Shine and Descale Chrome Faucets
Limescale tarnishes your faucets and blocks aerators. Restore their new shine with simple products.
Recommended Materials
- White vinegar
- Paper towel or cloth
- Toothbrush
- Baking paper (shine tip)
Steps to follow
Step 1
For limescale embedded around the base of the faucet: soak paper towels in pure white vinegar and wrap it around the base of the faucet like a bandage or compress. Leave on for 1 hour. The limescale will soften and dissolve on its own without scrubbing.
Step 2
For the aerator (the small mesh tip at the end of the faucet): unscrew it (use pliers with a cloth around it to avoid scratching the chrome). Immerse it in a glass of pure white vinegar for 30 minutes. Brush the grid with an old toothbrush to remove small stones and scale.
Step 3
To shine tarnished chrome: clean the entire body of the faucet with a sponge soaked in vinegar, rinse with clear water, and dry immediately with a soft cloth.
Step 4
The final shine tip: rub the perfectly dry faucet with a sheet of baking paper (parchment paper). The paraffin contained in the paper will make the chrome shine brightly and leave an invisible protective film that makes water bead up and delays the return of limescale.
Step 5
Dismantle the handles: if the faucet is hard to turn or squeaks, it means limescale has lodged in the mechanism (head). Remove the small colored cap (blue/red), unscrew the screw hidden underneath, remove the handle, and soak everything in vinegar. Grease with a little silicone grease before reassembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lemon work ?
Yes, rubbing half a lemon directly on the faucet is very effective and smells good. Citric acid attacks limescale. Rinse well because lemon juice can be sticky when drying.
How to clean matte black faucets ?
Warning! Pure vinegar can damage the matte finish (make it shiny or cause stains). Use mild soapy water and dry immediately. Never use abrasive products or strong descalers.
Precautions
- Watch out for natural stones (marble) around the faucet: vinegar attacks them (matte stains). Protect them.
- Do not leave vinegar on for too long on gold or brass faucets (risk of pitting).
