Useful tips on how to remove rust from a chrome surface
The appearance of rust on a chrome surface is an unpleasant, but solvable problem.
Plumbing fixtures, wheel rims and other chrome-plated products are cleaned with home remedies or special pastes designed to combat metal oxides.
To achieve the desired effect and not damage the coating, you must follow the instructions and remember the important nuances of cleaning.
In this article we will tell you how you can remove rust from chrome surfaces without damaging them.
Content
Traditional recipes for use at home
Available solutions and materials that are found in almost any home can help remove rust stains quickly and efficiently. These products do not require large financial expenditures, and their use is safe for human health and the item itself.
Vinegar
Used as a reagent:
- dining room,
- wine,
- low concentration apple cider vinegar (6-9%).
It is not recommended to use concentrated vinegar essence for work due to its excessive aggressiveness.
Acetic acid is poured into a container and the rusty part is placed in it.. If the size of the product does not allow using this method, wipe the damaged area with a cloth soaked in vinegar and cover the surface with it.
For protruding parts of an object (for example, a faucet spout), it is convenient to use a different technique. Vinegar is poured into a plastic bag and tied so that the rusty area is immersed in the reagent.
The exposure time in the vinegar solution depends on the amount of rust. The thicker the layer, the more time is allowed for the reaction. On average it ranges from three to eight hours. After removing the vinegar application, the product is thoroughly wiped with a sponge, removing any remaining plaque and washed.
How to clean with citric acid?
The effect of this reagent is similar to vinegar. Citric acid or products containing it (natural lemon juice) help remove rust easily and effectively.
The acid reacts with metal oxides and hydroxides, converting them into salts.
Add a little water to the citric acid powder to make a paste.. It is applied in a thick layer to the rusty areas and left for several hours. After this, wipe the surface with a soft cloth.
If the rust layer was thick and rusty traces remained after treatment, repeat the cleaning procedure.
Coca Cola
Drinks containing organic acids (orthophosphoric, citric) are also suitable for removing rusty deposits. Instead of Coca-Cola, you can use analogues:
- Fanta,
- Pepsi,
- Sprite.
The method is considered effective, simple and safe.
The method of using Coca-Cola depends on the area and location of the rust. Small items are dipped into a container filled with a drink. Leave for several hours and then rinse under running water.
Fixed parts are covered with a napkin heavily soaked in Coca-Cola. It is also possible to receive it with a plastic bag, which is used as a hanging container.
During cleaning, you should not allow the napkin applied to the surface to dry out, as this will delay the process and will not allow you to achieve the effect. Read more about removing rust with Coca-Cola Here.
Aluminium foil
This method allows you to effectively clean products from oxides. Foil is a soft material, so it is gentle on the hard chrome plating, without scratching it and at the same time removing rust particles.
To work, cut several small pieces of aluminum foil. It is enough to cut strips of 7-10 cm from the roll.
The damaged surface is moistened with water. Make a voluminous ball from foil and rub it on the rusty area without strong pressure until it shines.
If necessary, take a new strip of foil, re-wet the product with water and repeat cleaning. After completing the procedure, wash off the brown mass from the coating and wash the chrome surface with water.
How to remove with toothpaste?
To combat rust, use regular tooth powder or paste. These products have a mild abrasive effect and delicately remove rusty deposits, so it is quite possible to achieve a positive result.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste or powder to a flannel cloth or foam sponge.. In the latter case, the sponge is first slightly moistened with water. Rub the area with rust until the rust stain disappears.
If necessary, during the cleaning process, add a new portion of the product and continue cleaning. After the procedure, the dry residue is removed with a brush or napkin. The product is washed and wiped dry.
Special products for cleaning chrome parts
When choosing a chemical intended for rust removal, Please read the accompanying information carefully.
The liquid or paste must be approved for use on chrome plating.
It also matters:
- expiration date of the product,
- its cost,
- Ease of use,
- harmless to human health.
WD-40
The drug was developed by an American company of the same name. WD-40 is an aerosol used in everyday life and in auto repair shops.
The product is versatile and can be used to remove marks:
- corrosion,
- glue,
- fat,
- bitumen,
- soot,
- mud.
The product includes:
- White Spirit,
- carbon dioxide,
- mineral oil,
- inert additives.
To clean rust, the product is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned, left for a short time and wiped with a napkin. A 200 ml bottle can be bought for 200-300 rubles.
Doctor Wax
The product from a well-known American brand is available in the form of a polishing paste.. It is suitable for cleaning not only chrome surfaces, but also coatings made of:
- bronze,
- aluminum,
- gold,
- silver,
- become.
Doctor Wax is applied to surfaces with rust. After some time, when the paste dries and turns into a matte coating, the coating is polished with a soft cloth. The cost of a can weighing 0.18 kg is on average 350 rubles. A 300 ml bottle is estimated at 380-400 rubles.
Metal Polish
The polish was developed by the German company Autosol. The product has a creamy consistency. Metal Polish is used for cleaning and polishing:
- dishes,
- plumbers,
- car body,
- industrial equipment.
May be used for:
- chromium,
- brass,
- copper,
- nickel,
- become.
The average price for a tube of paste with a volume of 0.75 ml is 450 rubles, a large jar with a volume of 0.75 liters costs from 2,700 rubles.
In order to efficiently remove rust stains from chrome plating, you must follow the instructions and follow the safety rules noted.
What can't be used and why?
The shiny chrome finish is sensitive to many aggressive and rough products. Therefore, when choosing a suitable method, it is worth keeping in mind unwanted cleansers.
The list includes:
- Steel wool. It spoils the gloss of the chrome finish and makes it dull.
- Metal sponges. Such sponges can remove rust, but leave marks on the coating.
- Strong acids. Sulfuric, hydrochloric and other acids destroy the protective coating.
Recommendations
In order to be 100% satisfied with the result of the work, you must adhere to the instructions included with each product and Keep in mind the following additional recommendations:
Before applying a reagent or using mechanical cleaning from a chrome-plated product, it is recommended to wash off the dirt to facilitate contact with rust.- The soak time in the cleanser should be adjusted depending on the extent of the damage. Areas with a thicker layer of rust require a longer treatment period.
- After cleaning, the product must be wiped with a dry cloth. It is not advisable to leave the coating to dry naturally, as unsightly water stains will remain on the glossy surface.
- For additional polishing of chrome, it is useful to use oily substances. Vegetable oils and wax polishes are suitable. They are dripped onto a microfiber cloth and rubbed until the surface shines.
Video on the topic of the article
This video will show you how to remove rust from chrome parts of a car or motorcycle:
Conclusion
Choosing a method for cleaning a chrome surface from rusty deposits is not difficult. These can be inexpensive and affordable home remedies, as well as special polish pastes.
In any case, when removing rust, you must adhere to step-by-step technology. It is unacceptable to use products that can damage the glossy finish and negate all cleaning efforts.
