How to Clean Chrome Faucets Without Harming the Chrome

Proper care keeps chrome faucets clean and stain-free.

Chrome faucets add an elegant, sophisticated accent to your bathroom or kitchen. When properly clean, chrome faucets shine brilliantly and look almost brand new. Chrome faucets need special care, though. If you let water droplets dry on a chrome faucet, unattractive white water deposits build up. Certain cleaning products can also stain or even damage chrome. To clean your chrome faucets safely, avoid using chemical products and stick to soap, water and vinegar.

Things You'll Need

• Dish soap
• Soft towel
• Vinegar
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Chrome wax (optional)

Instructions

1. Dampen a soft towel with warm water. Squirt a few drops of dish soap on the towel. Gently wash the chrome faucet to remove debris or stains. After cleaning, pat the faucet dry.

2. Add vinegar to a wet towel if dish soap did not remove the stains. Rub vinegar on the surface of the chrome faucet. The acidity helps remove stuck-on food or other debris that soap cannot clean. Dry the faucet with a towel after cleaning.

3. Use aluminum foil to safely remove rust from a chrome faucet. Crumple a sheet of aluminum foil to form a ball, and coat the foil ball with vinegar. Rub the rusted area of the chrome faucet with the foil ball. Apply gentle pressure to scrape off the rust. After removing rust, clean the faucet with water and pat dry.

4. Apply two coats of chrome wax, if desired, after cleaning. The wax keeps the chrome shiny and protects it from stains.

Tips & Warnings

• Thoroughly dry your chrome faucets when they get wet. This prevents water-spot buildup.

References

• How to Clean Things: How to Clean Chrome; Eric Ronning
• Kohler: Care & Cleaning - Faucets & Fittings