Rub a piece of aluminum foil dipped in saltwater against the rusted surface until the rust comes off. This easy and affordable method is also gentle on your chrome surfaces, as the aluminum will be softer than most other metals and is less likely to scratch or damage them.
To remove small rust spots from chrome, you can use aluminum foil or steel wool to rub the chrome until the rust spots are gone. After the rust spots are gone, wipe off any dust from the chrome surface, and then put some car wax on the chrome to seal it and protect it from moisture.
If you've caught pitting early, you may be able to reverse it entirely. The longer pitting is ignored, the less likely it becomes that you'll be able to fix it.
Vinegar—the household cleaning superstar!
If you have an empty spray bottle, you can spray the vinegar onto the rusty chrome or you can apply it using a handkerchief.
I would try some Wenol (Red) Metal Polish with #0000 Steel Wool once the wheels have been cleaned. If the pitting is really bad I would get the wheels sand blasted and rechromed.
A simple and inexpensive way to remove rust from and polish chrome surfaces by hand is to rub it with aluminum foil dipped in salt water. This process yields two advantages. First, since the aluminum foil is softer than steel, it will not scratch the surface.
Rust Removal Method #6: WD-40
This multi-purpose spray effectively removes rust from a wide range of surfaces, including chrome. To use this method, simply spray the rusted area with WD-40 and wait several minutes for it to break down the rust. Then, wipe away any excess with a clean cloth or paper towel.
When aluminum is rubbed against the rust, the aluminum loses electrons, while the iron oxide (the rust) gains electrons, turning back into metal. The aluminum acts as a reactive surface that removes the rust, while also creating a layer of oxide that prevents the metal from rusting further,' she explains.
Use a high quality, commercial chrome polish to prevent future rust and help maintain your chrome fixture's shine.
Quality of the plated product: Sometimes the product's condition can cause chrome pitting — pitting in the base metal is often a culprit, as are unclean surfaces. Wire brush debris and blaster grit can also cause pitting.
How do I polish chrome with steel wool? Always use the extra-fine steel wool 0000 for this job. This is the finest steel wool available. The coarse types are not suitable.
Mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the baking soda paste to the pitted areas of the chrome surface using a soft cloth. Allow the paste to sit on the pitted areas for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the surface. Using a soft cloth, gently scrub the pitted areas in a circular motion.
You might be happy to hear that, unlike most forms of corrosion, pitting corrosion is removable. Assuming the metal is still structurally sound, you can remove the corrosion with a gentle acid.
There are plenty of cleaning products you can use, but in most cases, distilled vinegar provides optimal results for cleaning chrome and removing brown spots. All you need to do is pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and then apply the solution to the affected areas.
I opted to use the course side of a sponge and some meguiars chrome car wheel cleaner. I let the stuff soak and scrubbed them down. I followed up with mothers chrome polish and everything came out looking better. The heavily pitted stuff still looks rough but the dirty chrome cleaned up nice.
You simply spray it on the surface, wait around ten minutes, and scrub it off with something abrasive. Its lubricating qualities loosen the bonds between the rust and the metal surface it has adhered to. And because it's also a moisture deterrent, it offers temporary rust protection after its initial use.
Vinegar and Baking Powder:
Baking powder can work wonders with rust. It makes an effective paste mixed with vinegar. Rub the paste onto the rust spots and leave to work for at least 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
The acids in our product should not be used on aluminum or any painted/coated surface. You can safely remove rust from car wheels (if rims are made of chrome or stainless steel only, no alloys).
Many places recommend AGAINST using wax on chrome indicating that it can trap moisture and prevent the chrome from breathing which can cause pitting.
You must get below any damaged spots. A pit in the chrome left alone will pop out in no time and ruin your paint. You may even need to use a grinder if the 60-grit paper will not get you below the damage.