In everyday life, we often encounter the appearance of rust on various types of metal objects. Chrome-plated products, such as bathroom fixtures, are also susceptible to this problem. Although there is an opinion that chrome plating is the most resistant to corrosion, this is far from the case. Under certain circumstances, when chrome is affected by several unfavorable factors at once, products may become covered with red spots. In this article we will tell you how to remove rust from a chrome surface and how to avoid this problem in the future.
Chrome plating and causes of rust
Chrome plating refers to the technique of applying a thin layer of chromium to various metal products. Most often, chromium is deposited using electroplating technology: this element is deposited on the substrate metal under the influence of electrical charges. As a result, the strength of the item increases, it becomes resistant to adverse factors, and also more attractive.
Unfortunately, chrome plating has low resistance to mechanical stress. It is this fact that becomes the main cause of corrosion. Under the influence of impacts and scratches, cracks and chips appear. With the participation of oxygen, the metal under the chromium layer oxidizes and rust forms. To get rid of this unpleasant phenomenon, you can use different means - special and folk.
How to clean rust from metal utensils?
Try dipping aluminum foil in vinegar and using it as a brush to remove rust.
.
It is less rough than steel wool, but will still remove rust
. You can use regular vinegar. To do this, rusty products need to be dipped in it for 24 hours, then rinsed.
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Specialized compounds
When purchasing any composition, it is important to carefully study the label. It should be harmless, easy to apply and truly effective.
WD-40
This product in spray form is widely used even in car workshops. It quickly removes stains of rust, grease, soot and bitumen, various adhesives, without leaving sticky residue. After application, WD-40 forms a reliable waterproof layer, protecting the product from rusting in the future. The composition is based on mineral oils, carbon dioxide, solvent and special additives. It is applied with a sponge, then wiped with a cloth.
Doctor Wax
This brand of polishing paste is suitable for chrome-plated products, as well as steel, gold, silver, aluminum, and bronze. It does not contain abrasives, but polishes objects due to the presence of vegetable waxes. The paste erases scratches and removes rust, forming a durable matte coating.
Metal Polish
Polish from Autosol (Germany) in the form of a cream can be used to clean car bodies, dishes, plumbing fixtures, and equipment. The product is suitable for most metals and alloys. It is enough to apply it to the area affected by corrosion, polish and remove the residue with a rag.
Let's get to work
Naturally, I cleaned the old shelf as best as I could before painting it.
I dried it thoroughly and prepared the work area. Don’t forget about the respirator, because it’s still an aerosol, and inhaling it is not very useful. Take care to protect the work surface by covering it with newspaper or film.
What I liked about this problem-solving system was the ability to choose the color that I like. To get an even shade, I had to paint the shelf in two layers, but this is a fairly quick job and the paint also dries very quickly. Therefore, the whole process did not take much time.
Now I can update my shelf at any time and no longer will my fingers bleed trying to clean something I can paint.
I understand perfectly well that this is also a temporary measure, but it copes much more effectively with traces of rust and protects the shelf from corrosion. The appearance of the shelf is much more attractive than even at the time of purchase.
If you, like me, are faced with the problem of rust stains, stop tormenting yourself. Buy a spray can of paint in a suitable color and simply paint the shelf without any extra effort.
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Cleaning chromium with folk remedies
Every home has simple products and household remedies that can also be used to combat rust on chrome-plated items.
Vinegar
Usually, to clean products, they use already diluted table vinegar (6-9%) or other types of vinegar - apple, rice, wine. Acetic essence must be diluted to a suitable concentration. The composition is poured into the container and the product is immersed there for 3-8 hours (depending on the layer of rust). If the object is large, then wipe it with a rag soaked in vinegar. After removing the composition, the surface is washed and wiped, removing any remaining rust.
Lemon juice (citric acid)
Lemon juice is used in a mixture with salt in a 1:1 ratio. It is applied to the base, rubbed well, left for an hour, then washed. Citric acid also helps remove corrosion damage to chrome parts because it works similar to vinegar.
The substance converts metal hydroxides into salts, which effectively dissolves rust. Citric acid powder is mixed with water to form a paste, applied to the item, left for 2-3 hours, then washed.
Soda and soda
Baking soda is an abrasive that can leave small scratches on the chrome surface, so you need to work with it with extreme caution. Usually, soda is mixed with water to form a paste and the rust is thoroughly scrubbed off. A product based on soda instead of water is considered even more effective. You shouldn’t leave baking soda on chrome for a long time—it’s better to wash it off quickly.
