As pleasing as it is to the eyes, the downside of having chrome bathroom fixtures is that they get stained and dull rather easily. What’s worse, chrome fixtures can also get rusted over a period of time which leads many homeowners to believe that their bathroom fixtures need replacing, while others attempt to cover up the rust with polish. The fact of the matter, however, is that no temporary or drastic measures need to be taken.
While it is a downside, the only upside of rusting on chrome is that it’s easy to get rid of. Of course, cleaning your chrome bathroom fixtures the right way is also important so let’s help you out with that first! Read these helpful tips from Maids in a Minute to maintain your chrome fixtures.
Cleaning Chrome
Step One: Make the Cleaning Solution
For chrome, it’s best to make a mild cleaning solution using regular dish soap and water. In a bucket, measure a gallon of warm water and mix in 1 tablespoon of dish soap; stir it around to make a sudsy solution. If you find out that the liquid soap isn’t enough to create suds, you can put an additional 4-5 drop of the soap in the water and mix well.
Step Two: Use a Non-Abrasive Sponge to Clean
Dip a sponge into the cleaner and squeeze out some of the excess water. Start cleaning your chrome fixtures by giving it a good scrubbing. For any stubborn stains or hardened dirt, dip the sponge in the solution and gently press it against that dirty spot. Hold the sponge there for a few seconds before scrubbing it again. The warmth and excess moisture from the sponge will help get any stubborn dirt off. Be sure to rinse out the sponge at intervals for a thorough cleanse.
You may need to use a soft old toothbrush to reach into those tight spots. It will not scratch your chrome, and it will work quite well.
Step Three: Rinse-Off with Fresh Water
Once you’ve removed the stains, marks and hardened dirt, rinse out the bucket and refill it with fresh water. Splash your chrome bathroom fixtures with mugs of water to rinse off the soap thoroughly. If needed, you can get a clean sponge and wipe the chrome to remove soap residue properly.
Step Four: Dry Surface Completely
If you let chrome air dry, you’re likely to find water spots on the surface. Hence, we suggest wiping your chrome bathroom fixtures with a clean microfiber cloth after cleaning, as well as after you shower to maintain a stain-free surface.
After you’ve cleaned your chrome bathroom fixtures, a few areas that may still be stained or rusting will be revealed. These should be taken care of promptly to ensure that the metal does not start corroding beyond repair.
Removing Rust from Chrome
Most homeowners aren’t aware of how easy it is to remove rust from chrome fixtures. In fact, all you need are two items – diet coke (or any other Coca-Cola) and aluminum foil. Aluminum foil works perfectly and is best suited for cleaning chrome because it is too soft to leave scratches while being abrasive enough to remove rust. If needed, you may follow the above cleaning method after the rust-removal process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Cut pieces of aluminum foil in accordance with the size of the surface or area to be cleaned.
- Double the piece of foil to make it thicker with the dull side out.
- Pour diet coke on the foil and begin scrubbing the chrome surface using enough pressure to remove the rust.
- Wipe surface with a clean cloth.
- Rinse off with water after a few minutes if the surface is sticky.
- Then use a soft microfiber cloth to dry it, so there are not any water spots left behind.
Final Thought
As we conclude this guide on cleaning chrome bathroom fixtures, it’s clear that with the right approach and techniques, you can keep your fixtures looking shiny and damage-free for years to come. By following the tips provided and using gentle cleaning methods, you’ll be able to maintain the elegant allure of your chrome fixtures while avoiding any potential harm.
Remember, the expertise of dedicated home cleaning experts can also be invaluable in achieving the best results. If you find yourself facing stubborn stains or challenging cleaning tasks, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. These experts have the knowledge and tools to tackle even the toughest cleaning dilemmas, ensuring your chrome fixtures remain in impeccable condition.
So, embrace the beauty of chrome in your bathroom, knowing that you have the knowledge and resources to keep it pristine. With regular maintenance and a gentle touch, your chrome fixtures will continue to shine, adding a touch of elegance to your daily routine. Happy cleaning!
