Be sure to avoid using acid, alcohol, or solvent-based cleaners. These types of cleaners can ruin or discolor the more delicate surface of the brushed nickel finish. Vinegar is a popular faucet cleaning solution, but should be avoided on brushed nickel.
Prolonged exposure to vinegar will damage chrome finishes by eating the finish right off of your fixtures.
Bleach-based cleaners or other products that claim to "remove rust or tarnish" can be detrimental to the surface of the nickel, as they likely contain hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and/or phosphoric acids.
Clean with vinegar: Cleaning with vinegar is an effective way to lift grease. Either soak a clean soft cloth and wring out any excess before rubbing the tarnished areas, or make a warm water and vinegar solution to soak larger items in for 30 minutes or so before thoroughly rinsing.
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.
Beside high-gloss surfaces, the label warns not to use the product to clean polished, brushed or satin surfaces -- such as brushed-bronze or satin-nickel faucets -- or stainless steel.
Do not use straight vinegar. It is often too abrasive to expose to thin nickel coatings for extended periods. Nickel plating is easily damaged by acid, so vinegar cleaning should be done sparingly on stubborn stains.
How can I clean spots on a tarnished, brushed nickel mirror frame? Use a soft cloth, wet or dry, and some elbow grease. If that doesn't work, use a 50/50 vinegar and water mixture. Wipe down the frame with the solution using cotton wool or a toothbrush.
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.
Vinegar can damage the finish if you allow it to soak on the metal, so wipe it clean right away. Avoid using any harsh cleaners or abrasive pads that can scratch the finish of your polished nickel.
Be sure to avoid using acid, alcohol, or solvent-based cleaners. These types of cleaners can ruin or discolor the more delicate surface of the brushed nickel finish. Vinegar is a popular faucet cleaning solution, but should be avoided on brushed nickel.
Directions for Cleaning Brushed Nickel Faucets:
Add 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner to 1 cup of water in an empty spray bottle. Apply. Spray the solution onto the brushed nickel surface and let it sit for a minute or so.
Delta®: Avoid abrasives and polishes, including bleach-based cleansers. 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).
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.”
Cleaning the knives with vinegar can damage the finish on knives and leave the edge pitted, warns Jim Nanni, head of appliance testing for CR. Other common metals in the kitchen that you should keep away from vinegar include aluminum and copper.
Fill a plastic bag with half water and half vinegar, ensuring there is enough liquid to submerge the faucet head. Put the liquid-filled bag over the faucet head and secure it with a rubber band. Let stand for 30 minutes to one hour. For more sensitive fixture finishes, do not surpass 30 minutes.
The nickel will not dissolve very well if at all in the vinegar without special help and adding hydrogen peroxide will destroy your electrolyte. Nickel plating can be used for a variety of different things. - It creates a corrosion resistant coating that will protect the base metal from oxidizing and rusting.
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.
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.
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.
Because it's acidic, prolonged exposure to vinegar can damage the finish of chrome, brass, or nickel showerheads. Don't soak these finishes in vinegar for longer than recommended. What does calcium buildup on a shower head look like? Calcium buildup on a shower head will look like a white, crusty substance.
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.
It's important to note that some metals, like aluminium, react differently with vinegar than others, like steel or iron. Aluminium objects should be scrubbed with baking soda instead of vinegar for best results; otherwise, they may discolour due to long exposure times in an acidic environment.
White vinegar can help to clean stainless steel, aluminium and some other metals.