Clean up that Chrome! - How to Clean Rust and Oxidation from Chrome

Here's a quick video to help you guys see a really quick, cheap, and EASY way to bring some of that old chrome on your bike back to life!
All you'll need are a few things! If that chrome on your exhaust or mirrors is starting to fade, has some rust spots, and you're not sure if it's worth trying to save, well rest assured YOU CAN!
Don't forget to subscribe! Thanks for watching.... leave me a comment if you've got questions. :D
~J

[@nitin7218]

Ugh this might sound weird but this works for me. Apply toilet cleaning gell on chrome parts sit for 4-5 mins, use something like a toothbrush to brush it up till it's clean , then wash. No scratches! Also don't let too much of this stuff on automobile paint as this may( not sure ) wipe off clear coat.

[@AlphaGeminorum1]

You just helped me fix a chrome fixture on my epresso machine. It was really discolored and dis-connectable from the machine. I watered down a strip of 1500 grit sandpaper, rubbed carefully, and voila! Fixed! 👏🏽

[@smoreno5532]

Ahhahahaha this is funny, this was the exact reason I was watching this video, but I'm scared to try this out, it's a synesso mvp hydra

[@eternalfizzer]

Thanks! I was about to tackle my old bike that's been neglected all year. You just gave me hope I can bring it up to a reasonable state!

[@MotoMedic]

Right on man! Glad the video was helpful for you! What kind of bike?

[@eternalfizzer]

@@MotoMedic 1998 Yamaha virago

[@lifeononeweel3008]

@@MotoMedic i got a 1973 puch dakota moped

[@jonathangagliardi4076]

Quick, simple, to the point with outstanding results! I like it. New sub!

[@MotoMedic]

Thank you!

[@alan1340]

Yeah but "Boys and Girls"?

[@t190uk]

Great work mate 👍 I've beer taps which have pitted chrome like this so will give this a go..Thanks

[@unclepunch761]

I watched way too many other videos looking for an easy way to polish chrome. Of course I watched yours last and it's by far the best method. And I don't need to waste my aluminum foil!

[@MotoMedic]

Awesome, thank you!

[@nickconger2994]

The tin foil is good if you have worse rust and pitting. I used it on the my sierras side steps. Truck is a 2015 and I live in Canada so they were quite a bit worse on the bottom then the piece he is showing. His method was perfect for what he was working on. I didn't want to waste my good sandpaper lol. Also, there is I believe a chemical reaction that occurs when scrubbing rusty chrome with aluminum foil that helps to dissolve the rust particles and this helps when you have a bit worse pitting.

[@jameshale8283]

What does the aluminum foil do?

[@jameshale8283]

I got dinner corrosion on my chrome rims and trying to figure out how to get off and looking new

[@jameshale8283]

I tried to show a picture of the rim but won't let me. Will tin foil take it off? I'm confused on what the tin foil does. So can yall help me out and let me know how to get the corrosion off. I've tried polish and that's about it. I didn't know if steel wool would damage it even more I think it's too much for sand paper help me please lol

[@jaynebertsch545]

Used this on chrome legs on a vintage metal top farm table - turned out awesome!! Thx:)

[@MotoMedic]

Fantastic!

[@megamojo961]

That's exactly why I watched this video! I've been looking for a solution. I'm about to head out the door for some sandpaper. So excited!

[@herman66mi83]

Thanks for video. Applied your technique for my “Parade” chromed M1917 rifle(manufactured 10/1918) that has some mild surface rust.

[@MotoMedic]

Glad it helped

[@chasugc3740]

I found that diluted dish soap and 2000 grit wet sandpaper works really well to get the surface rust, and follow with a shammy and chrome polish.

[@ray8427]

EH, for my bday in January bought myself a 09 Honda Shadow Aero 750 and am 'beautifying' all the chrome that is on it. Tackling the spokes on my wheels next. Laughed to myself as the last time I cleaned chrome wheels and spokes I was 12 years old. BTW: I like the beer stein in the background - Cheers!

