Avoid bleach. Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol or ammonia to clean brushed nickel. Abrasives should never be used as they may affect the finish.
Delta specifically states to avoid Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol Basin Tub, Soft Scrub and Tile Cleaner (avoid on the brushed nickel – it probably works just fine on tile/tubs/sinks).
Is the CLR product nickel safe? We do not recommend that CLR products be used on any metals except for chrome or stainless steel. Any 'polished' finish usually has a coating and most nickel materials are combination metals (containing zinc) and CLR products could compromise the finish.
Regular Care. Nickel and Chrome are generally quite low maintenance, but the finish does benefit from occasional cleaning with warm, mild soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Then give it a good wipe over with a lint free cloth to dry - it is important to do this quite quickly to prevent water marks from forming ...
If your nickel-plated item has stains that won't come off with soap and water alone, try using baking soda or white vinegar as an abrasive cleaner. Sprinkle some baking soda onto dampened cloth or sponge (or saturate it in white vinegar) and gently rub the area affected by stains until they vanish.
A 50-50 solution of water and white distilled vinegar will tackle hard water stains or other difficult-to-remove spots. Toothpaste, soap scum, or salt are some things that can affect nickel's finish but can be cleaned with relative ease. Spray the vinegar on a clean, lint-free cloth, then buff.
For hard water, soap scum, or grease build up, add a very small amount of dishwasher detergent to the damp cloth. Dishwasher detergent can help wash away grease and grime, while still protecting the more delicate brushed nickel finish. Use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to fully dry the fixture.
My Greener Living — Cleaning with Bar Keeper's Friend
“On my kitchen sink, I have a brushed nickel faucet, handle, and soap dispenser. These get a lot of water spots on them when I am washing dishes. Just a little Bar Keeper's friend on a damp cloth will polish the kitchen faucet and accessories very well.”
Soak Parts in Vinegar
Immerse the showerhead completely in vinegar to dissolve and remaining limescale deposits. For extra cleaning power, scoop a few tablespoons of baking soda in the vinegar before soaking them. The natural abrasive will help release clogged passages. Rinse again.
On a bathroom faucet, besides cleaner residue, you also have to worry about spatter from toothpaste, acne medicine and mouthwash. These often contain ingredients such as baking soda, peroxide, sodium fluoride or phosphates, which can damage faucet finishes when they are left in contact with the metal for long periods.
They specifically state to avoid Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol Basin Tub, Soft Scrub and Tile Cleaner (avoid on the brushed nickel – it probably works just fine on tile/tubs/sinks).
Easier To Clean
You only need a soft cloth to clean brushed nickel. It's easier to keep clean because you can't see smudges and fingerprints as brushed nickel hides smudges.
Pour your coins into one bowl and fill with cold water until the money is well covered. In the other bowl, pour about 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Dip the toothbrush into the bowl of baking soda and scrub the coins. The baking soda should remove any dirt and grime and won't scratch the metal.
Prolonged exposure to vinegar will damage chrome finishes by eating the finish right off of your fixtures.
Don't use steel wool or scratch-pad sponges on brushed nickel. Don't use bleach, oven cleaner, rust cleaner or toilet cleaner on your brushed nickel. Avoid harsh chemicals.
BKF cleans and polishes most hard, nonporous surfaces. However, never use BKF on the following: cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces. Although many of our fans have used BKF on mirrors, gold, and silver (sterling silver is OK), we advise against it.
Durability: Brushed Nickel and Chrome
They are resistant to corrosion, tarnishing, and scratching, making them ideal for bathroom environments. However, it is important to note that the brushed nickel finish may be more forgiving when it comes to showing fingerprints or water spots compared to chrome.
Brushed nickel fixture coating is semi-satin, so it isn't very shiny or matte. It has a non-reflective texture and dull appearance. Brushed nickel finish is a classic finish that is often used on metal products, such as appliance pulls and door handles.
Both chrome and brushed nickel are corrosion resistant, though nickel can tarnish more easily. Chrome and brushed nickel are both durable finishes, but each is susceptible to wear and tear depending on the application of the finish to the metal, as well as its care and cleaning.
TIP: Once a month, spread a layer of paste wax onto the surface using a soft, dry cloth. Apply in small, circular motions. After you've covered the entire surface, buff it out with a new cloth. Paste wax is generally made from mineral spirits, which makes it gentle on brushed nickel finishes.
If you're looking for an easy, cost-effective way to remove nickel plating from metals, vinegar is the answer! Vinegar is a reliable and non-toxic solution that can remove nickel plating from metal surfaces.
I grabbed a handful of grimy pennies and nickels, dropped them into a cup of cola and let them sit overnight. While most of them didn't return to their original shine, the black tarnish was removed from virtually every penny. However they did require a bit of polishing with a wash cloth.