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Taking water spots off of chrome


Bushwack

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Before I try one of these suggestions from a car detailer (can I trust a newbie at the gym I go to?), I was wondering what others use (or do) to remove water spots from chrome.

Car detailing guy said to try vinegar and water (2 parts water to one part vinegar). Rub in with a microfiber towel then dry off. He said it can take 3-5 applications. I have tried this in the past (many years ago) and it didn't work well for me.

He also suggested cutting a lemon or lime open, rub it on the chrome, let it sit for 15 seconds then wipe away. He warned not to get the lemon juice on paint (it eats away at clear coat)

Lastly, he recommended using a fabric softener and dishwasher rinse. Pour some dishwasher rinse on the fabric softener, scrub the chrome with light to medium pressure then dry off (also can require 3-5 applications).

He recommended using Quick-Glo as a final polishing agent (I have it - just never used it but have heard good things).

What say you?

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If they are fresh(recent), the vinegar solution will work quite well. You can even go full strength. If they have been on there for a long time, they may be etched into the surface. In that case they are permanent. Bird poo does the same thing if left on too long.

Soak a paper towel in vinegar and lay it on the surface for about ten minutes. You should see results.

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OK...here's what I tried this morning: I first clayed the bumper. I wasn't expecting results but I confirmed the surface is clean of grime, specs, etc. After taping off a five inch area, my first try was with distilled vinegar & water - didn't work. I then tried only vinegar and these water stains, which have accumulated for years, didn't go away. I then tried open slices of lemon and now the exterior smells...lemony (didn't work).

I then put some droplets of dishwasher rinse (I used Jet) on a dryer fabric softener (I used Bounce). I got the area wet and then applied light pressure in circular motions; working up a lather. The water spots didn't seem to even fade away away but after wiping with a 100% cotton towel, it polished the area like nothing I have used before. Went back for a second and third application using a little more pressure and the water stains started to fade. I stopped after a fourth application (never applying more then a light to medium amount of pressure in circular motions) and while the water stains were still present, the combo of a rinsing agent with a fabric softer took away about 70% of noticeable water stains.

Once I'm done with the bumper, I'll finish off with Quick-Glo. As I understand, QC {<---you can use this acronym in the future, Padgett :)} will seal the bumper from water or other crud penetration.

BTW, I also 'polished' the door handles and exterior trim. This combo works as good if not better then anything commercial I've used.

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Guest MercWagn

I have a suggestion, not sure if it will work in this application, but it will not harm anything. I have used D&L type hand cleaner (non-abrasive and kinda smelly) to clean many things. It has never damaged anything and it washes right off.

Just a thought, and it couldn't hurt.

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