How to Clean Chrome Taps

Chrome taps look very elegant and neat when they’re clean. However, when covered in water spots and soap scum, they give your entire bathroom or kitchen a poorly kept look. Fear not, cleaning chrome plated taps is way easier than it seems.

If you:

• Have a few old taps which are in need of some serious cleaning
• Wonder what products will give you the best results
• Are looking for ways to maintain your chrome tap immaculate

Then read along!

Important: Chrome is a soft metal and thus can be easily scratched, so you might be thinking what not to use on chrome taps? You should avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads as they have the potential to scratch or dull the surface. Likewise, harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or abrasive solvents can cause discolouration or damage to the chrome finish. Last, but not least, don’t use steel wool or metal brushes as they can scratch or gouge the surface, leaving it vulnerable to corrosion and tarnishing. So by knowing all this, you now know how to clean chrome taps without scratching.

Let’s continue to the ingredients.

How to clean chrome taps with soap and water

If your chrome taps only need a light cleaning from dust, then do the following.

1. Mix dish soap and warm water into a small container.
2. Dip a cloth or non-abrasive sponge into the mix.
3. Scrub the chrome and rinse the cloth frequently.
4. Finally, rinse the taps from any residue with clean water.

How to clean chrome taps with lemon

Lemons can clean plenty of items in your home, and the dirty chrome taps are no different. You will only need several lemons and a microfibre cloth. Usually, 2 or 3 lemons should be enough for a regular-sized home. By the way, using lemons is also how you clean tarnished chrome taps.

1. Scrub the tap using the pith of the lemon and apply pressure.
2. Change lemons as frequently as needed.
3. Wipe away any residue with a microfibre cloth.

Tip: The lemon acid also works great against limescale build-up. All you need to do is dilute some freshly squeezed lemon juice in the same amount of water. Dip a clean rag into it and tie the rag around the tap. Return after a few hours and scrub the tap with a non-abrasive rag.

How to clean chrome taps with baking soda

If your chrome taps have some tough stains, then baking soda should remove them. For this job, besides sodium bicarbonate, you will also need distilled water and some microfibre cloths.

1. Make a paste – mix a tablespoon of distilled water and baking soda. If it’s too runny, you’ve added too much distilled water. To make it even, add more baking soda.
2. Spread the solution on your chrome taps.
3. Wipe away – applying gentle pressure, wipe away the solution.
4. Rinse – rinse the taps with distilled water. Don’t use regular water, as it will leave new mineral deposits.
5. Buff – buff the taps with a fresh, clean microfibre cloth.

How to clean chrome taps with white vinegar

If you want to know another way how to remove limescale from chrome taps, then white vinegar is right up there with lemon juice.

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a small container.
2. Dip a clean rag into the solution.
3. Tie the rag around the spout with a rubber band. Leave it there for about 15 minutes.
4. Clean the tap base and handles by using an old toothbrush dipped into the solution.
5. Remove the rag around the spout and wipe it down with a fresh dry cloth.

A few words on rust spots. Rust spots are easy to remove from chrome surfaces. All you need to do is crumble a piece of aluminium foil, dip it in some water and scrub with medium force. Some people use white vinegar instead of water and that works too.

Maintenance tips

If you live in an area with hard water, you will get limescale build-up on your taps over time. The best solution is to install a water softener, but that’s a large investment. Until that day comes, however, keep the shine on your chrome-plated taps by using any one of these 4 ingredients. Use them after you’ve cleaned to stop and prevent water marks on chrome taps.

Some people wonder “Does baby oil remove limescale?” No, baby oil does not remove limescale. It’s mainly used to add shine, remove water spots from surfaces and protect them against new water stains. However, it’s not effective in removing the hard, chalky deposit composed of calcium carbonate. To remove those you need the already mentioned acidic solutions like vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda to dissolve or break it down.

Hire professionals

If you prefer to spend your free time on more pleasurable activities rather than scrubbing your taps, then hire professionals. Fantastic Services works with experienced and fully-equipped local cleaners. They will make your bathroom spotless and clean. You can also hire us, to clean your entire home on a regular basis, should you need it. Get in touch today and forget about breaking a sweat whilst cleaning.

Image source: Shutterstock / Roberto Saul Gomez

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Did you clean your chrome taps with our tips? Can you add more to the topic? Let us know by commenting below!