How to Buff Chrome

Chrome features a sleek, silver color.

Found on everything from motorcycles to kitchen faucets, chrome is a durable and sleek material that will last for many years. Cleaning and buffing chrome regularly will help keep rust at bay and keep the chrome surface looking its best. Buffing the chrome surface requires only a few inexpensive items that most people have on hand in their kitchen pantry. By buffing the chrome once a month -- or whenever it becomes dirty --, it will ensure the life of the chrome finish.

Things You'll Need

• Lint-free cloths
• Baby oil or white vinegar
• Ammonia
• Chrome polish or chrome wax

Instructions

Baby Oil or White Vinegar

1. Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with baby oil or white vinegar.

2. Grasp one end of the damp cloth with one hand and the other end of the cloth with your other hand.

3. Stretch the damp cloth out completely and lay the middle of the cloth on the top of the chrome.

4. Begin moving the damp cloth back and forth vigorously across the chrome. Continue the buffing motion while moving down the chrome surface.

Ammonia

1. Combine equal parts clear ammonia and cold water. Dampen a clean cloth in the diluted ammonia.

2. Wipe the chrome with the damp cloth until the chrome is clean.

3. Start at the top of the chrome and buff the surface dry with a clean cloth while moving downward.

Chrome Polish or Chrome Wax

1. Apply several drops of chrome polish or a dollop of chrome wax to a lint-free cloth.

2. Rub the polish or wax on the chrome in a circular motion until thoroughly covered.

3. Buff the chrome dry vigorously with a lint-free cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Recycle used dryer sheets by using them to buff chrome clean.

References

• Earth Easy: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning
• The Australian Women's Weekly: Buff Up Chrome
• WheelTrends.com: How to Polish Chrome Wheels
• Apartment Therapy; Polish Chrome; Laure Joliet; March 2008