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How to Clean Chrome Taps in the Bathroom

How to Clean Chrome Taps in the Bathroom

Cleaning chrome taps in your bathroom is so easy! Follow our step-by-step guide and make your chrome fixtures sparkle! 

Items You Need to Clean Chrome Taps

  • Rubber gloves (to protect your hands)
  • Cleaning products (DIY or store-bought)
  • A soft-bristled scrubber or toothbrush
  • A sponge or soft cloth
  • A clean, dry cloth (ideally a microfibre cloth)

How to Clean Chrome Taps in 9 Steps

1. Grab all the items you need and put on gloves 

2. Spray or cover the tap in the cleaning solution (top-to-bottom)

3. Use the soft-bristled brush to gently scrub problem areas on the tap

4. Let the solution sit for at least 10 mins 

5. Scrub the tap again if necessary

6. Use clean water to rinse off cleaning product residue 

7. Wipe the tap with a soft sponge

8. Dry the tap with a microfibre cloth (use circular motions to avoid streaky marks)

9. Enjoy having your chrome taps shiny again! 

DIY Cleaners for Chrome Taps

The Best DIY Cleaners for Chrome Taps:

A homemade cleaning solution can be just as effective as commercial chrome cleaners. 

A 1:1 solution of lemon juice and warm water 

Lemon is a natural cleanser and great at reinvigorating chrome polish. Use 1 cup of fresh lemon juice and 1 cup of warm water to disinfect and polish chrome fixtures. 

A 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water 

White vinegar is a popular bathroom cleaner and can add extra shine to chrome bathroom fittings. Use 1 cup of white vinegar for every 1 cup of warm water. You can add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for extra freshness. Adding a couple drops of lemon juice when cleaning chrome with vinegar will neutralise the smell. 

A 1:2 mixture of baking soda and water

To make a liquid cleaning solution using baking soda, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of water. Baking soda is a budget-friendly cleaner and will make chrome shimmer. 

A 3:1 combination of baking soda and water 

This will create the perfect baking soda paste to put on chrome bathroom fixtures. Stir 3 parts baking powder and 1 part lukewarm water together until the consistency is a paste. To break down tough stains, apply the paste and let it sit for ten minutes or more. 

Mild soap and water 

Bathroom soap or a mild dish soap will work for basic cleaning. Use hot water to clean chrome bathroom fixtures to save yourself some elbow grease. Clean your chrome tapware using soapy water while they are still free of most limescale, dust, and loose dirt, and the chrome finish will stay looking brand new. Remember to rinse off all the soap residue to avoid streaks. 

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Chrome Taps 

Want to know which bathroom cleaning mistakes to avoid with your chrome taps? Here are 4 common mistakes people make when cleaning chrome taps in the bathroom.

1. Using too much force when scrubbing

A hard-bristled scrubber or rough cleaning cloth can damage the delicate chrome surface and leave visible scratches. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh scrubbing; stick with gentle cleaning methods, even on tougher stains. A soft-bristled toothbrush and consistent cleaning should leave your chrome taps with a dazzling shine. 

2. Picking the wrong products 

Harsh chemical cleaners can be effective on some bathroom taps, but one downside of chrome hardware is that it’s easy to mark. Try natural cleaning solutions (like one of our DIY recipes) to prevent damage to chrome taps. 

3. Leaving dull chrome for too long

The longer you wait to clean dingy chrome fixtures, the worse your chrome bathroom taps are going to get. If you have a weekly maintenance checklist or cleaning schedule, then add cleaning chrome taps in the bathroom to the list. Regular cleaning with soapy water is a simple way to deal with everyday grime and dirt on chrome taps. The deep cleanings can be a monthly occurrence or as needed.

4. Forgetting to dry chrome taps

Once you have rinsed your taps and wiped them with a damp sponge, remember to dry them with a clean cloth. For the most beautiful shine, use a dry microfibre cloth.

5. Not applying enough cleaning solution

Don’t get stingy when you’re cleaning chrome faucets! Depending on the type of taps in your bathroom and their shape, coating them completely in chrome cleaner might be tricky. Those hard-to-reach areas are usually hotspots for soap scum and calcium build-up. Take care when applying chrome cleaner, and  use a spray bottle to get into any hard-to-access places. 

Clean Chrome Taps the Right Way

Frequently Asked Questions

How to clean water marks off chrome taps

Baking soda paste an effective stain remover and one of the best ways to clean water marks off chrome taps. Apply the paste, leave it on any stubborn stains or water spots for about 10 mins. Gently scrub the areas with a soft-bristled brush if needed, then rinse off the cleaning solution and dry the tap. 

Can you use the same products for cleaning taps and shower heads?

Yes, our bathroom cleaning tips for chrome taps should come in handy with chrome shower heads. Chrome fittings are a popular choice in bathrooms because of their aesthetic appeal, and you can use our cleaning tips to make shower heads and other chrome bathroom fixtures look their best. 

When to book professional cleaning for chrome taps

Do your bathroom faucets have clear calcium build-up or tough mineral deposits? Is the tap water coming out in odd or unsettling colours? Sounds like it’s time to contact a professional. The Local Guys have fantastic cleaners across New Zealand who would be happy to help you out. If you are having consistent problems with tarnished chrome taps and are at the end of your patience, then let one of our excellent cleaners handle things. 

Final Thoughts

After reading this ultimate guide, you should know how to clean chrome taps in the bathroom quickly and easily. Try one of the DIY cleaning solutions to clean chrome taps and leave them shining like new. With our handy tips, you can avoid common bathroom cleaning mistakes and get the answers to common chrome tap cleaning questions. Are you still having trouble with dull chrome taps? Talk to The Local Guys and book one of our fantastic cleaners. We’ll clean chrome taps and bring the shine back to your bathroom. 

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