Clean Chrome on a Car Without Scratching It

Keeping the chrome sparkling on your car wash customers’ vehicles will keep them coming back to your car wash. However, you need to know the right way to clean chrome on a car to avoid scratching it.

The most important thing is to know what type of chrome trim is on the vehicle. If it is an older car, the chrome trim is most likely made of real chrome metal. On newer cars from around the 1980s and on, metal chrome trim was replaced with plastic trim with a chrome overlay.

When it comes to the wheels, real chrome metal is pretty standard, even on new vehicles. However, the wheels may be made of aluminum and be chrome metal plated. Just keep in mind that cleaning metal chrome and plastic chrome will be slightly different.

Step 1: Wash the car.

You need to remove dust and dirt from the vehicle before cleaning the chrome. Chrome is a soft metal and can scratch easily if you are not careful. Plastic chrome is even more sensitive to dust and dirt.

Step 2: Clean the real chrome.

Using a quality chrome cleaner, spray the surface of the chrome so it is well saturated. Use a microfiber towel and wipe off the chrome. Turn the towel over and continue wiping until all the cleaner has been removed.

You can use a soft-plastic bristle wheel brush to get around lug nuts and remove brake dust. A soft-plastic bristle toothbrush works great for those hard-to-reach areas.

A clay bar is another option you can use to help remove stuck-on grime from the real chrome. However, make sure to use the chrome cleaner with the clay bar, as the cleaner provides lubrication to prevent the chrome from getting scratched.

Step 3: Polish the real chrome.

After washing and cleaning, you will want to use a metal polish to really make the chrome finish sparkle and shine. Depending on the type of metal polish used, you may need a polishing tool—or just be prepared to use a lot of elbow grease using a microfiber towel.

Step 4: Clean and polish chrome plastic.

To clean and polish chrome plastic to remove water spots and watermarks, you need to use an appropriate polishing product. You should not use car wax, as most are not meant to be used on plastic.

However, some newer polymer car waxes on the market may be suitable for polishing plastic chrome. Just remember to first read the label on the wax to see if it can be used on plastic.
 Whatever product you use, remember to use a soft microfiber towel to avoid scratching the chrome.

How to Remove Rust and Hard Water Spots from Chrome

Metal chrome can become corroded and stained with hard water spots. There can also be other things that get stuck on the chrome, such as tar and tree sap. Fortunately, it is easy to remove rust, hard water spots, and other such things from metal chrome by using steel wool.

You will need to use fine-grade steel wool to restore the chrome’s luster and avoid scratching it. However, you need to be careful not to apply too much pressure on the chrome, as this can cause the chrome finish to become hazy.

Instead, spray a small amount of chrome cleaner on the area first to help protect the chrome as you gently buff it. Most importantly, steel wool should be used as a last resort to restore the chrome’s appearance.

While rust cannot be prevented, a great way to prevent water stains after washing is to dry the chrome of the vehicle with a microfiber towel. Maintaining the appearance of metal chrome and plastic chrome on your cash wash customers’ vehicles is easy when you have the right products on hand.

To find chrome cleaner, microfiber towels, and other car wash supplies, accessories, and vending items at wholesale prices, please feel free to explore our online store or contact Superior Car Wash Supply at 800-554-9274 today!