How to Polish Chrome Rims

Polishing chrome rims is an easy process that will help the rims maintain their shiny appearance.

Chrome wheels are stunning and exceptionally shiny when properly maintained and can make an ordinary car stand out from the rest. With proper care and maintenance, chrome wheels can maintain their showroom-new appearance for many years. Chrome is a soft material, and as a result, typical chrome wheels are not solid chrome. The wheels have a thin layer of chrome applied over another metal through a process called electroplating. Therefore, when cleaning and polishing chrome wheels, you must be careful not to apply too much force and only use non-abrasive materiels to prevent scratching the chrome.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Water
• Mild detergent
• Soft brush
• Non-abrasive towels

Instructions

1. Place a small amount of a mild detergent in a bucket.

2. Fill the bucket with lukewarm water.

3. Dip the soft brush in the lukewarm water.

4. Lightly scrub the chrome wheels with the brush, cleaning the entire area of the rim.

5. Rinse the tire with water to wash away any soap and dirt residue.

6. Dry the rim with the non-abrasive towel, polishing the rim until it is completely dry and free of any dirt or water spots.

Tips & Warnings

• Work quickly and on one rim at a time to prevent water spots from forming.

• If you notice any rust on the chrome, scrub the chrome with a crumpled-up piece of aluminum foil that has been dipped in vinegar.

• To make the polished look last longer, wax the rims with car wax, which will repel dirt and water spots.

• Whenever polishing chrome rims, be careful not to apply too much force, which can scratch the thin chrome finish.

References

• CB Wheels: Car Boutique
• How to Clean Things: How to Clean Chrome