How To Clean Tarnished Chrome Faucets – 3 Effective Methods

A chrome faucet will no longer be that much of an attractive appliance to decorate your home when there appears to be a tarnish on the surface. So, how to clean tarnished chrome faucets? 

If you don’t know which methods can work, you have landed in the right place. This article includes several tips to help you deal with this obnoxious problem.

How To Clean Tarnished Chrome Faucets

How To Clean Tarnished Chrome Faucets
How To Clean Tarnished Chrome Faucets

Method 1: Vinegar And Baking Soda

The vinegar and baking soda duo are hands down the strongest and most effective solution when it comes to cleaning tarnish and calcium buildups.

Step 1: Mix vinegar and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio. People usually use ½ cup if there are only a few spots that need to be cleaned. You know the mixture is ready for application after the bubbling has stopped.

Step 2: Apply the mixture to the tarnished spots in portions slowly. Then, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes so dirt can dissolve.

Step 3: Rinse the faucet with warm water and wipe the dirt with a damped cloth. Then, use paper towels or a dry piece of cloth to wipe everything again. Now, your faucet has restored its primal shine.

Method 2: Soap And Water

Another great method is soap and water.

First, you need to add some soap to a bucket of warm water. Then, use a rag in the prepared solution and wipe the grime away. The important thing is to make sure the rag is fully soaked in the solution.

Start off slowly with gentle strobes to ensure you get all the tarnished spots. Repeat the process until there is no tarnish left.

Method 3: Aluminum Foil

We recommend using the aluminum foil method if your faucet is covered in rust. Such areas require more effort to address the dirt and grime fully.

Step 1: Crumple a square piece of aluminum foil and dip it in a solution of warm water and soap. You should get a fistful of crumpled foils in the end.

Step 2: Use the dipped aluminum foil to scrub gently on the tarnished surface. If you’re scrubbing too hard, you may damage the faucet. 

Step 3: After cleaning, rinse your sink again with warm water. Next, take a soft cloth to dry everything for the wanted result finally.

Related: How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Sink?

Will Vinegar Damage Chrome Fixtures?

Will Vinegar Damage Chrome Fixtures

Since vinegar is acidic, you may think it would damage chrome. However, the acidic concentration in white vinegar is not enough to cause any harm to your faucets. As a result, it is generally okay to use it as a cleaning solution.

The truth is, vinegar comes in handy when you need to remove grime, rust, or any other damage on the surface of your sink. Other mild acidic liquids should also work as an alternative if you don’t have vinegar, including lemon juice, lime juice, and coke.

Avoid using harsh acids to clean, or you might end up staining your faucets. Carry a spot test first to see if the solution you’re using is damaging the materials.

Final Thoughts

This article has provided you with 3 effective methods on how to clean tarnished chrome faucets. Sure, scrubbing off the tarnish on your faucet can be quite a hassle, but it is worth your try. In the end, you get splendid results – a shiny, squeaky-clean faucet.

Don’t forget to share these methods with us in the comment s

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Edvian Berrios is a homeowner who has become a plumbing expert through self-study and practical experience. Despite not being a professional plumber, Berrios's deep understanding of fixtures and do-it-yourself techniques has enabled him to successfully handle even the most challenging plumbing problems in his own homes.