Manufacturers add chrome to their products to give them a mirror-like “I am premium” look. Chrome is not only aesthetic, but also protects the base metal from corrosion. That’s why you’ll find chrome on faucets, appliances, tools, outdoor power equipment, and your car. However, chrome can fail if applied incorrectly, too thin, or scratched from repeated cleaning with abrasive cleaners. Once the chrome cracks, flakes, or develops pinholes, it loses these protective properties and eventually rust and corrosion “bloom” and rise to the surface, resulting in orange or green-blue spots. Here are four different ways to remove chrome rust and slow it down in the future.
        But first, one warning: all that glitter isn’t chrome. High quality chrome is expensive. To keep costs down, some manufacturers use cheaper chrome paint to mimic the real look. The method described below involves the use of brass wool, #0000 steel wool, and aluminum foil, which will scratch the paint, expose the metal to more air, and increase corrosion. If you’re not sure you have real medium chrome chrome paint, first try foil, brass, or steel wool in an inconspicuous area to see if it will scratch the finish. If so, choose a mild acid or penetrating rust removal method and use a rag.
        For bathroom and kitchen appliances, first remove all traces of suds with a suds cleaner. For other chrome surfaces that may not have soap residue, a degreasing cleaner such as dishwashing detergent will do a good job of removing all surface dirt. Wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel.
       Many products can do the job, so choose yours based on the money and effort you’re willing to put into this DIY job.
        Put on rubber gloves and goggles. Then move on to the chrome rust removal method that matches the rust removal assistant available to you.
        If you’re not using a commercial chrome polish with built-in sealant, coat the chrome with a good quality car wax. (Synthetic polymer automotive wax is more durable than regular carnauba wax.) The wax fills in remaining cracks and pores, preventing moisture from entering and slowing down future rust outbreaks.