Brake dust is one of the worst things that can happen to chrome. Brake dust corrode the coat. Over time, without protection from brake dust can cause chrome surfaces to chip off and peel, which can be very costly to fix. To stop this from happening, clean your chrome parts routinely, primarily pinpoints near brake pads. Stores are overwhelmed with variety of products to deal with the issue, but can you use brake cleaner on chrome? Is it a good solution?
The short answer is yes – you can use brake cleaner on chrome, but it is not necessarily the option to go with. While it will effectively eliminate brake dust, it also can have quite strong undesirable effect on chrome, it can easily discolor and even eat away the surface, potentially causing damage over time. Even the best car wash can’t guarantee your chrome is safe if using a brake cleaner.
Hence, it is essential to operate with caution when utilizing brake cleaner on chrome rims and ensure that the area is rinsed off entirely afterward. Other products out there are specifically created for cleaning chrome, so there may be a better option in the long run.
If you’re planning to wash the chrome surfaces, you can leverage a few different cleaners. One option is to use a glass cleaner. Glass cleaners are designed to be gentle on surfaces and won’t harm the chrome.
Another option is to use a vinegar and water cleaning solution. Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent and will leave your chrome fixture shining. Finally, you can use a retail chrome cleaner. These cleaners are created specifically for chrome and will remove any dirt or grime build-up. Whichever cleaner you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid causing harm to the surface of chrome fixtures. Let’s discuss these in detail.
Will Brake Cleaner Hurt Chrome?
Brake cleaner will not cause damage to chrome if only used infrequently. But, recurring and over the time use and effect of brake cleaner can dull a chrome’s surface. Shininess and mirror-like finish are essential attributes for chrome, the reason why many people prefer it to aluminum wheels. Thus, if something lessen it, there is no necessity to use it, no matter how beneficial.
So, if you have no choice but applying brake cleaner on chrome, do so sparingly and rinse the area well afterward. Brake cleaner is a strong solvent, so it’s important not to leave it on the surface for too long. If you do, it can eat away at the finish and leave behind a dull, matte finish.
Generally, it’s best to avoid using brake cleaners on finished surfaces like paint or even chrome bumpers. If you must use it, do so sparingly and rinse the area well afterward. By taking these precautions, you’ll be able to keep your car brand new looking for years to come.
What If You Accidentally Spill Brake Cleaner On Chrome?
If by accident you spill brake cleaner on chrome, to avoid bad spots it is vital to take immediate action to prevent further damage. First, wash the area with soap and water to remove the residual cleaner. Then, use a mild polish or surface protector to help restore the shine and protect the chrome from further corrosion. Here I explain how to clean behind the third brake light.
With proper care of chrome paint and a cleaning solution, you can minimize the risk of damage from brake cleaner on chrome paint.
What Should I Use To Clean Brake Dust From Chrome?
Brake dust can be difficult to remove; if left unchecked, it can hurt your chrome. The best way to get rid of brake dust is with help of regular soap or dish soap and warm water together. Adding a bit of elbow grease is ok. You can utilize a regular compound and a polishing pad if you have stubborn brake dust. You should avoid applying dangerous combinations that mark and ruin the chrome. If you look after your brake dust on a consistent basis, you will protect the life of your chrome and keep it looking new.
Can I Use Other Cleaners On Chrome?
Many different types of cleaners are available on the market, and it is good to know which one to use for which purpose. But, other products, such as tar and bug remover, can also be effective. Adams metal polish on the chrome worked great for me! It is essential to read the label on any cleaner before using it to ensure that it is safe for the application on chrome and metal surfaces. If chrome is not on the list as a recommended surface, it is best to avoid using that cleaner.
Is Simple Green A Safer Alternative To Brake Cleaner?
Simple Green is a popular cleaning product brand that has been around for many years. The manufacture offers a wide range of solutions, including a best wheel cleaner that is safe to use on chrome. Simple Green is non-abrasive and non-corrosive, making it an ideal choice for cleaning brake dust and other stains on chrome. In addition, it works great at getting rid of grime and dirt.
However, you must rub the area gently with dry microfiber cloth to loosen up the stains. Overall, Simple Green is a safe and effective alternative to brake cleaner.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Chrome?
Before we dive into the best way of cleaning chrome, we must make it clear what brake dust can ruin it. You would not like spotting brake dust on their chrome wheels, affecting the brilliant shininess and feel and look.
Considering the above, here is a simple and easy four steps guide on cleaning brake dust from chrome like an expert:
Step 1 – It is essential to start with blasting the wheels with high pressure washer or an adjustable hose nozzle properly. It will help to get rid of most of the dust.
Step 2 – Spray thoroughly a chrome cleaner you’ve selected, don’t forget to wear gloves. Typically, keep the solution for up to three minutes, but best check the label for instructions to follow.
Step 3 – Now, you need to help solution to reach all of the hidden parts. For this purpose, incorporate brushes of different sizes, texture and thicknesses to get any stubborn brake dust particles. After that, use a clean microfiber cloth and wipe the chrome wheels meticulously until they brilliant shine.
Step 4 – The final step is to rinse the cleaner off thoroughly and dry the wheels with clean microfiber cloths or paper towel. Applying a protective wax coating will help to maintain the cleanliness longer. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the wheel wells too!
Polished Your Chrome
Polishing is a superb method of reaching perfection on chrome and re-establishing shine. Many products on the market claim to be the best at polishing chrome, but not all of them are created equal. To find the best product for your needs, acknowledge clearly what you are looking for. For example, polishing chrome is recommended to be done usually once a year or better every six months.
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