How to Clean Chrome So It Shines Like New, According to Experts

Chrome is a shiny finish that’s used on kitchen faucets, bathroom sinks, bathtub drains, and other fixtures throughout the home. It’s known for its mirror-like quality and long-lasting shine, making it a desirable option for high-touch surfaces. 

But like any finish, chrome can build up with stains, water spots, fingerprints, and other grime over time. Cleaning it is relatively easy, but you’ll want to use the right materials so you don’t risk scratching the finish. Ahead, cleaning experts explain the right way to clean chrome for lasting shine.

Materials You'll Need

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning chrome, depending on the method you choose. 

• Mild, unscented dish soap 
• Water
• Distilled white vinegar 
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice 
• Microfiber cloths
• Non-abrasive brush 
• Soft sponge
• Spray bottle
• Aluminum foil

How to Clean Chrome With Dish Soap

Dish soap is one of the easiest and most effective ways to clean chrome. “Dish soap is great because it breaks down grease and grime without damaging the chrome’s finish,” says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. “It’s also gentle and leaves no harsh residues, keeping your chrome looking polished and streak-free.”

1. Mix a few drops of mild, unscented dish soap with warm water. 
2. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the soapy mixture.
3. Wipe the chrome surface to remove dirt and grime. 
4. For tougher buildup, scrub the chrome surface gently with a soft sponge or a non-abrasive brush. 
5. Rinse the surface with water to remove any soap residue. 
6. Dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. 

How to Clean Chrome With Vinegar

Another easy way to clean chrome is with distilled white vinegar. “Vinegar’s acidity breaks down water spots, limescale, and grease. It’s a great natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners,” Sokolowski says. 

1. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. 
2. Spray the solution directly onto the chrome surface. Let it sit for a few minutes to dissolve mineral buildup. 
3. Wipe the chrome surface clean with a microfiber cloth, ensuring all residue is removed. 
4. Rinse with water to prevent streaks.
5. Dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. 

How to Clean Chrome With Baking Soda

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, meaning it can gently remove dirt and stains from chrome without scratching the surface, says Sokolowski. 

1. Combine baking soda and water until a paste forms. 
2. Apply the paste to the chrome surface with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. 
3. Gently scrub the surface in circular motions to lift stains and grime. 
4. Rinse the surface with water to remove any baking soda residue. 
5. Dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

How to Clean Chrome With Lemon Juice

Like vinegar, the natural acidity of lemon juice dissolves water spots, rust, and grime, leaving the chrome with a polished, streak and scratch-free look, says Sokolowski. 

1. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on the chrome surface. Let it sit for a few minutes to dissolve mineral buildup. 
2. Wipe the chrome surface clean with a microfiber cloth, ensuring all lemon juice is removed. 
3. Rinse with water to prevent streaks.
4. Dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

How to Remove Rust From Chrome

Rust can sometimes build up on chrome surfaces, but it’s easy to remove with a little elbow grease. Here’s how Sokolowski says to get rid of rust on chrome. 

1. Sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area.
2. Dampen a piece of aluminum foil and gently rub the rusted spots. 
3. Wipe the area clean with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any loosened residue. 
4. For stubborn rust, apply a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit for 15 minutes. Scrub with the foil or a soft microfiber cloth. 
5. Rinse with water to prevent streaks.
6. Dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Chrome

Chrome can easily be scratched or damaged if it’s not cleaned properly. These are some common pitfalls Sokolowski says to avoid when cleaning this finish. 

• Using abrasive scrubbers: Products like steel wool or rough sponges can scratch chrome surfaces.
• Skipping the drying step: Water spots and streaks form if the chrome isn’t dried properly.
• Using harsh chemicals: Harsh ingredients like bleach and ammonia can cause chrome to corrode or dull over time.

Tips for Cleaning Chrome

Keeping your chrome surfaces clean will make the entire space look polished. Consider these tips from experts to ensure your chrome fixtures stay in optimal condition. 

• Treat limescale buildup: If your chrome has limescale buildup, vinegar is the best product to remove it, says Kaylie Hill, Scotch-Brite brand ambassador and owner of Tidycademy. Submerge smaller items in vinegar and allow them to sit for a few minutes. Rinse with water and wipe dry. 
• Buff and polish chrome: Enhance the shine of the chrome by buffing the surface after cleaning with a clean microfiber cloth, says Sokolowski. She adds that lightly dusting the surface with cornstarch and wiping with a dry cloth offers a polished finish. 
• Prevent water spots: Apply a small amount of natural oil (like coconut or baby oil) with a cloth to repel water spots from building up on chrome surfaces, says Sokolowski. Drying chrome surfaces thoroughly after every cleaning can also prevent streaks and watermarks.