[@Musicalmane]

I've been able to use brasso on small pieces that are chromed like latches, hinges, handle fittings, etc it works well because it has a EXTREMELY small grit.

[@johnkatkus7143]

Very Nice - I never would have thought of that. I am restoring a 1982 Honda urban Express and some parts are very rusty. I was using 0000 steel wool and that was working, but I will try the 1500 sandpaper. THANKS AGAIN.

[@MotoMedic]

Stick with the steel wool. It's typically a smoother end result. If you go with a sandpaper... 2000 only.

[@coppurt]

Thanks. Helped me clean up my espresso machine!

[@kevinnkadeslowrideraddicti216]

Nice...Just bought a Old Rusted chrome Lowrider project bike.. a majority of it is salvageable, will give it a try.. thanks for sharing

[@MotoMedic]

Right on, glad it was helpful! I recently acquired a Harley with a lot of spots of rust so I'll be doing the same soon!

[@Karl3427]

Did this work good for you? I have a lowrider bike project right now and I'm looking to clean up my chrome.

[@kaygeezy6748]

This is lame and 🤣🤣🤣

[@detailersgarage]

Great results fast and easy! Well done.

[@MotoMedic]

Glad you liked it!

[@steve_o379]

I used brasso on my 1920s and 1930s brass safety razors that were very pitted and had that green stuff on but the brasso made it look brand new

[@SettySpeghetti]

A new one for you, I'm watching this to restore my vintage pram.

[@minboogie]

Most people watching this probably looked up what a pram is... These beautiful old world strollers are comparable to vintage german cars.

[@georgebenta3435]

Very effective! Thank you! Your video helped me clean my chromed M1 parade helmet. 😃👍

[@B.L.A.D.E42]

U can also use wet chalk powder for rust removing and polishing chrome /just apply the chalk powder to the surface and rubb and boom the result will shocked u

[@jonkwilloughby]

Thanks man, will try this on my bike project. :)

[@rivaanmanilal248]

Wow thank you! Very helpful video! About to try this on my mini leyland!

[@JimboT55]

Fantastic tutorial man. Thanks a bunch. Jim. Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍

[@andrewturnor9698]

My man you as they say are a bloody legend ! Thank you

[@crazyDIYguy]

I clear coat right after sometimes to prevent it getting nasty again fast. On an exhaust you can use the high heat clear coat from the parts store. Aluminum shines up really nice with the wire wheel too.👌💯

[@MotoMedic]

Nice 🤙🤙 good info

[@katifalcon]

Thanks so much, detailing a vintage trike, as in Radio Flyer.

[@MotoMedic]

Nice!

[@helenclough4926]

Looks awesome!! A friend of mine showed me how aluminium foil and water works to remove rust from chrome too. Worth trying….

[@MotoMedic]

Good idea!

[@markekstrum3645]

0000 steal wool is a better choice for this

[@Bluekbizzel_gaming]

Aluminum foil works too

[@hamborg2]

In Denmark you can get 0000 steal wool with sope in it. You have to soak it in water, then it’s just brilliant 💥🎶😊👍

[@HOODTRACKZ8]

@@hamborg2 brillopad

[@patbuss613]

You are 100% correct. 0000 Steel Wool.

[@dieselbuff854]

So steel wool is better then 2000 grit wet sandpaper?

[@18spd4Life]

S.O.S pads work awesome too, won’t take out scratches, but any rust and other stubborn stains and build up comes off to nice shine 👌🏻

[@timothyelkins1365]

Dont use steel wool, it stays behind and rusts even worse

[@18spd4Life]

Timothy Elkins yeah steel wool doesn’t work and definitely will leave rust, gotta be the one with the soap in them

[@victor-oq7dl]

Brillo pad is quickest , wax polish finishes it off , simples. What I might e interested in is how do you remove or disguise pitting.

[@theverylastpodcast168]

Here’s a another sub thankyou for getting straight to it

[@MotoMedic]

Thanks for sub'n!

