Sparkling bathroom fixtures are a pleasant sight to behold as you walk into the bathroom.
Contrarily, rusted and unsightly fixtures with hard water scale buildup create a negative effect.
Chrome bathroom fixtures are particularly hard to maintain.
The fixtures rust easily, resulting in an unsightly appearance.
Here we will share 8 easy and effective tips for removing rust from chrome bathroom fixtures.
Use Vinegar to Remove Rust
Vinegar can be effective in removing rust from chrome bathroom fixtures. It can also be used to remove the buildup of scale on the bathroom fixture.
You should unscrew the chrome fixture and then soak it in a small jar or bowl containing vinegar.
Make sure to secure the showerhead with a rubber band before dipping it in vinegar.
Another way to clean the fixtures with vinegar is to wrap a cloth or paper towels dipped in vinegar solution around the fixtures.
Moreover, you can use a spray to apply a vinegar solution to the bathroom fixtures. This is an effective way to clean the base of the faucet.
You should slightly warm the vinegar on a stove or microwave. This will allow the mixture to more easily clean the fixtures.
Using Aluminum Foil
Do you have aluminum foil in the kitchen? You can use the foil to remove rust from your chrome bathroom fixtures.
Foil is a soft metal that can be a great rust remover. You can use aluminum foil to safely remove rust from the chrome bathroom fixtures without any scratches.
You should wear protective eyewear and gloves when using foil to clean the chromium fixtures.
Use car wash soap to remove dirt from the chrome before using aluminum foil to remove the rust.
Next, you should use mild dish soap for cleaning rusty areas of the fixture. Don’t use harsh dish soap as it can damage the chrome finishing of the fixture.
After cleaning the fixture, you should dip the soap in salt water and rub it along the rusted areas.
Make sure that you apply minimum pressure when cleaning the fixture to avoid damage. Continue rubbing at the fixture until the rust sports are gone.
Afterward, you should rinse the chrome fixture with water and then dry it using a soft cloth or paper towel. You can also use a hairdryer to quickly dry the fixture.
Use Salt and Flour Mixture
Salt and flour mixture is another effective DIY cleaner for removing rust from you’re chrome fixtures.
You will need the following ingredients to prepare the DIY cleaning solution for the bathroom fixture.
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 7/8 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of white vinegar
You must mix flour, vinegar, and salt in a bowl. Mix the solution until it turns into a thick paste.
You should rub the mixture in a circular motion to remove the rust. Let the mixture sit for about half an hour and then rinse using water.
Use a dry cloth to dry the chromium mixture. Also, you should wear protective gear to avoid getting in contact with the acidic mixture.
Use Scrubbing Pad
A scrubbing pad is also effective in removing rust from the fixture.
You can use a scrub brush if the chrome fixture is heavily rusted that cannot be cleaned using the above method.
However, you must be careful when using the method to avoid damaging the chromium fixture.
Dip the scrub brush in a bowl of water or other lubricants. Clean the fixture by rubbing in a circular motion.
Avoid applying pressure when cleaning the fixtures otherwise, it can result in scratches.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective option to remove rust from the chrome fixture.
The homemade solution can be used to clear rust from all types of metal fixtures.
Mix baking soda with water in a bowl. You should then spread the solution on the chrome mixture to remove the rust spots.
Make sure that you let the mixture sit for a few minutes on the fixture before rinsing with water.
Using Mild Acid Cleaners
Mild acid cleaners are also effective in removing rust from bathroom fixtures.
You can use any household cleaner containing mild acidic solution containing lime solution.
You can also create your own mild acidic cleaning solution by mixing water and few drops of lemon.
Avoid using harsh acidic solutions as they can cause etching marks on the metal.
Start by removing dust from the surface of the chrome fixture by cleaning with a soapy solution.
Make sure that you remove soapy residue from the surface as it can damage the chrome finishing. Next, you should wipe dry the fixture using a paper towel.
Afterward, you should soak the fixture in the household or DIY a mildly acidic solution for about 20 minutes.
Make sure that you wear protective goggles and gloves to avoid contact with the acidic solution.
For a highly rusted chrome fixture, you should add salt to the acidic solution.
Rinse with water and then dry the bathroom fixture using a soft cloth.
Repeat the process if some rest remains on the bathroom fixture. You should follow up by using a sealer on the chrome fixture.
Commercial Cleaning Product
You can also use commercial cleaning products to clean the bathroom fixtures. One recommended product is Speed Cleaning’s Scum Bum.
The product contains non-toxic and natural ingredients that are biodegradable.
Plus, the product has a pleasant lime scent that will make your fixtures look sparklingly clean with a pleasant odor.
Make sure that you follow the instructions when cleaning the fixtures using commercial cleaning products.
Avoid leaving the mixture on the surface for long periods as it can damage the fixtures.
Using WD-40 for Removing Rust from Fixture
WD-40 is also effective in removing rust from the bathroom fixture.
It is a fast and effective way to remove rust from chrome fixtures.
You should buy WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant that is specially prepared for removing rust from metal surfaces.
Spray the solution directly on the chrome fixture and then scrub using steel or brass wool. These are not too harsh when used with a lubricant.
Avoid using these scrubbers on dry chrome fixtures as they will result in scratches.
How to Prevent Rust on Chrome Bathroom Fixtures?
Now that you know how to clean rust from the chrome bathroom fixtures, you should also know how to prevent rusting of the fixtures.
Chrome bathroom fixture rust due to oxidization of the metal part as it comes into contact with water and oxygen.
The chromium oxide layer protects the metal fixture from rusting. The fixture will rust when the outer protective layer cracks that expose the bare metal.
Cracks may appear on the chrome fixture if the chromium coating has not been applied correctly.
Moreover, scratches on the fixture due to cleaning with an abrasive cleaning material can cause the outer layer to crack.
Once the protective layer starts to peel, the metal part will be exposed to water and oxygen that results in rusting.
The corrosion will appear in the form of green, blue, or orange stains.
Regular chrome polishing can help prevent rusting of the bathroom fixture. Polish serves as a barrier that protects the chrome surface.
But you must follow the proper procedure when polishing the chrome surface. Applying too much pressure when polishing the surface can result in scratches or etch marks.
Consider polishing the surface by rubbing in a circular motion. You must also be gentle when using a scrub to polish the chrome fixtures.
You can use all-in-one polish with a sealer that is typically used for a car wash. Follow up the polish by applying wax using a fine steel or wool brush.
The wax will seal the cracks and prevent moisture from causing rust. Rinse and dry the fixture thoroughly after applying wax for the best results.
Lastly, you should apply paint on your old chrome bathroom fixtures to prevent rusting.
Applying silver or aluminum color paint will act as a protective barrier to the surface. Moreover, it will also add shine to the chrome surface.
Automotive paint is suitable for applying on chrome fixtures. You must use 1200 grit sandpaper after applying the paint to smooth the surface.
Care should be taken to avoid sanding surfaces that are not painted as it can damage the fixtures.
Conclusion
Chrome bathroom fixtures are expensive. The mirror-like appearance of the fixtures greatly improves the look of the bathroom.
But the metal fixture is prone to rust and scale buildup if not cleaned regularly.
You should follow the tips mentioned in this blog post to ensure that the chrome fixture looks the best.
Regular maintenance will ensure that the chrome bathroom fixtures retain their polished appearance for a long time.
Consider using cheap DIY methods to remove rust from your chrome bathroom fixtures.
If they are not effective in cleaning the fixture, you can use commercial rust cleaners mentioned in the blog post to remove rust from the fixtures.
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