Tips on Restoring Chemical Damage to Chrome Faucets

Chemical Damage Basics

• Chemical damage is any damage to the chrome faucet brought on by chemical reactions. The most common type of damage to chrome is rust damage. Tap water that is laden with high concentrations of iron will rust the chrome, causing it turn brown or reddish green. This ruins the aesthetic appeal and may be very difficult to remove. Chemical damage may also result from attempting to use cleaners that contain hydrofluoric, oxalic and other types of acids, which result in a milky green stain.

Soap and Water

• Simple soap and water is usually sufficient for cleaning most stains from chrome faucets, provided that the soap does not contain any type of acid. Dishwashing liquid is your best bet, but try to avoid abrasive soaps like powdered detergents. Check the list of ingredients on the soap's packaging to ensure that it contains no acid content, then simply lather it onto your chrome with a damp, warm washcloth. The milky stains resulting from acid corrosion should peel away within seconds.

Aluminum Foil

• The aluminum foil method is used on all sorts of chrome fixtures for safely removing rust buildup. Steel wool may be typically used to remove rust, but it may scratch your chrome and leave chemical dust behind. Wipe down your chrome faucets with a wet sheet of aluminum foil. This will help remove the rust cleanly without the risk of scratching up for beautiful fixture. Rinse the faucet when finished.

Vinegar

• Vinegar is acidic, but not so much that it would damage chrome so it is generally safe to use as a cleaning and polishing agent. Use paper towels dampened with white vinegar to wipe away rust and chemical staining from your chrome faucet. Let the vinegar-soaked paper towel sit on the rust for a few minutes while it gradually eats away and loosens it from the surface. Wipe down and thoroughly remove any traces of vinegar after you're finished cleaning to ensure that it does not cause any inadvertent chemical staining.