[@remotexpolde]

...and it Could be a 1972 Slingerland Chrome Sound King Snare drum! ..I'm thinking wet sanding for the fine scratches (it's Chrome over Brass, 1mm thick shell) I have 0000 Steel wool, then wet sanding.. After that, I have either Brasso, And/Or Chrome Polish (turtle wax rubbing compound ((fine)) for using on a 3" rotary buffer drill attachment. Any of that sound reasonable? or am I missing an important bit? No rust, just scratches. ~ any chiming in would be extremely appreciated. Cheers and Thanks!!

[@KRISTIANFIGUEROA123]

Master splinter/ Ryan wheeler knows what he's talking about👍

[@namelast8065]

Bro wtf 🤣🤣

[@TheBamChug]

I am disappoint. I was hoping a genie would pop out..... Besides that, awesome video!

[@reyrey0226]

I use brillo pads. For my chrome wheels

[@julioklemba9093]

I'm gonna try this on my drum hardware. Thanks

[@KhaiMahase]

yess i will definantly try this on my dads 86 kawasaki vulcan 750 vn

[@BamSalute]

Do you think this would work on my Thierry Mugler ‘Amen’ aftershave flask? It is chrome...

[@elisevautour6292]

Thanks sunshine. New subscriber. 🌞🇨🇦

[@prajeethk4348]

Good job, brother

[@MotoMedic]

Thanks

[@MrBombom25]

Thanks for sharing👍👍👍

[@radium_habit6869]

Thanks man!

[@brendoderf4748]

I have a bike with chrome and the rust is not deep but it is thick so I am going to attempt using locktite rust jelly first

[@OnoratoRestorations]

Thanks great video.

[@MotoMedic]

Glad you liked it!

[@27boof]

Thank you! 🙂

[@rickeyortutay6697]

I use aluminum foil, but tried this and liked it too

[@bayoutrapper3782]

In my opinion I'd stick with aluminum foil. Steel wool can leave a residue that will cause worse rusting afterwards. Been using aluminum foil for years, works great why, change? Just my 2 coppers safe riding folks.

[@davidsmith4363]

I’ll try it on my 25 year old Sportster. That look nice but I’m not picky so if I can get 25/50 shine I’ll be happy. 25/50 shine- looks good from 25 feet as it goes by at 50 mph.

[@brainchanda5128]

Thanks so much 😎

[@nicholecrouch311]

I have the same issue except it's my old Royce Union BMX bike thats been in storage for ten years...The amount of rust and oxidation was ridiculous! I've been working on it with never dull which has worked pretty well but I'm thinking of using a buffing compound on mine...do you think it'll hurt the chrome?,because its an all chrome frame and forks and I was wondering if it's gonna scratch it up worse.

[@MotoMedic]

Use 0000 steel wool for the surface rust

[@mosesgarcia8502]

So this will work on my chrome bmx bike frame

[@williamread720]

Great results, easy process. OOOO steel wool also works about as well (or better in those hard to reach crevices)... Try wetting the paper or steel wool with a bit of WD40 and watch the magic happen

[@Bear-Knight]

Scratches?

[@jamiestanley8774]

Good work . Do you use anything to stop rust comming back .

[@MotoMedic]

Anger. I just yell at it. It hasn't shown up yet.

[@ds9902]

Fine steel wool wet will produce a high shine and remove the rust

[@MotoMedic]

It sure will....

[@couturehomestead5826]

Could also be my Kirby vacuum cleaner:-)

[@richardtaylor5055]

What is a good polish to use? Is brasso, good? Thanks for the information!

[@MotoMedic]

Brasso is pretty good stuff!

[@Dou_mesticTERROR]

Brass wire wheel works well to for wheels with pitting

[@brainards11]

Nice!!!

[@socwyvern9745]

You have my Attention

[@parislady1925]

I am about to restore a 1950s Formica kitchen table. What are you using for polish?

[@MotoMedic]

The brand I'm using in this video is called Blue Magic.

[@feleciawallace8420]

I've got discolored oven racks (they appear to be chrome) I may try this method.

[@MotoMedic]

Discoloration on an oven rack is most likely heat related so I doubt it would get them back to shine. I could be wrong though!

