I used to think chrome only adds a decorative appearance to shower caddies, increases surface hardness, and makes the cleaning quick, but I never thought the chrome layer could also catch rust. The reality is chrome readily reacts to moisture and oxygen – this is why rust sets into the chrome shower caddies, particularly outdoor caddies.
I understand that proper care and maintenance can protect the chrome shower caddy from rust, but sooner or later, it becomes rusty. If it ever happens to you – you can use aluminum foil to get it removed, or you can also use the combination of vinegar and baking soda to completely remove the rust and make the chrome shower caddy long-lasting—two tried and tested methods.
Do you want to explore the steps in detail? Worry not – you are entirely covered. Drill down and find how you can perform these steps.
How Do You Get Rust Off a Chrome Shower Caddy: Some Practical Ways
There is no second opinion that chrome gives a beautiful appearance to shower caddies, but no matter what, it chips off over time, the water starts penetrating in, and the steel beneath the chrome catches the rust, and shower caddies start ruining.
Well, below are two simple yet efficient methods to take off the rust from chrome shower caddies.
Material Required
The following material and supplies are needed during this procedure – I always collect them beforehand to avoid any inconvenience.
- Water
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Nylon scrubber
- Sponge
- Lint cloth
- Chrome or car wax
Solution 1: Use Baking Soda And Vinegar
Here is the step-by-step guide to rust off the chrome shower caddy with two readily available magical and cost-effective ingredients – baking soda and vinegar.
Step # 1
First, you need to carefully pull the caddy off the main wall so you can clean it efficiently. Remember, cleaning the caddy could become challenging if it is fitted to the wall.
Step # 2
Before applying any ingredient, remove the dust particles and other stains from the caddies by using a soft cloth or sponge. If you are using the water to remove stubborn stains or rust areas – before initiating the process – leave the caddy somewhere with good airflow and let it completely dry.
Step # 3
Once the dust and grime are removed, you need to clean the rusted parts of the chrome shower caddies by spraying half a cup of white vinegar. Consider covering all the rusting areas with baking soda after cleaning them with vinegar.
Before covering areas of the caddy with baking soda, mix it well with water and convert it to a thick paste. Now gently apply it on the chrome surfaces, and let it dry overnight. The next day, scrub the rust spots away with a nylon scrubber and see the magic.
Step # 4
After removing all the stains, wash your caddy in lukewarm water, then take a soft cloth to rub all the rusty areas of the shower caddy and wait for some time to let it dry thoroughly.
Step # 5
Users tend to buy chrome shower caddies due to their radiant and eye-catching appearance, but they become dull over time – significantly after removing the rust. After following all the earlier-mentioned steps, you can apply good quality chrome or car wax on the shower caddy to bring its shine back.
Note: Don’t try to apply wax straightaway on the caddies; always sprinkle a few drops on the sponge first and smoothly rub it on both sides of the caddy.
Step # 6
In the final step, remove the wax using a lint-free towel – here, you have a shiny and rust-free chrome shower caddy – fresh as you buy new.
Important Tip: Always use lint-free cloth because tiny lint particles of any standard material can attach over the caddy surface and ruin the appearance.
Solution 2: Use Aluminium Foil
You may be surprised to know that aluminum foil is also one of the finest hacks to redo your chrome shower caddy – remove the rust and bring the shine back. Once, I also tried the aluminum method – I found it so quick and practical. Luckily, you won’t require anybody’s help to proceed on.
Let’s check out the details about how to use it:
- Before using, make a loose aluminum foil ball, and dip it in water for a while. Now gently rub this ball over any rusted surfaces of the chrome shower caddy.
- Try dipping this aluminum ball in coke if the rusty caddy’s condition is too bad, regardless of whether it is environmental impact or negligence. Cola beverages contain carbonic acid, which reacts chemically with iron oxide in rust to remove it from the chrome.
- Use a dry cloth to wipe away the water and rust particles. The best factor of using aluminum foil for chrome cleaning is that it eliminates corrosion issues in the future.
- As mentioned above, chrome wax or other top-quality spray paint can help the caddy sparkle again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will WD-40 Remove Rust From Chrome?
Yes, WD-40 can assist in taking off the rust from the shower caddies made up of chrome, iron, and stainless steel. This powerful and multipurpose product is an excellent choice to remove excessive rust.
How To Use WD-40 To Remove Rust From Chrome Shower Caddies?
Simply spray the Caddies, leave them for about 10 minutes, and use an abrasive scrub or scourer to remove rust. Don’t scratch the caddy; move the scourer gently, and the rust will be off the surface. Rinse the area, and spray it once again. Wipe it out after a few minutes, and here you go – the entire rust is removed.
How To Protect The Chrome Shower Caddies From Rust?
- Do regular cleaning and maintenance.
- Use vinegar if it molds or mildew.
- Keep it in a safe place.
- Don’t let it stay moist for longer.
- Frequently apply a thin oil layer.
Can Rusty Chrome Caddies Be Restored?
Yes, rusted chrome bath caddies can be restored by polishing the affected surface.
Our Summary
I always had a misconception that chrome shower caddies don’t rust off – I got astonished when I found some of the chipped-off chrome particles and rusted shower caddies – my bad. Before waiting for further damage, I instantly tried the above-mentioned methods to dust off the rust, and thankfully, I got saved.
You can also follow the mentioned guide to maintain your chrome caddies and protect them from rust and mold.