How to Clean Rust Off an Old Chrome Table

Revive your old chrome table with a little polishing.

Chrome is manufactured to be more resistant to rust than most other metal alloys, but it is not truly rustproof. Over time, even quality chrome can pit, corrode, and rust. If you see a few surface rust spots on your old chrome table, remove them as soon as possible to stop the problem in its tracks. However, if the chrome plating is flaking off or the metal is deeply pitted, the damage is permanent. This method will remove the damage, but it will not replace the corroded metal.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic sheeting
• Cola product
• Aluminum foil
• Grade 0000 steel wool
• Lint-free towel
• Old T-shirt
• Chrome polish

Instructions

1. Place the chrome table on a piece of plastic sheeting.

2. Pour a cola product (or vinegar, lemon juice, or any other mild acid will work also) over the rusted area to saturate it.

3. Scrub the rust away with a balled-up piece of aluminum foil until all the rust is gone, or you can make no more progress removing it.

4. Scrub away rust in deep pits or gouges in the chrome with 0000 steel wool. Reapply the cola as necessary to lubricate the rusted spot.

5. Rinse the area with water once the rust is gone.

6. Buff the table dry with a lint-free towel.

7. Apply a chrome polish to the table with a soft cotton cloth (old T-shirts are ideal) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• If your chrome is rust free but still pitted and corroded, consider having the table replated with chrome.

References

• Hawg Wash; Polishing Metal; David W. Bynon; 2002
• Clever Magazine: Coke Facts