[@martinwall7297]

0000 steelwool

[@rmdo5583]

Best shit I've ever tried

[@ezy8160]

Use maximum pressure🤙

[@cfmpam498230]

Will you get the same effect if you add dish detergent in your water to help to glide over the chrome better

[@SAM46323]

please add a link for the m3 product and the polishing link

[@Motonerd1610]

Great video mate. would this work on chrome plastic aswell?

[@MotoMedic]

Not sure.... Maybe?

[@gustavoortiz70]

I think it will scratch ur plastic chrome so dnt do it.. H.D says it’s best to use glass cleaner on plastic chrome. But I am a regular joe so maybe practice on test piece.

[@kentbarger6974]

I was curious what type of Pilots are you talkin about please send me information on what type of Polish are you using was curious what about a fine grit rubbing compound would that work please let me know what type of Polish you are using

[@MotoMedic]

In the video I'm using Blue Magic polish.

[@multikarya6677]

Thank

[@jimgallagher3904]

Thanks!

[@MotoMedic]

No problem!

[@LouiseMidgley]

What polish are you using? Is it suitable for acrylic also?

[@MotoMedic]

The stuff I'm using in the video is called Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream. It says safe for all metals as well as fiberglass but not acrylic specifically. So the short answer? Not sure.... but a strong maybe.

[@BT_aka_PET_ROOSTER]

You really handled that light surface rust!

[@MotoMedic]

Right? I walked right in, told it to sit the F down and let me do my thing. I told it if it ever came back I'd make it walk like I made it's mom walk that time I met her at happy hour. I like your sarcasm.

[@BT_aka_PET_ROOSTER]

@@MotoMedic waiting 4 months for a response... you did not disappoint. 😂

[@MotoMedic]

@@BT_aka_PET_ROOSTER if it was a comment worth getting right back to I would have 4 months ago. I typically get back to people in minutes if it's an actual question.

[@BT_aka_PET_ROOSTER]

@@MotoMedic I love your style, thanks for the engagement!

[@MotoMedic]

@@BT_aka_PET_ROOSTER lol anytime!

[@kcoop6091]

I use the same thing I do windshields with. 4/0 steel wool dry rub. Then put Nu Finish car polish on it.

[@JoseLopez-sb5ev]

What is a nice polish brand or what is ur favorite? Thanks

[@MotoMedic]

Mother's 👍👍👍

[@brentcrude8153]

The Beard Game is strong in this One - like rusty steel wool. Walk proud, my friend, walk proud.

[@MotoMedic]

hahaha... thank you :)

[@bernardloveland8802]

Would this work on the chrome Jeep badges, trim, door handles, chrome mirrors on a grand Cherokee? I have a 2016 with some tiny brown spots on it

[@MotoMedic]

It should... But if use really fine steel will for those areas instead of 2k grit sandpaper 👍

[@bernardloveland8802]

Moto Medic thanks bro! I tried NevRdull...I’m a Navy Veteran and figured that stuff worked on the ship...it sorta worked but still some tiny brown spots that didn’t buff out, appreciate the quick response!

[@MotoMedic]

@@bernardloveland8802 my pleasure! Hope it works well for ya.

[@rendyyanuar8328]

does this work on scratched chrome tap? it kind of turned yellowish too.

[@MotoMedic]

I'd just use metal polish for that and see what results you get!

[@charliewillis8527]

Is it best to use 2000 grit i have a old fruit machine to clean up and ther are some awkward little bits can i use steel wall and the polish is it just car wax polish only my dad who's got old bikes said not to use chrome polish regards Lee

[@MotoMedic]

Yes if you have 2000 grit use it.. Steel wool is great too if it's very fine. Depending on preference you can elect to not use any polish. Totally up to you.

[@charliewillis8527]

@@MotoMedic thanks

[@sharingiscaring9320]

You need to try ironX. It’s the most affective rust removal. minimal scratch

[@nickconger2994]

Oh yeah? I might try that later. Have a quarter bottle kicking around too. Undersides of my trucks side steps are pretty neglected

[@krishnaramparsade9967]

How is this paper call ?

