm to hot water. If there's only a small bit of chrome that needs cleaning, you can do away with the bucket, and apply the water and soap directly to a towel.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Chrome
    Once you have a bucket of hot water, add soap to it until the surface is filled with bubbles. The type of soap you use for cleaning chrome depends on the application. Although any non-abrasive soap is fine to use with chrome, choose a soap that can be used with the surrounding area as well. For example, you should use a car-specific wash when cleaning your car's exterior.[3] A simple household cleaner should be fine for use on chrome.
    • If in doubt, check the label of the cleaner you're going to use. It should have some indication for materials it can and can't be used on.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Chrome
    [4] Take a non-abrasive sponge or cloth and dunk it partway into the soapy water. Rub the chrome gently in a smooth, circular motion. Focus on cleaning a section of chrome before moving onward. In order to prevent marks or streaks, dry the area with a separate cloth when you're done with each area.[5]
    • In case the water is hot to the touch, you should only put the end of your cloth in. When the water and soap run out, you can simply dip it in again.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Chrome
    [6] Certain pieces of chrome, like car tires, will have hard-to-reach areas that require a new approach. For the vast majority of them, applying your soapy water to an old toothbrush and scrubbing the nooks will get the dirt off.
    • Although the toothbrush can be old, make sure that the majority of the bristles are still intact. Scrubbing chrome with a worn-down toothbrush is inefficient and could risk scratching the chrome if you scrub hard enough.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Chrome
    Leaving the chrome wet will result in unsightly water marks. After you finish washing the chrome, dry it off with a clean hand towel. Dry it in soft, circular motions to prevent streaking.
  6. Because aluminum is a softer metal than chrome, it can be used to polish your chrome. Many kitchens stock aluminum foil. Tearing off a strip and scrubbing it over the chrome once you've cleaned off the dirt is a great DIY method to bring the shine back.
  7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Polishing Your Chrome

PDF download Download Article
  1. Polishing aluminum oxide will remove micrograins from the surface of the chrome, leaving it smooth and shiny. Apply this polisher to a towel and scrub it in using a circular motion.
  2. In the case of dilapidated chrome finishes, like you might find on the bumper of a frequently-driven car, you may have a build-up of rust on part of the surface. A cleaner will not scrub this rust away. You'll need to use something mechanical like steel wool to try to fix this problem. Use steel wool to scrub as much of the rust away as you can. Although the chrome may never be perfect after rust sets in, you can drastically improve the look of it once the rust is removed.
    • Waxing and polishing the freshly de-rusted surface will help to further improve the chrome's appearance.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Chrome
    Wax is a great choice if you want to polish a chrome surface. Shake wax, and apply it to the chrome with a fresh cloth. Once it has been applied evenly to your chrome, take another cloth, and wipe it away.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Chrome
    Quickly cleaning it with water is easy and effective when it comes to reinvigorating the look of a surface. If your chrome lacks shine due to streaks, dirt, or fingerprints, taking a wet towel to it and drying it after should result in an immediate improvement.
  5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I have a chrome ceiling fixture which has a central spoke and bulbs radiating from it. How should I proceed to clean and polish?
    Suhas Mukherjee
    Suhas Mukherjee
    Community Answer
    A bucket of hot water, adding soap to it until the surface is filled with bubbles. The type of soap you use for cleaning chrome depends on the application. Although any non-abrasive soap is fine to use with chrome, choose a soap that can be used with the surrounding area as well. A simple household cleaner should be fine for use on chrome.
  • Question
    Which chemical can I use on chrome plating for shining the product, not polishing?
    Suhas Mukherjee
    Suhas Mukherjee
    Community Answer
    Polishing aluminum oxide will remove micrograins from the surface of the chrome, leaving it smooth and shiny. Apply this polisher to a towel and scrub it in using a circular motion.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Clean one section of chrome before moving onto the next. Cleaning the surface section by section will help ensure you don't miss a spot.
  • If you have the option, removing the piece of chrome from its surrounding environment (such as a car) and placing it on a tabletop makes for easier cleaning.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

Warnings

Advertisement

About This Article

Raymond Chiu
Co-authored by:
House Cleaning Professional
This article was co-authored by Raymond Chiu. Raymond Chiu is the Director of Operations for MaidSailors.com, a residential and commercial cleaning service based in New York City that provides home and office cleaning services at affordable prices. He has a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management from Baruch College. This article has been viewed 546,486 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 24
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 546,486
Categories: Cleaning Metals
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 546,486 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • C.

    C.

    Apr 23, 2017

    "Needed to clean years of brake dust and crud from corners of my chrome rims. Baby oil worked! Soaked a toothbrush,..." more
    Rated this article:
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement