Plumbing fixtures, wheel rims and other chrome-plated products are cleaned with home remedies or special pastes designed to combat metal oxides.
To achieve the desired effect and not damage the coating, you must follow the instructions and remember the important nuances of cleaning.
In this article we will tell you how you can remove rust from chrome surfaces without damaging them.
Traditional recipes for use at home
Available solutions and materials that are found in almost any home can help remove rust stains quickly and efficiently. These products do not require large financial expenditures, and their use is safe for human health and the item itself.
To speed up and facilitate the removal of rusty deposits, before using any recipe, the damaged surface must be cleaned of dirt and dust with a detergent and rinsed with water.
Vinegar
Used as a reagent:
- dining room,
- wine,
- low concentration apple cider vinegar (6-9%).
It is not recommended to use concentrated vinegar essence for work due to its excessive aggressiveness.
Acetic acid is poured into a container and the rusty part is placed in it . If the size of the product does not allow using this method, wipe the damaged area with a cloth soaked in vinegar and cover the surface with it.
For protruding parts of an object (for example, a faucet spout), it is convenient to use a different technique. Vinegar is poured into a plastic bag and tied so that the rusty area is immersed in the reagent.
The exposure time in the vinegar solution depends on the amount of rust.
The thicker the layer, the more time is allowed for the reaction .
On average it ranges from three to eight hours. After removing the vinegar application, the product is thoroughly wiped with a sponge, removing any remaining plaque and washed. Work with vinegar should be carried out with open windows and ventilation turned on, since the vapors of this substance irritate the human respiratory tract.
How to clean with citric acid?
The action of this reagent is similar to vinegar . Citric acid or products containing it (natural lemon juice) help remove rust easily and effectively.
The acid reacts with metal oxides and hydroxides, converting them into salts.
Add a little water to the citric acid powder to make a paste . It is applied in a thick layer to the rusty areas and left for several hours. After this, wipe the surface with a soft cloth.
If the rust layer was thick and rusty traces remained after treatment, repeat the cleaning procedure.
Coca Cola
Drinks containing organic acids (orthophosphoric, citric) are also suitable for removing rusty deposits. Instead of Coca-Cola, you can use analogues:
- Fanta,
- Pepsi,
- Sprite.
The method is considered effective, simple and safe.
The method of using Coca-Cola depends on the area and location of the rust. Small items are dipped into a container filled with a drink. Leave for several hours and then rinse under running water.
Fixed parts are covered with a napkin heavily soaked in Coca-Cola . It is also possible to receive it with a plastic bag, which is used as a hanging container.
The exposure time in the cleaning liquid depends on the thickness of the rusty deposit. With a minimum layer, 2-3 hours is enough. For deeper damage, it is necessary to extend the exposure time to 5-8 hours.
During cleaning, you should not allow the napkin applied to the surface to dry out, as this will delay the process and will not allow you to achieve the effect. Read more about removing rust with Coca-Cola here.
Aluminium foil
This method allows you to effectively clean products from oxides. Foil is a soft material, so it is gentle on the hard chrome plating, without scratching it and at the same time removing rust particles.
To work, cut several small pieces of aluminum foil . It is enough to cut strips of 7-10 cm from the roll.
The damaged surface is moistened with water. Make a voluminous ball from foil and rub it on the rusty area without strong pressure until it shines.
If necessary, take a new strip of foil, re-wet the product with water and repeat cleaning . After completing the procedure, wash off the brown mass from the coating and wash the chrome surface with water.
How to remove with toothpaste?
To combat rust, use regular tooth powder or paste. These products have a mild abrasive effect and delicately remove rusty deposits, so it is quite possible to achieve a positive result.
However, using toothpaste requires some physical effort, since cleansing is achieved through mechanical action.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste or powder to a flannel cloth or foam sponge . In the latter case, the sponge is first slightly moistened with water. Rub the area with rust until the rust stain disappears.
If necessary, during the cleaning process, add a new portion of the product and continue cleaning. After the procedure, the dry residue is removed with a brush or napkin. The product is washed and wiped dry.
Tips for housewives: what to pay attention to when cleaning?
White water deposits can be seen in almost any bathroom. It appears due to the increased content of calcium and magnesium in water. When it gets onto taps and plumbing fixtures, it is deposited in the form of a cloudy white scum. If you do not clean it in a timely manner, your plumbing may become clogged and become unusable.
If in the case of a shower head or faucet aerator the housewife can solve the problem herself, then difficulties arise when cleaning chrome surfaces. Such coatings must be cleaned with care. It is recommended to follow the following rules when washing them:
- Do not use metallic hard sponges to clean taps and plumbing fixtures. The resulting scratches will be impossible to remove.
- When choosing a chemical or traditional cleaning method, do not use abrasives that damage the surface.
- If household chemicals contain hydrochloric, sulfuric or phosphoric acids, do not use this detergent. The consequences after it are as follows: the appearance of dark spots, as well as rust, which will be difficult to remove.
- You should not mix several cleaning compounds at once yourself - there is a high risk of damaging the chrome coating with such combinations.
- Ask your store consultant about special detergents for chrome. It is better to choose a substance, even if it is more expensive, but intended specifically for a specific situation.
If you choose the wrong product, damaged plumbing will have to be replaced, which will result in large costs. At the end of the article, a recipe for a composition will be presented that will help restore chrome products with minor scratches.
Special products for cleaning chrome parts
When choosing a chemical intended for rust removal, you must carefully read the accompanying information .
The liquid or paste must be approved for use on chrome plating.
It also matters:
- expiration date of the product,
- its cost,
- Ease of use,
- harmless to human health.
WD-40
The drug was developed by an American company of the same name. WD-40 is an aerosol used in everyday life and in auto repair shops.
The product is versatile and can be used to remove marks:
- corrosion,
- glue,
- fat,
- bitumen,
- soot,
- mud.
WD-40 does not leave oily or sticky stains and forms a water-repellent layer on the surface of parts.
The product includes:
- White Spirit,
- carbon dioxide,
- mineral oil,
- inert additives.
To clean rust, the product is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned, left for a short time and wiped with a napkin. A 200 ml bottle can be bought for 200-300 rubles.
Doctor Wax
The product from a well-known American brand is available in the form of a polishing paste . It is suitable for cleaning not only chrome surfaces, but also coatings made of:
- bronze,
- aluminum,
- gold,
- silver,
- become.
There are no abrasive or aggressive substances in the composition; the polishing properties are based on vegetable wax. Polish removes scratches and traces of rust. It is in demand in workshops and at home.
Doctor Wax is applied to surfaces with rust. After some time, when the paste dries and turns into a matte coating, the coating is polished with a soft cloth. The cost of a can weighing 0.18 kg is on average 350 rubles. A 300 ml bottle is estimated at 380-400 rubles.
Metal Polish
The polish was developed by the German company Autosol. The product has a creamy consistency. Metal Polish is used for cleaning and polishing:
- dishes,
- plumbers,
- car body,
- industrial equipment.
May be used for:
- chromium,
- brass,
- copper,
- nickel,
- become.
To clean the surface, Metal Polish paste is applied to the area with rust and, using a cloth, polished in a circular motion until shiny. Then remove any remaining product and wipe the coating with a clean cloth.
The average price for a tube of paste with a volume of 0.75 ml is 450 rubles, a large jar with a volume of 0.75 liters costs from 2,700 rubles (all prices are here).
In order to efficiently remove rust stains from chrome plating, you must follow the instructions and follow the safety rules noted.
Covering a chrome surface with vinyl film
We have noted more than once that cleaning rust on chrome parts is a risky procedure. A layer that is too thin will not allow you to get rid of large scratches, and if the corrosion has spread deep enough, it cannot be removed without exposing the layer of the substrate (base metal). In this case, restoring chrome car parts with your own hands using conventional cleaning products and polishes will not be possible. But you shouldn’t despair - there is an alternative method: gluing the surface with vinyl film. It is advisable to use a film with a chrome texture, although this is not necessary.
The film application procedure is not that complicated, but it is specific and requires precision and accuracy. Note that the method is not always applicable, since it requires removal of the part. If possible, completely remove the chrome layer, clean/polish the metal, and degrease it with white spirit diluted with water. We apply the vinyl film to the workpiece without removing the backing for now. Mark the edges, trim off the excess, leaving a small margin. It will be difficult to complete the subsequent steps without an assistant.
Apply a layer of soap solution to the entire surface of the part, trying not to make gaps and achieving uniform coverage. Remove the backing from the adhesive side and gently press it onto the part along its entire length. We heat the film with a hairdryer (to a temperature not exceeding 200°C, without staying in one place for more than 10 seconds, otherwise the film will lose its shine) and begin to press the film with a rubber squeegee, starting from the middle and moving to the edges, first in one side, then the other. If the part is not flat, you need to press the squeegee so that it follows the contours of the surface. Make sure there are no air bubbles or folds. We wipe the pasted surface with a damp cloth and let it dry.
