How To Clean Chrome Faucets

Adding chrome faucets and fixtures to your sinks and shower is a great way to add style and shine to any bathroom or kitchen. But because this material is so eye-catching, residue, spots and other types of grime or buildup are easy to notice when you let your faucets go between cleanings for too long.

Fortunately, cleaning chrome faucets is an easy task that can be done with just a few supplies, some of which you may already have on hand. Whether you opt for natural DIY methods or store-bought chemical sprays to keep your chrome clean, the best way to maintain the integrity of your fixtures is to wipe them down regularly and keep them dry whenever possible.

The easiest way to stay on top of chrome faucets and fixtures, including handles, hinges and hangers, is to wipe down each chrome piece immediately after you use it. This is especially true for any pieces of chrome that come into contact with water, such as sink faucets, showerheads, glass door handles and sink stoppers.

To clean chrome shower fixtures, be sure to open any windows and doors after running the water, if possible, or run a fan to air the space out. Using a microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces will further assist in keeping your chrome dry and can also eliminate spots from forming that occur thanks to mineral deposits in some water sources.

There are several store-bought products designed to banish bacteria and grime commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens that are safe to use on chrome faucets. All-purpose cleaners like Formula 409 and Fantastik are generally safe to use on most chrome fixtures and appliances and are formulated to kill bacteria for a deep clean.

Alternatively, regular dish soap and water can be used to clean chrome fixtures and work especially well to break down built-in mineral deposits that tend to be the byproduct of hard water. Simply scrub the fixtures with a toothbrush that's been soaked in dish soap and water to break up hard water stains and buildup. Some people opt to use other household sprays like Windex on chrome faucets, which is fine, but just be sure to steer clear of bleach-based cleaners and those made to remove rust or that are abrasive and designed to tackle surfaces like tile or toilet bowls.

You can also look to more DIY solutions to keep your chrome faucets and fixtures clean, which isn't only safe and environmentally friendly but also comes at a relatively low cost. The best way to clean chrome bathroom fixtures naturally is with white vinegar, which is naturally acidic, works wonders on grime and is easy to use.

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, shake well, spray onto any surface you wish to clean and gently scrub with a nonabrasive sponge. Vinegar is also a great cleaning choice as it's antimicrobial and can kill bacteria and viruses. After you've sprayed and scrubbed your chrome faucet or fixture, simply wipe it clean with a microfiber towel.