How to clean chrome faucets: in 3 easy steps

A cream roll top bath with a towel draped over the side and a small side tabel with essentials — (Image credit: Davey Lighting)

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What you'll need
1. Start with white vinegar
2. Buff with chrome cleanser
3. Dry well

Chrome faucets are a staple in many modern bathrooms and kitchens, and keeping them clean is an essential part of maintaining the polished look of the space.

While chrome faucets are fairly durable, using the wrong products to clean them can result in dull finishes, splotchy patinas, or corrosion. So, how do you clean tarnished chrome faucets or remove mineral build up without damaging them?

What you'll need

Two soft microfiber cloths, available at Target
Gentle dish soap, such as Dawn from Target, or a chrome cleanser, such as Bar Keeper's Friend Liquid Cleanser at Target
White vinegar, at Target
A soft brush, such as an old toothbrush

1. Start with white vinegar

A small glass bottle filled with white vinegar, a metal funnel in the top. A wooden teaspoon of baking soda beside it and a half cut lemon. On a wooden table.

The first step to cleaning faucet heads is to buff the metal with a cloth dampened with equal parts warm water and white vinegar to help remove limescale from taps.

Logan Taylor, cleaning expert with the Dazzle Cleaning Company says, 'Gently scrub the faucet in circular motions, making sure to cover all areas. Then, rinse with water.'

Even when dealing with tough limescale build-up or soap scum, Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner and president of Sophia’s Cleaning Service, advises against using stronger cleaners or harsh abrasives.

'Chrome is ultimately a pretty delicate material that requires a gentle touch when cleaning,' Carolina says. 'I usually recommend using a soft microfiber cloth and nothing more than a gentle detergent for cleaning. Don't use a bristle brush or a rough cloth! You can scratch your chrome this way. Also, avoid harsh cleaners or chemical cleaners that can similarly damage the material.'

That being said a fine, soft-bristled brush can be helpful to get into small crevices, such as around the handles or the end of the spout itself. An old toothbrush is a great option, but we also like Clorox 5-in-1 Detail Brush Set from Target.

2. Buff with soap or chrome cleanser

A kitchen sink with a green gingham curtain instead of a cabinet door beneath it

With the tough build-up removed, Edwin Nino Delgado, founder and owner of Puget Sound Cleaners says you can buff the chrome faucet with a damp microfiber cloth with either dish soap, or a polishing cleanser to help restore your faucet's shine.

'Put a little of the cleaner or soap you want to use on a cloth or sponge and gently wipe the surface. Finish by rinsing any soap bubbles or cleanser away.'

Cleaning expert's pick

Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Household Cleanser & Polish - 21 oz

Logan Taylor, cleaning expert, says, 'I highly recommend this product as it's specifically designed for cleaning and polishing metal surfaces like chrome. Its gentle yet powerful formula works wonders on removing tough stains and restoring shine to your faucets.'

3. Remember to dry

Edwin Nino Delgado, a cleaning expert, concludes, 'Finally, it's important to use a clean microfiber cloth to dry and polish the tap. This step not only stops water spots from appearing but also makes the chrome shine even more.'

Much like cleaning a mirror without streaks, or cleaning a window without streaks, working in an even back-and-forth motion in the same direction will help you avoid pesky water marks after cleaning, leaving your chrome faucets gleaming.

Cleaning chrome faucets should be done whenever you clean a kitchen sink, or clean a bathroom sink, so around once per week. Cleaning regularly will help you to stay on top of hard water deposits, soap stains, and toothpaste marks for a simple clean, and a longer-lasting chrome appearance.

If you're wondering how to clean brushed nickel faucets, our expert cleaners have dedicated advise for this hardware type.

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Chiana is Homes & Gardens’ kitchen appliances editor. With a lifelong passion for cooking and baking, she grew up experimenting in the kitchen every weekend with her baking-extraordinaire Mom, and has developed a great understanding of how tools and appliances can make or break your ideal relaxing kitchen routine.