Of course, this method of protecting chrome parts on a car cannot be called ideal, and the film itself is not so strong, so the durability of the restored coating will obviously be lower.
What can't be used and why?
The shiny chrome finish is sensitive to many aggressive and rough products. Therefore, when choosing a suitable method, it is worth keeping in mind unwanted cleansers.
The list includes:
- Steel wool . It spoils the gloss of the chrome finish and makes it dull.
- Metal scourers . Such sponges can remove rust, but leave marks on the coating.
- Strong acids . Sulfuric, hydrochloric and other acids destroy the protective coating.
Stuck faucet: how to get out of the situation?
When the faucet or mixer switching the water to the shower is not used for a long time, it may jam. The cause of such a breakdown is often a deposit of water stone, which can be dealt with as follows:
- Clean the faucet using one of the above remedies or traditional methods.
- If this method is not suitable, let's turn to another. Take vinegar and dilute it with hot water. Dip the prepared rag into the solution so that it absorbs the product. Wrap a cloth around the jammed faucet, then wrap it in cling film. This is done so that the vinegar does not evaporate, but saturates the plaque deposits well and removes it.
- Another method that any housewife can handle is the use of universal WD-40. It can be used to fix many problems, and a stuck faucet is no exception. Spray the joint between the tap and the mixer with the product and wait a while. The substance can be purchased at any hardware or automotive store.
If the proposed methods do not help open the tap, you will have to call a plumber. In the future, to prevent such situations, promptly clean the gaps in the taps.
Recommendations
In order to be 100% satisfied with the result of the work, you must follow the instructions included with each product and remember the additional recommendations:
Before applying a reagent or using mechanical cleaning from a chrome-plated product, it is recommended to wash off the dirt to facilitate contact with rust.- The soak time in the cleanser should be adjusted depending on the extent of the damage. Areas with a thicker layer of rust require a longer treatment period.
- After cleaning, the product must be wiped with a dry cloth. It is not advisable to leave the coating to dry naturally, as unsightly water stains will remain on the glossy surface.
- For additional polishing of chrome, it is useful to use oily substances. Vegetable oils and wax polishes are suitable. They are dripped onto a microfiber cloth and rubbed until the surface shines.
Getting rid of rust from chrome car parts
Chrome parts are in demand among car enthusiasts - they make the car shine and make it stand out in traffic. Chrome is an expensive material that corrodes, like other modern metals. It is characterized by consistent tarnishing and brittleness, and chrome parts must be carefully maintained.
Expensive cleaning products are not financially accessible to everyone, and cheap, low-quality analogues contain aggressive chemicals that accelerate the destruction of the material. This article will discuss the process of answering the question “how to remove rust from a chrome part” using available tools.
Procedure
The extent of the damage is very difficult to assess if the chrome part is not cleaned of dirt. This must be done very carefully, since the chrome film is very thin. When performing cleaning, the following rules must be observed:
First, rinse the part with warm water and then wipe with gasoline. You may need to repeat this procedure several times.
If dirty plaque remains in some hard-to-reach places, it can be removed from there with an old soft-bristle toothbrush.
To prevent corrosion from harming neighboring areas of chromium, the source of damage must be localized. This can be done using regular wax or polish.
Household chemicals
First of all, make it a rule not to use an unfamiliar product on the visible part of the product, so that there are no unexpected results. This may be the bottom, back side of the product or an inconspicuous area on the side.
The second rule is that the cleaning agent should be specifically for chrome surfaces, and not for plumbing in general and not for removing lime and rust.
In fact, there are a great variety of chrome cleaning products. It is best, of course, to pay attention to the compositions produced by famous companies producing mixers. For example, such as Ravak Cleaner Chrome (Czech Republic), Grohe Cleaner from Grohe (Germany). The cost is around 800 rubles per 500 ml, expensive, but effective and will not damage your favorite tap.
I have been using the latter personally for several years now and am not at all disappointed, I recommend it. It is based on citric acid and cleans dirt of any complexity well.
Clarification. Citric acid, which belongs to the class of organic acids and is considered weak, practically does not interact with most metals, including chromium.
