Ways To Clean Your Hard Chrome Plating
The advantage of hard chrome plating is that it is easy to clean. But you'll still need to clean your chrome regularly if you want it to look its best. The good news is that chrome can last a very long time if you take good care of it, thanks to its durability. Cleaning and polishing your chrome can create amazing aesthetic effects at a very low cost. Also, if you do not clean your chrome regularly, it will be more likely to corrode more quickly.
Cleaning the Brown Residue
It's normal for chrome to develop brown residue on the surface. Fortunately, this residue can be cleaned up and the chrome will still be salvageable. However, when the corrosion reaches a certain stage, the chrome will suffer from pitting both for the chrome and for the material underneath. Then, there will be no way to cosmetically repair the chrome and it will always look damaged, though it's still sometimes possible to disguise the chrome.
The Cleaning Agent
Use a cleaning agent that is not too abrasive when cleaning the chrome, such as dishwashing detergent. Even though chrome plating is very tough, it is also thin, leaving it very vulnerable. After washing the chrome, use a soft rag to dry it.
Cleaning with Steel Wool
Another option is to use steel wool. However, this tool requires more work to achieve the same results. Also, this method is more likely to lead to a dull surface and will also often lead to scratches. Also, the steel wool tends to leave dust on the chrome. By dissolving the rust instead with the aluminum foil, you do not have to work as hard.
The Aluminum Foil Method
If you discover rust on your chrome, one solution is to dip aluminum foil in water. Then, rub the aluminum foil over the chrome to remove any rust. Because aluminum foil is so soft, it will not scratch the chrome. Also, aluminum has a higher reduction potential than chrome, which pulls oxygen way from the surface of the chrome plating.
Moisture can be very harmful to chrome, so you will want to apply a layer of wax to protect the chrome from moisture. Removing moisture affects the chemical structure of the rust, allowing it to break down. While cleaning with aluminum foil, grains of aluminum oxide created by the cleaning process mixes with water and creates a paste that makes it easier to polish the chrome.