How to Clean Chrome for a Shine That's as Good as New

There’s no denying that chrome is one of the most sophisticated and elegant materials for fixtures around the home. Though chrome may be timeless, it’s also earned a reputation for being challenging to keep clean. But, cleaning chrome isn’t as difficult as you might think. 

Surprisingly, keeping your chrome looking shiny and new is actually quite easy if you have the right tools. We asked two cleaning experts for their go-to methods for cleaning chrome to help keep it sparkling and smudge-free.

Materials You'll Need

• Dish soap
• Vinegar
• Chrome polish
• Microfiber cloth
• Non-scratching sponge

How to Clean Chrome With Dish Soap

Dish soap is a great choice for cleaning chrome because it’s readily available and very effective. Follow Kaylie Hill's, owner of Tidycademy, preferred method:

1. Add a few drops of dish soap to a non-scratching sponge.
2. Place your sponge under running water to create suds.
3. Scrub your chrome with the sponge.
4. Wipe the chrome dry with a microfiber cloth.
5. (Optional) Use another clean, dry microfiber cloth and chrome polish to add back the shine.

How to Clean Chrome With Vinegar

Vinegar is an easy and affordable cleaner that can be used on a wide range of surfaces throughout your house, including chrome. Here’s cleaning expert and influencer Vanesa Amaro's go-to method for cleaning chrome with vinegar:

1. Make a solution that is equal parts water and white vinegar.
2. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wipe down the chrome surface. Make sure to rub gently and wipe slowly to make sure there is time for the vinegar to break down the mineral deposits.
3. Rinse well with plain water.
4. Buff the chrome dry with a clean towel or microfiber cloth
5. (Optional) Use another clean, dry microfiber cloth and chrome polish to add back the shine.

How to Remove Rust From Chrome

Removing rust from chrome requires a little bit of additional elbow grease and specialty cleaning products. Both Hill and Amaro recommend using the cleaning product Bar Keeper’s Friend, a powdered cleanser that contains oxalic acid, and a sponge to scrub away the rust. When oxalic acid comes into contact with rust, a chemical reaction takes place that turns the rust into iron oxalate, which is water soluble and can easily be wiped away. Here's how to use it to remove rust from chrome:

1. Sprinkle some of the powdered cleanser onto your sponge.
2. Gently scrub at the rust, going with the grain of the chrome to avoid scratching.
3. Repeat as necessary to remove all of the rust.
4. Rinse the chrome thoroughly of the rust and cleaning powder.
5. Dry with a microfiber cloth.

Though it may be tempting, don’t use water while cleaning with Bar Keeper’s Friend, as it dilutes the product, making it less effective on rust, according to our experts. When removing rust, it’s important to always go with the grain of the chrome to avoid scratching it, says Amaro.

How Often to Clean Chrome

As is usually the case when it comes to cleaning, the more often you clean chrome surfaces, the easier they are to keep clean and free from spots, fingerprints, and streaks. If you have chrome in high-traffic areas of your house, like bathrooms and kitchens, it’s important to clean it anywhere from one to three times a week, depending on how often it’s used as a touch point. If you’re really trying to preserve the shine of your chrome surfaces, you may even need to clean them daily, as the material is prone to fingerprints and smudges. 

Tips for Cleaning Chrome

Keeping chrome surfaces clean and shiny makes your house look pristine and put together, and it also helps keep your chrome in good condition for a longer lifespan. Consider these helpful tips for keeping your chrome in tip-top shape:

• If your chrome is suffering from limescale buildup, vinegar is the best product to remove it, says Hill. Submerge smaller items in vinegar or saturated paper towels in vinegar and allow them to sit on your chrome, repeating the process until the entire surface is covered. Let the paper towels sit until they are dry, and repeat if necessary.
• Having a water system in your house can help prevent water marks, says Amaro.
• Only use non-scratching sponges to clean chrome. Other sponges can leave scratches and damage your chrome fixtures.
• Avoid using acid or ammonia-based cleaners on chrome, as they will likely stain.
• Always dry your chrome immediately after cleaning.