Wear gloves when using household chemicals. The product is applied to the surface for a few minutes, then rubbed in with a cloth. Rinse with water and be sure to wipe the surface dry. Nothing complicated, the main thing is to clean it in a timely manner. A protective film appears on the product; it will prevent the deposition of limescale for some time.
Cleaning plumbing fixtures
In addition to cleaning chrome taps, other plumbing fixtures also require cleaning: shower heads, darkened areas of appliances, as well as buttons on the toilet, cabinet fittings.
For cleaning, improvised means are also used, and if they fail, household chemicals come to the rescue.
Cleaning the shower head
It is important to clear clogged holes in the shower head in a timely manner, before they are completely covered with lime flakes. To do this, try to disassemble the shower head. Soak the parts that were removed from the structure for 2 hours in a heated vinegar solution. After this, rinse them with water to remove the odor.
The hydromassage nozzle itself must be cleaned using a needle. It is also recommended to use some chemical compounds and clean the injectors with a toothbrush.
Recipe for cleaning darkened plumbing fixtures
Unfortunately, it is often impossible to restore damaged chrome plating. However, there is a tool that helps hide cleaning mistakes. For this purpose, a special composition is used for polishing metal parts of a car, including Goi paste. You can purchase such substances at any auto store, having previously consulted on this issue.
Another method of bringing chrome coatings to a shine is the use of car wax shampoos. They create a water-repellent film on the coating and protect the material from corrosion.
Don’t forget about timely cleaning of chrome taps, and then you won’t have to think about finding suitable products.
Getting rid of the most stubborn stains
Sometimes when cleaning chrome-plated plumbing fixtures, you encounter contaminants against which a soapy water solution is completely powerless. A solution to this problem can be a moderately acidic solution of wine vinegar. To obtain it, you should mix wine vinegar and ordinary water in equal proportions. Dip a sponge into this solution and try to wipe off the most stubborn stains. After completing all necessary cleaning procedures, wipe the cleaned areas dry with a cloth.
After this, you should constantly wipe the surface itself, as stains from moisture remain on it. When wiping surfaces on which rust is constantly forming, you should clean it periodically. After finishing cleaning the necessary parts, they should be subjected to a cleaning and polishing procedure using aluminum foil cut into small pieces.
It is the most suitable material for such trips. You should not use an overly hard sponge, which may well leave scratches on the surface being treated.
Source
Using dishwashing liquid
To use it to clean chrome parts, it is necessary to prepare an aqueous solution of detergent. First of all, chrome parts should be cleaned of dirt, greasy substances and stains. The purpose of such an obstacle is to expose existing rust stains. You need to mix the drops like this: take about 10 drops of detergent into a bucket of slightly warm water. The solution should be mixed until a small amount of foam appears, and use a sponge to wipe all necessary surfaces. When performing this process, you should periodically wring out the sponge you are using.
If you need to clean a chrome surface in a hard-to-reach place, you should use a toothbrush, which significantly simplifies the successful completion of this procedure. After you have successfully cleaned the chrome parts sufficiently, you should drain the soapy water, rinse the bucket and fill it with clean water. After this, soak a sponge in it and thoroughly wipe all parts to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
How to clean faucets from limescale – chemicals and handy tools
We all deal with chrome surfaces in our bathroom. These include various kinds of accessories, lamps, shower bars, flush keys, mirror elements, and of course faucets. These are the ones that need cleaning and care more often than others, due to constant interaction with water. Droplets of water, settling on the surface, form a limescale deposit, sometimes even with rusty stains. The soap solution doesn't leave the best picture either.
Recovery in the initial stages
It is impossible to start the corrosion process - this truth does not need proof. Therefore, if you notice the first signs of rust on a shiny chrome surface, you should immediately get rid of brown spots, without waiting until these spots develop into large focal areas.
The sooner you get down to business, the greater the chances of defeating the disease. The question is how to clean the chrome parts of a car - not all products are suitable for this purpose. Household chemicals, as a result of which the surface of the metal being processed becomes matte, are absolutely unsuitable in this case. It is recommended to test the effect of such cleaning products on those chrome parts that are located in places where they are not too visible. If the result is satisfactory, you can safely use the product on a global scale.
A little bit of science
On cheap products made from silumin, galvanic application of chromium is difficult to implement, so special varnishes are widely used. This product has nothing in common with real chrome plating, which can be distinguished by its cool blue tint.
In general, when choosing a faucet for a bathroom or kitchen, focus on the weight of the device and the shade of its surface.
