What is the Best Way to Clean Chrome?

Cleaning the chrome on your car is an important task. After you have finished washing and detailing your vehicle, the next step would be your hubcaps and other chrome metal designs. There are certain products and tools that you should use to keep you car in pristine condition. Prolong exposure to water can cause rust damage. You can prevent this by learning the best way to clean chrome.

Location

Location may not seem like an important piece in cleaning chrome. However, if you live in a dusty or rainy environment, location is almost everything. When the wind blows dust everywhere or you have mud puddles due to the rain, cleaning is a wasted effort. You should polish your car in a garage or on the street away from any mud that may be around. Driveways and yards can kick up unwanted debris that migrates to your freshly detailed car. You should also keep your car covered until the storm passes after you have cleaned the chrome. This will allow your car to stay spotless and fresh until your next trip.

Products

The products you use to clean your chrome highly depends on the purpose and the style of your car. If you live in a moist climate, rust can be a problem. If you purchase chrome cleaner that has rust resistant ingredients, this can save you time by removing the rust and protecting your car. There are also products that are safe for all types of chrome or metal. Oil and grease can be a mess to clear up. There are certain home products that are available that you may use to gain a streak-free shine.

Dishwashing soap that has a degreaser ingredient would be fine for mild cleaning. This would be useful in removing car oils or any other type of greasing liquid.

Mothers Chrome polish is available from several retail and automotive stores, including Ace Hardware. This cleaner is simple to apply and only takes a few minutes with each piece of metal. You will not have to put up with streaks or smudges. In addition, it is resistant to fingerprints.

Turtle Wax Chrome Polish also can be purchased at a retail, home or automotive store. The polish not only cleans the metal to a mirror-like quality but it also removes rust. You will avoid scratches from rocks and other road debris. The product also adds a protective coating on the chrome to bounce away dirt, mud and moisture.

Tools

Certain tools will allow you to clean the chrome more effectively. You will need a bucket of hot water and a soft washcloth to remove the loose dust and dirt. A soft bristle brush can work embedded rocks or mud off your chrome without scratching the surface. A dry towel is important to remove the moisture before you apply the cleaner or polish. Another soft washcloth will be useful to rub on the polish to your chrome.

Directions

The best way to clean chrome is with simple steps. Dip your washcloth into the bucket of hot water. Gently rub the loose dirt and debris off the chrome piece. If there is stuck on dirt or mud, use the soft brush. Apply a little pressure to brush the mud off but remember to avoid scratches by using small strokes. Use the brush in a back and fourth motion to remove all of the debris. Once the chrome is free from road clutter, dry it with your soft towel. Follow the instructions on your cleaner of choice. Usually, you would dip the dry washcloth in your chrome polish. Then rub over your metal in a circular motion. Apply two coats of cleaner for a mirror shine quality.

Tips

It is a simple process to clean your chrome metal. Read all instructions and details before you choose chrome cleaner or polish. Use one that has all of your specific needs. This will save you time so you will not have to redo the task.

Before using your cleaning tools, check them for any rocks or harsh material. Chrome can become scratched easily. Any foreign objects need to be clear prior to cleaning. Never use abrasive material or chemicals on your chrome. In addition, do not use any specific metal cleaner that does not include chrome.

Resources

• Ace Hardware