How to get rust spots off old chrome
Chrome on vintage kitchen chairs, bike handlebars, car bumpers and lamps often has rust spots that look worse than they are. Here's how to clean it up and stop it coming back.
By the Junkie team
Step by step
Step 1: Wash it
Clean the chrome with warm soapy water to get rid of dirt and grease so you can see the real damage.
Step 2: Rub with foil
Scrunch up a piece of aluminium foil, dip it in water or cola and rub the rust spots. The foil is softer than chrome, so it lifts the rust without scratching. Rinse often.
Step 3: Polish
Use a small amount of chrome polish on a soft cloth to bring back the shine and remove the last of the stains.
Step 4: Check for pitting
Small dark pits are where rust has eaten through the chrome. They can't be filled, but sealing them stops them spreading.
Step 5: Protect it
Apply a coat of car wax and buff it off. Repeat every few months for pieces that are used or stored in a damp shed.
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