Never neglect chrome. The best way to avoid damage to chrome objects is to not allow them to get (very) dirty in the first place. The dirtier chrome gets before you deal with it, the more effort and force you’re going to have to use to clean chrome and the higher your risk of damaging it will become. The moment you start to notice a dulling of the chrome, wash it and remove the tarnish.
Tarnished on chrome causes it to lose its shine and look dirty. In order to remedy this problem, you can utilize a product you should already have in your kitchen drawers — aluminium foil. This product will not scratch the chrome when it's rubbed onto it. Instead, a chemical reaction will form between the two metals when they're rubbed together that creates a polishing compound capable of removing the tarnish.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure, though. Scrub with medium force and re-dip your foil in water often. This type of chrome care works well for chrome bumpers, bikes, tailpipes, etc. After this method of chrome polishing, always rinse well with fresh water. In cases of more severe rust, aluminium foil can be alternated with very fine grade steel wool.
· Clean the chrome with soap and water to remove any dirt from its surface.
· Cut or rip aluminium foil into small squares.
· Dip a piece of aluminium foil in water.
· Rub the aluminium foil over the tarnished areas of chrome. As you rub, the aluminium foil will oxidize, creating a metal polish. This polish will appear to be light brown in colour.
· Wipe away the metal polish created by the aluminium foil when the first piece stops being as effective. Use additional pieces of aluminium foil as needed.
· Continue rubbing the chrome until the tarnish disappears and the chrome is shiny once again.
· Rinse well and wipe the surface clean with a cloth when you've finished removing the tarnish.