[@andrewrobertson3952]

Would you do this to repair/rechrome forks?

[@MotoMedic]

That depends on where you're talking about. I wouldn't recommend sanding anything on the actual tubes that move into the outer tube. That chrome is coated and you can make a leaking fork worse, but carefully taking any small rust off should be OK.

[@russellargo58]

new sub too. nice

[@paul6925]

When you're in a bind you can also use your beard!

[@MotoMedic]

🤣🤣🤣 You win the internet today 👍👍

[@BlondeExplorer1]

I have beautiful chrome spiked rims (car) BUT the dog repeatedly urinated on them and messed them up. Would this method work on rims? It's going to be a lot of work so before I begin I want to be sure it is not in vain. Thank you for posting.

[@MotoMedic]

That depends... Did the urine actually tint the chrome? Or just cause surface rust? 0000 steel wool works better than 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper BTW... If it's just rust it'll probably work. If the urine actually discolored the chrome then it's not going to change it.

[@BlondeExplorer1]

@@MotoMedic Thank you for responding. No discolor but it pitted the chrome. I tried some stuff I bought in the store but it did not help. Any suggestions? Thank you for your time.

[@HONOR-dn4zi]

But sand paper has sand wouldn't that make rust?

[@ratboy240sx]

I’ve watched a few videos on cleaning old chrome exhaust jw dose the sand paper scratch the chrome?

[@MotoMedic]

If you have a heavy hand it can scratch the chrome. That's why you use a very light touch and 2000 grit wet sandpaper. Always try on a test area that isn't in a super obvious spot also.

[@scorpio9578]

Of course it will scratch the shit out your chrome!

[@MotoMedic]

@@scorpio9578 lol k

[@alfredodiaz7000]

scorpio9578 I mean if you want to get technical I guess sure it is “scratching” it away lol

[@DiJonMusTard97]

Well that was simple enough lol

[@MrMedicAdnan]

Do you seal it with anything after you did that?

[@MotoMedic]

I didn't on this

[@rebeccaryan3621]

Moto Medic....what polish I'm in the UK ...do you mean chrome polish

[@willysoulbrotha]

IMPRESSIVE BEARD

[@kenholt8297]

Slam dunk and stuff... Peace!😂👍

[@stephenlee895]

Anyone knows what kinda the polish in that blue container that he used ?

[@MotoMedic]

Blue Magic metal polish 👍 I prefer Mother's but this is good too.

[@prestongalindo1499]

What about shining chrome on a jukebox?

[@MotoMedic]

can't see why not

[@ashtonstephens4931]

Can I do this on my chrome rims?

[@MotoMedic]

You can.... But depending 9n how bad they are. If they're in not too bad of shape I'd try polishing before hitting them with 2000 grit sandpaper. Also verify that the rims are steel and not aluminum 👍

[@xbalraj]

Quality diY vid

[@JuanMateoUno]

What's the NB and if the polish ? U didn't say .

[@MotoMedic]

Any metal polish is probably fine. You can pick it up at any auto parts store. Just ask them what they have for polishing metals like chrome and aluminum.

[@drakausdromgatti58]

Could be an old drum set one needs to restore...

[@MotoMedic]

Absolutely!

[@sunnyhaair]

Or a bass!

[@bigdaddylittlewhitecockwin8515]

Do you think but will get pitting out of my chrome rims

[@bigdaddylittlewhitecockwin8515]

It

[@MotoMedic]

Probably not. Pitting is caused by long term rust. This is just to take out minor oxidation and surface rust.

[@sabbottart]

👍

[@johnrickelsr.3524]

It would be nice if site showed up

[@MotoMedic]

What site?

[@eckyhen]

Works OK for superficial rust but if there is any pitting no.

[@MotoMedic]

I think I echo that in this video. ;)

[@matthubenthal4020]

Just use bar keepers friend. Look it up

[@joemug4079]

What about steel wool?

[@MotoMedic]

0000 steel wool 👍👍

[@thasickest]

How about... A vintage jukebox wallbox.

[@MotoMedic]

Most definitely!