Chrome handlebars, mudguards, racks, rims and bells give classic and city bikes their charm, but chrome hates moisture. A few autumn weeks on a balcony or in a stairwell and orange specks and dull patches start to appear.
The good news is that chrome cared for regularly stays bright for years. All it takes is a wash, thorough drying and a thin protective film.
What you will need
- a bucket of warm water with mild detergent
- a soft sponge and an old toothbrush
- soft cotton cloths or microfibre
- WD-40 Multi-Use
- the pocket-sized WD-40 100 ml for rides
Important: Cover the brake pads, the braking surface of the rims and any discs while you work: lubricant on them seriously reduces braking. Avoid wire wool and abrasive pastes, which scratch chrome.
Step 1
Choose a place to work
Work outdoors or in a well-lit garage so you can see every mark. Turn the bike upside down or put it on a stand so all the chrome parts are easy to reach.
Step 2
Wash the bike
Wet the bike and go over the frame and every chrome part with a sponge and soapy water. Use the toothbrush to clear dirt around fittings, bolts and spokes. Let the solution work for a few minutes.
Step 3
Rinse and dry thoroughly
Rinse off the suds with clean water and dry the bike with a soft cloth. Make sure no dust or droplets are left in the gaps: that is exactly where corrosion starts.
If the chrome already shows orange specks, spray them with WD-40 Multi-Use, wait a minute or two and rub with a cloth. Light surface rust usually comes off without any abrasive.
Step 4
Apply a protective film
Spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto a clean cloth rather than directly onto the bike, and wipe a thin layer over the chrome parts. It displaces moisture and leaves a film that protects the chrome from rust.
Pay particular attention to the lower edges of the mudguards and rack, which catch spray from the wheels.
Step 5
Buff to a shine
After a few minutes, go over the chrome with a dry clean cloth. This removes the excess and leaves an even, protected shine.
Tip: After washing, plastic parts and black rubber trims can be refreshed with
WD-40 Specialist Silicone applied to a cloth. Leave the grips and pedals untreated so hands and feet do not slip.
What next
Clean and treat the chrome once a month in season, after every ride in the rain and before winter storage. Slip a WD-40 100 ml into your bag to wipe the chrome and free up the lock while out and about.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».