Learning how to clean rust from chrome is surprisingly easy, you just need to know how!
Anyone with beautiful chrome finishings knows how quickly rust can keep up and ruin its appearance.
Luckily, our expert team of domestic cleaners are here to teach us exactly how to remove rust from chrome with a few simple tips.
Understanding Rust on Chrome
Rust on chrome happens when the shiny chrome layer gets scratched or damaged, exposing the metal underneath (usually steel or iron).
Once the bare metal is exposed to air and moisture, it starts reacting with oxygen and forms rust. This process can continue, making your chrome look all rusty and brown.
Identifying the Severity of Rust
Rust grows gradually, so you may be lucky and catch it in the early stages when it still looks like small patches of discolouration. This means it’s largely on the surface, but if you see pitting and corrosion then that’s a sign the damage has gone deeper.
Fresh rust is also normally reddish-brown, whereas older rust is normally darker.
Tapping the surface of your chrome can also help you to understand how deeply the rust has penetrated. A hollow sound means the rust has gone deep, deep down and much more damage has occurred.
DIY Solutions for How to Remove Rust from Chrome
Whether your rust damage is relatively recent or more severe, the good news is that it can still be fixed. Here’s exactly how to clean rust from chrome for good.
Using Vinegar for Rust Removal
As one of the most versatile home ingredients, white vinegar makes for a pretty good chrome rust remover.
If the rust is mild, use undiluted white vinegar and apply it to the affected area. Leave for 15 minutes, gently scrub, and rinse thoroughly.
But if you’re battling more advanced rust, mix the vinegar with a little water and follow the same steps.
Baking Soda Method
Baking soda can also help banish stubborn rust from chrome.
All you need to do is make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the rusted area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently scrub away.
Utilising Aluminum Foil
Aluminium foil has abrasive properties, which is good news if you want to know how to clean rust from chrome.
You’ll want to completely wet the chrome, and tear off a piece of aluminium foil big enough to cover the rusted area. For stubborn rust, dip the foil in water or soapy water for extra lubrication and scrubbing properties.
Gently scrub the rust using the aluminium foil, and replace it with a fresh piece if it starts to wear or tear.
Rinse thoroughly, dry, polish, and enjoy your rejuvenated chrome!
Commercial Chrome Rust Removers
If DIY cleaning solutions aren’t cutting it, you can always enlist the help of a purpose-built chrome rust remover.
Choosing the Right Chrome Rust Remover
In choosing a commercial rust remover, it’s important to make sure it’s suitable for use on the surface in question. Make sure it’s compatible with chrome, and that it won’t damage any surrounding materials.
You should also take care to read the safety instructions because these chemicals are no joke!
Use any PPE they recommend, like gloves or a mask, and always work in a well-ventilated area.
Application Tips for Commercial Removers
When you’re using a commercial rust remover, it’s important to make sure your item is nice and clean. Give it a wash with warm soapy water and microfibre cloth to make sure there’s no dust, debris, or oil hiding on the surface. This will let your cleaning products penetrate deeper.
You can also use a brush or cloth to make sure you get a nice even coat of product, which will help avoid patchy results.
Most commercial cleaners also require a bit of time to sit and work their magic. This will vary depending on the product, so make sure you check the instructions and give them enough time to truly get to work.
Protecting Chrome from Future Rust
To avoid rust from forming on your chrome in the first place, it’s important to try not to scratch or chip your chrome.
Regular cleaning and polishing can help keep the protective layer in good condition and be sure to fix any damage you notice ASAP.
You can also use protective coatings or rust inhibitors to give your chrome an extra layer of defence against the dreaded rust!
If cleaning rust from chrome isn’t turning out to be your forte, don’t forget you can always enlist the help of a professional.
Wecasa can connect you with local professional cleaners who are skilled in reviving metals like chrome and banishing rust.
Book your cleaner through Wecasa today, and let’s get your chrome back to mint condition in no time!