Fish fat
This product is usually used to prevent rust, but can also remove small stains. You need to buy regular fat without additives, apply it to the affected area and leave it for several days without washing it off. Once stained, you can carefully clean it.
"Coca Cola"
The popular drink contains phosphoric acid, which means it is also suitable for cleaning chrome parts. In addition to Coca-Cola, you can use similar drinks, for example, Pepsi. Small items can simply be immersed in liquid and left for several hours.
If the elements are non-removable or large in size, they are treated with a drink using a rag or a bag filled with Coca-Cola is tied to them. To remove small stains, 2-3 hours are usually enough; to dissolve a thick layer of rust, it will take up to 8 hours.
Aluminium foil
The foil is quite soft, it is gentle on the chrome. The material does not scratch the base, but effectively removes rust. Cut small strips of foil and moisten the product with water in advance. A ball is made from the strip, and then the object is polished with it so that it does not shine again. If necessary, take a new ball and repeat the procedure until all the rust is removed.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste or tooth powder are effective means of removing rust. They have a mild abrasive effect, and gradually remove the red plaque. Apply the paste to a soft cloth or sponge and polish the area moistened with water. Repeat all steps until traces of corrosion disappear. The remaining product is washed off.
GOI paste and motor oil
GOI paste itself is a chromium-based grinding and polishing agent, so it is well suited for processing chrome-plated products. It is diluted with motor oil in equal parts, then the affected surface is treated with a piece of felt.
Remains of oil and paste are removed with a clean cloth. You must act carefully, since GOI includes an abrasive, and sometimes it is quite large.
Potatoes and laundry soap
Potatoes are cut into 2 halves, one or both parts are thoroughly rubbed with laundry soap. Afterwards, such a “device” is applied directly to the rust stain for a couple of hours, then the remaining dirt is removed with a rag.
Copper sulfate and hydrochloric acid
Combine 50 g of acid and 200 g of copper sulfate and dilute with a liter of water. A rag soaked in this solution is used to treat the chrome base in the area of rust. After a few minutes, wipe everything with a weak solution of soda to quench the reaction. Next, wash the surface and let it dry.
Cement
This building material can act as an abrasive to remove rust and also allows you to sand the surface. A little cement powder is applied to the affected area and wiped with a rag. Afterwards it is recommended to treat the product with wax.
Preparatory stage
Before carrying out rust stain removal procedures, the chrome surface must be thoroughly cleaned. Some contaminants, such as fats, are invisible to the eye but interfere with the working of other products. Cleaning is very simple and takes just a few minutes:
- Examine the chrome item. There should be no traces of dirt or dust on its surface. If there are any, first rinse the chrome-plated object under running water to wash them off;
- Dissolve 10 drops of regular dishwashing detergent in a bucket of warm water (about 30-40 degrees). The brand does not matter, the main thing is that it is liquid. Stir the solution until a light soapy foam appears;
- Soak a soft cloth (ideally, if it is made of microfiber) or a clean dishwashing sponge in the prepared solution. Wipe the chrome element with gentle movements. If you need to wash rust from small utensils such as forks or spoons, you can simply dip them in this solution for 10-15 minutes. You need to wipe it several times;
- Rinse the surface thoroughly.
In some cases, this is already enough to wash off the rusty coating.
Caring for chrome products
As you know, a problem is easier to prevent than to solve. To prevent rust from settling on chrome-plated items, you must carefully follow the rules for caring for them:
- When washing, use only warm water and mild soap or other gentle products;
- do not turn on the water under high pressure;
- immediately after washing, wipe the products dry with a cloth;
- do not use abrasive compounds so that the base does not become covered with a network of small scratches;
- avoid sudden temperature changes and high humidity;
- in winter, use special protective sprays for outdoor products and car bodies.
Effective and high-quality protection, as well as cleaning chrome bases from rust, is quite possible. To do this, you just need to follow simple tips and avoid mistakes in caring for “capricious” products.
How to remove stains from stainless steel?
Starch-rich hot water can dissolve dark stains on silver and steel. You can also use potato starch; you will need to rub the surface with it, just like soda, until the dark stain completely disappears. ... Often used to combat blackness:
- bleach;
- vinegar;
- soda;
- starch.
2 Jul.
2015 Interesting materials:
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