Generally, bathroom or kitchen faucets have been plated with chrome which not only enhances the appearance but also protects the metal from rust. However, chrome plating is also prone to scratches or erosion. This damage can cause rust because the metal under the chrome layer is in direct contact with moisture and oxygen.
If you find rust on a sink or kitchen faucet, remove it immediately as it can spread quickly and cause the metal to bubble. With simple materials that are very easy to find on the market, you can remove rust from the chrome protective coating in the following ways.
Use an acidic liquid The first way to remove rust from the chrome layer is to use a weak acidic liquid such as vinegar, lime, or lemon. Before using this acidic liquid, clean the rusty area from dust and dirt first by using dishwashing soap that has been diluted with water.
Once the chrome finish is clean and dry, apply a weak acid solution and wait about 10 minutes. In the final step, wipe the rusty part that has been soaked with vinegar or lime using a sponge or soft brush until it is removed.
Take advantage of aluminum foil Apart from acidic liquids, another effective way to remove rust from the chrome coating is to use aluminum foil. To do this, cut out about 8 cm of aluminum foil, then dip it in water. After that, gently rub the rust on the chrome layer with aluminum foil until it dissolves and is removed.
If rust persists, use the aluminum foil that has been soaked in soft drinks. Keep in mind, soft drinks contain carbonic acid which can create a chemical reaction with iron oxide in rust so that it can get rid of the chrome easily.
Clean with a special oil In addition to acid and aluminum foil, you can also use special oils such as WD40, CLR or CRC to remove rust on the chrome layer. How to use it is very easy, first clean the chrome with dishwashing liquid to remove dust and dirt, then wipe the rusty parts dry.
After that, apply oil to the rusty chrome layer and scrub gently with a brush. Besides being effective at removing rust, the oil liquid can also make the chrome shiny again.
That's how to clean rust on the chrome layer. However, after cleaning, the chrome coating also requires special care and protection so that it will return to shine and rust does not appear again. Try the following steps.
Take advantage of baby oil Baby oil contains minerals that can smooth metal surfaces and give them a shine. What's more, baby oil is also easy to find on the market. Place baby oil on a clean, dry microfiber cloth, then rub the metal in circular motions until it's shiny.
Shine with wax Chrome coating can be shiny again using car wax, turtle wax, or carnauba wax. You just need to apply it, rub it and let it dry, then apply the wax and scrub it again.
Protect it with silver paint You can protect the chrome layer by using special silver chrome paint. Spread evenly on the sunken part due to rust, then use sandpaper to smooth it. Urgent! Be careful when sanding the chrome so as not to damage the unpainted area and damage the metal inside.
Find articles with information and other interesting tips on the Germany Brilliant blog. May be useful.
