How to Recondition Chrome
Chrome is a shiny, sleek and versatile finish used on everything from car parts and rims to home faucets and furniture. Like other metals, it's prone to rusting and dulling, especially when it's not kept clean and protected from the elements. For extreme damage, the only solution to salvage a chrome item is to take it to a specialty shop and have it re-dipped in chrome -- but for smaller areas of damage, a good cleaning and polish can bring chrome back to a near factory-new appearance.
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Things You'll Need
- Cleanser
- Bucket
- Soft bristle scrub brush
- Lint free rags
- Chrome polish
- Wax
Instructions
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Mix a cleaner with water in a bucket. The type of cleaner you need depends on what you're cleaning. For car surfaces, use specialized car cleaners; for things like kitchen faucets, a kitchen cleaner designed to cut through grease is more effective. Dilute the concentrated cleaner according to the packaging instructions.
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2
Scrub off any surface dirt with cleaner and a soft, lint-free rag. Remove all surface dirt using light, circular motions with a rag that won't scratch the chrome.
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Use a soft-bristled brush to deep-clean any areas that are excessively dirty or hard to reach. For small areas, use a toothbrush instead of a scrub brush.
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Rinse the area clean with water to remove any excess soap.
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Apply white vinegar to remove areas of stubborn gunk with either a rag or crumpled aluminum foil. Aluminum foil works well in areas that are rusted.
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Rinse with clean water and wipe it dry with a clean, soft, lint-free rag.
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Apply chrome polish to chrome with smooth, circular motions, using a soft, lint-free rag. Chrome-specific polishes are available at many auto parts and hardware stores.
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Apply wax. A chrome-specific wax isn't necessary, although it's available at some specialty stores. The wax protects the chrome and prevents further pitting and corrosion.
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Tips & Warnings
You can use chrome paint sprays to cover small areas of damage to the chrome. Test it on an area that's not visible.
For extensive rust or damage, the chrome will need to be re-dipped.
Keep chrome areas clean and wax them often to prevent damage and buildup.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
