Simple Cleaning Trick: How to Remove Rust From Chrome in the Bathroom

My project this week is getting our hall bathroom back in order. I’ve been painting, redecorating, and my least favorite part, cleaning. If I can find a way to make cleaning easier, I will use it to its full extent.

There’s a secret I learned from my grandfather when he would clean his tools and I’ve been using this same trick for cleaning the rust off our chrome light fixtures and shower rods.

So, do you want to know how to remove rust from your chrome bathroom fixtures and keep the rust from coming back?

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You need 2 simple things: Bar Keeper’s Friend to remove the rust and Minwax Finishing Wax Paste to protect the metal after you clean it.

All you need to do is make a thick paste with Bar Keeper’s Friend and water. Clean as much of the rust off that you can with the paste and a soft rag.

The oxalic acid in Bar Keeper’s Friend removes rust by forming a water-soluble complex ion around each iron ion. This makes it easier for the rust to lift from the surface when you clean it.

When you clean your surface with BKF, be sure to use a soft cloth so you don’t etch the surface of the chrome. If there’s some rust left over that just won’t budge, then use a green scour pad as a last resort. Just don’t scrub too hard or you’ll scratch the surface. Sometimes, such as with the light fixture, I’ll use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

After that, clean the rest of the Bar Keeper’s Friend off with a dry rag.

Then you can wipe on a thin coat of the Minwax Paste with a dry paper towel. Let it dry for about five minutes, then buff off the wax with another clean paper towel.

These same two products also work on the faucets and shower head to clean off the soap scum and repel water.

With just a little bit of elbow grease, you now have a bathroom that sparkles again! And because the metal is protected with the wax, you don’t have to clean it as often.

So, in my case, that leaves me more time for more relaxing things…such as painting and redecorating. 🙂

Are there any cleaning tricks/tips that your parents or grandparents taught you that you still use today?

Did you know that Bar Keeper’s Friend is also a great product for removing dark water stains from wood? Click on my post on how to get rid of water stains from furniture without refinishing.

Want to see how the newly decorated bathroom turned out? Click on this link to see the Vintage Inspired Bathroom Reveal! 

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