How to Remove Rust from Chrome

Co-authored by Joe Hough III

Last Updated: March 9, 2021 Approved

Typically, chrome is used to add a shiny or protective coating to other metals, and the metal underneath the chrome is usually the source of rust. Removing this rust with household objects is surprisingly easy with some elbow grease, but more serious follow-up maintenance may be required if the rust is widespread and much of the chrome has flaked off.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Removing Rust Using Aluminum Foil

1
Use aluminum foil for an easy, low-cost method for removing rust from chrome. Aluminum reacts with rust chemically, resulting in a material that can be easily wiped or scrubbed off. Since aluminum is softer than most metals, it will not scratch the surface of the chrome or the metal underneath it.
2
Clean the chrome. Before you attempt to remove the rust on the chrome, clean dirt and debris from the metal using soapy water, or with car wash soap if cleaning painted car parts. This helps you locate and access rusty areas more easily.
- For very dirty or very rusty surfaces, use vinegar or another mild acid suggested below, then follow up with foil.
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3
Dip aluminum foil into water. You can use any water, but saltwater is best, since the electrolytes and salts will help speed up the chemical process. Tear off strips of aluminum convenient to use on the rusted area.
4
Rub the aluminum foil over the rust spots. Rub the aluminum foil back and forth over the rust spots. You do not need to use much pressure, although heavily rusted areas may require slightly more effort and a longer rubbing time.
- Dip the aluminum foil in water again whenever it gets dry.
- If you are working on a severely pitted surface then try wadding up the piece of aluminum foil. The edges that this creates will help to smooth down the metal and will actually fill in the pitted rust areas.
5
Stop every so often to remove the rust residue. Whenever the rust residue gets too thick, stop and wipe the residue using a rag or towel. This way you can see the remaining rust and continue rubbing it with the aluminum foil.
6
Rinse the surface of the chrome. Once you have removed all the rust, wipe the surface using a rag to reveal the shiny metal underneath.
7
Dry the chrome completely. Water spots show up very easily on chrome surfaces, and can cause further rust of the metal below. Use a paper towel or blow dryer to dry the surface. If necessary, consult the section on follow-up care to repair damage and prevent further rust.
- Be sure to apply a coat of polish or wax on your clean chrome to prevent more rust from forming.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Removing Rust Using Mild Acid

1
Use cola, lime juice, or other mild household acids. Any cola or soda that includes phosphoric acid in the ingredients can be used to remove rust. Other options include lime juice or vinegar. These mild acids can remove rust without significant risk to the surrounding metal.
- Diet cola does not have sugar in it, so the process will be less sticky. However, the sugar does help the acid to adhere to the rust.
- Avoid strong or concentrated acids, which can etch and weaken the underlying metal. If these household acids are ineffective, try again with phosphoric acid, but keep a fan on to blow corrosive fumes away from your face.
2
Clean the chrome. Before you attempt to remove the rust on the chrome it is best to make sure all the dirt and other debris are removed. This helps you to see and access the rust more easily for removal. Use car wash soap to clean painted surfaces on cars, and regular soapy water for other chrome objects.
3
Soak or cover the chrome with the acid. Ideally, soak the object for 15 minutes before removing. If you cannot soak the object, then simply pour the mild acid over the surface.
4
Wipe or scrub the rust off. You may need to use a rough sponge or gentle dish scrubber to remove the dissolved rust. Scrubbers designed for use on glass cookware tend to have the lowest risk of scratching your chrome. To remove heavy rust, rub gently with strips of aluminum foil or scrub with scouring pads.
5
Wash off residue with a safe soap. If you are cleaning a car, use car wash soap to remove the rust and acid residue. Dish soap should not be used on painted car surfaces, since it may strip the paint. Unpainted surfaces can be cleaned using any ordinary soap and water.
6
Dry and care for the car. Remove moisture with paper towels to minimize further rust. If the rust has caused noticeable damage, refer to the section on follow up care.
- Apply a coat of polish or wax on the chrome to prevent rust from forming in the future.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Removing Rust Using Oil or Chrome Polish

1
Use chrome polish for the quickest removal, or oil to save money. Chrome polish is the most expensive of the methods for removing rust, but a quality product will make removal quick and easy. A light penetrating oil such as WD40, CLR, or CRC can be used instead, and is typically the cheaper option.
2
Clean the chrome using soapy water. Before you attempt to remove the rust on the chrome it is best to make sure all the dirt and other debris are removed. This helps you to see and access the rust more easily for removal.
- If the dirt is very difficult to remove you can also use vinegar to clean the surface of the chrome. Vinegar is a mild acid and will help in the process of rust removal as well.
3
Apply oil or chrome polish to the rusted area. Spread the cleaning substance over the rusted area on the chrome and make sure it is coated completely to avoid scratching the surface.
4
Apply oil or chrome polish to brass wool or fine steel wool. Soft brass wool or a brass wire brush is best for this purpose, since it is less likely to cause major scratches. If you cannot find brass wool, use the finest steel wool available, preferably grade #0000. Coating it with additional chrome polish will also help prevent scratching.
5
Rub the wool gently over the rusted area. Gently rub using a circular motion while making sure that the surface is moist at all times. Do not apply pressure while rubbing or else you will damage the surface.
- If the area gets dry then be sure to add more oil or chrome polish. Rubbing dry chrome with metal wool will scratch and damage the surface.
6
Rinse the area with clean water. Rinse off the metal polish and removed rust by washing the area with water.
7
Check for additional rust spots. If the surface of the chrome is not completely free of rust spots then use additional chrome polish to try to remove the spots using the same method.
8
Dry the chrome completely. Water spots show up very easily on chrome surfaces so it is best to dry the chrome completely to make it shiny and brilliant.
- Make sure to put a coat of polish or wax on the chrome to keep the rust from reforming.
- If extra care is needed, check out the followup section below.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Repairing and Protecting Chrome after Rust Removal

1
Buff and dry the surface. If the rust only showed through the chrome in pinpricks, drying the surface with a towel after cleaning may be enough to keep up the chrome's appearance.
2
Protect the metal using polish or wax. Apply a wax or polish to the chrome to protect it from any further damage. Use a product only for its intended purpose, such as car wax for chrome-plated vehicles.
- Typically, wax is applied, buffed and left to dry, then a second layer is applied over it and buffed again.
3
Apply silver paint. This will keep a nice shine on the chrome, but the level of rust protection depends on the brand of paint and how well it is applied. Select a paint appropriate to the task, typically automotive paint, and apply as evenly as possible over areas pitted by rust damage. Use a fine, 1200 grit sandpaper to smooth it down after it dries, taking care to avoid sanding unpainted areas.
4
Get the object re-chromed. This is an expensive option, usually only performed on cars that were severely damaged by rust. Hire a mechanic who offers a chrome plating service if you want to re-chrome your car. If you're feeling ambitious, you can try to chrome plate objects at home, especially if they are relatively small.

Warnings

Sandblasting or grinding is not recommended, since they can easily damage the underlying metal.

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Some cars use plastic or paint that imitates chrome, not chrome itself. While these methods work on the rust itself, not the chrome, they may have unpredictable effects if your car is trimmed with an unidentified substance.

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