Chrome bathroom fittings, like taps and showers, can become dull over time as water stains and limescale can settle on top – but one kitchen staple could bring back the shine
If your chrome bathroom fittings are looking dull, there could be an easy way to restore their natural shine in minutes. Many of us have chrome in our bathrooms, whether on the taps in our sink or on our shower fittings. It’s a common material in bathrooms, and it’s famed for its shiny and reflective surface.
However, if you don’t clean chrome properly, it can lose that shine and start looking dull. Water stains and limescale can build up on the coating, and if you attempt to clean it with traditional methods, you can risk stripping the coating off entirely. It’s often claimed you shouldn’t use white vinegar on chrome, despite it being a common cleaning hack for other areas of your bathroom, because the acid can damage the finish – and the same can go for some cleaning products.
But if your chrome fittings need a refresh, worry not. There’s a simple way you can get rid of water stains and get your chrome sparkling again, just by using one item you probably have in your kitchen already.
In a hack shared on Instagram by Daria Shark, she claimed all you need is a piece of aluminium foil – also known as tin foil or kitchen foil – that you roll into a ball. This can then be used to gently scrub your chrome fittings.
After doing this and then wiping over the chrome with a microfibre cloth, Daria showed her once-stained chrome fitting around her shower was sparkling clean, and she could see her reflection in the coating once again.
Commenters on the post were thankful for Daria’s tip, as many said they had no idea they could remove stains from chrome that easily. Others said they had tried vinegar and descaling products before and damaged their chrome finish, so they’d be happy to give the foil trick a try instead.
One person said: “It works! I tried it, and it doesn’t leave scratches.” Another added: “Super!”
A third explained: “Vinegar, descalers, and aluminium foil each have pros and cons for limescale removal. Vinegar or descaler is generally better for thick or built-up limescale, while aluminium foil excels for quick surface shine and mild mineral stains.”
Aluminium foil may only work on light water stains and not heavy limescale build-up, which will likely need more intense treatments. You should also take care not to scrub too hard with the foil as you can risk scratching the chrome.
How to clean chrome bathroom fittings
Routine cleaning:
- Mix a few drops of mild liquid soap with warm water.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently wipe the chrome fittings.
- For hard-to-reach areas or crevices, use an old toothbrush.
- Rinse the fittings with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry thoroughly with a soft towel to prevent water spots.
Removing water spots or stubborn stains:
- White vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and gently rub the affected areas. Do not let vinegar sit on chrome for too long, as it can damage the finish. Rinse thoroughly with water afterwards and dry.
- Baking soda paste (for tough stains): Make a paste with baking soda and a little water. Apply gently with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry. Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent scratching.
Tips and warnings:
- Never use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or harsh chemicals – these can scratch or dull the chrome finish.
- Regular drying after use helps prevent water spots and limescale buildup.
- For extra shine, you can occasionally rub a tiny bit of baby oil or glass cleaner onto the chrome, then buff with a dry cloth.
