Chrome looks great while it is clean, but its mirror finish shows every fingerprint, speck of dust and water drop. Chrome taps, towel rails, door handles, chair legs, light fittings, wheels and car trim all need regular care or they quickly go dull.
The good news is that most dirt comes off in a few simple steps with warm soapy water, and a thin protective film keeps the shine for longer.
What you will need
- a bucket or bowl of hot water
- mild detergent or car shampoo
- a soft sponge
- an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
- a microfibre cloth or towel
- WD-40 Multi-Use
- WD-40 Smart Straw for gaps and fittings
Important: Do not use the product on food-contact surfaces, or on car tyres and brake discs: on tyres it reduces grip. Avoid wire wool and abrasive powders, which scratch chrome permanently.
Step 1
Get everything ready
Gather your tools first so you are not interrupted. Fill a bucket with hot water, which breaks down grease and grime more easily. Add a little detergent, or car shampoo if you are cleaning car parts.
Step 2
Wash the chrome with a sponge
Dip the sponge in the soapy water and clean the chrome in circular motions without pressing. Dirt and greasy fingerprints start to dissolve and the chrome brightens straight away.
Small items such as handles or decorative parts are easier to wash in a bowl.
Step 3
Scrub stubborn dirt
Grime often settles into seams, threads and textured areas, especially around the base of a tap or a fitting. Work those spots with a soft brush or an old toothbrush.
Spray limescale and rust specks with WD-40 Multi-Use, wait a minute or two, scrub with the brush and rinse with soapy water. The thin straw of WD-40 Smart Straw reaches narrow gaps and under fittings.
Step 4
Dry to a shine
Once the dirt is gone, dry the chrome with a microfibre cloth or towel. Drying is what brings back the mirror shine and stops drops from leaving spots.
Step 5
Apply a protective film
Spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto the chrome or a clean cloth, leave it for a few minutes and buff with a dry cloth. The thin film displaces moisture and protects the chrome from rust and fresh marks, which matters in damp bathrooms, cellars and garages.
On car parts, make sure none of it reaches the tyres.
Tip: In autumn, give chrome furniture legs and metal fittings at the dacha a protective coat before leaving them in an unheated room for the winter. The pocket-sized
WD-40 100 ml is handy for small jobs like this.
What next
Wipe chrome whenever it looks dirty and renew the protective film once a month or after a deep clean. In the bathroom and kitchen, the same WD-40 Multi-Use also quiets squeaky cabinet hinges and frees stiff fittings.
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».