How to clean brushed nickel: 8 steps (with pictures)

2023 Author: Martin Macey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 06:41

Nickel is a fairly tough metal that does not often react chemically with detergents, but matte nickel is very sensitive and often difficult to clean. When brushing nickel, you should use the softest method. If, and only if, the initial gentle methods do not provide an adequate level of cleanliness, then you can carefully move to abrasive methods.

Steps

Step 1. Use a soft cloth

Many stains and marks can simply be removed with a little polishing. Find a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Terrycloths work well for this, but any soft cotton can work too. It is important to make sure the fabric is soft enough not to scratch the nickel finish. Buff the metal by rubbing the cloth over the area using small, circular motions.

If this is not enough and you feel that it is necessary to continue cleaning, it should be noted that any other cleaning method is also used using a soft cloth. Always choose a soft cloth when using any detergent so that the matte nickel is not exposed to abrasive materials

Step 2. Rub the surface with mild soap

Dishwashing detergent is effective because it cleans up the grease while remaining gentle. The simpler the soap, the better. Scented soaps often contain additives that only create additional streaks, rather than remove them. Mix the soap in warm water, dip a clean rag in the solution and buff the nickel to remove stains and dirt. Rinse and let dry naturally.

Once dry, assess if additional cleaning is needed. If not, then stop there. If you need to continue, you may need to move on to slightly more intensive solutions

Step 3. Apply a gentle glass cleaner

The harsh chemical cleaners used to clean ovens and floors are probably too harsh for matte nickel, but mild all-purpose cleaners or glass cleaners are usually safe. These products are designed to clean glass without scratching it, so they are quite weak. Spray glass cleaner directly onto the surface of the nickel before polishing it away with small circular motions and a dry, clean rag.

Step 4. Dilute vinegar with water

In its diluted form, the vinegar is soft enough to soak the matte nickel in it. Make solutions with four parts water and one part vinegar.

If the nickel part is small enough, soak it directly in the solution and let it sit there for 15-30 minutes.
If the nickel piece cannot be removed or is too large, pour the solution into a spray bottle and dip the brushed nickel into it. Let the solution sit on the metal surface for 15 to 30 minutes.
When finished, the metal should be soaked, rinsed with clean water and dried with a clean cloth.

Step 5. Mix vinegar with water and cornstarch

A combination of vinegar, water, and cornstarch will make a good home glass cleaner, which means it's also a relatively safe frosted nickel cleaner as well. Combine 1/4 cup (60 ml) white vinegar with 1 tbsp. (14.3 g) cornstarch and 2 cups (500 ml) warm water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply to the brushed nickel part. Dry the metal by polishing in small circular motions with a clean cloth.

Step 6. Use undiluted vinegar

Vinegar can be somewhat harsh, so you should only use this method if you have severe tarnish or grime that refuses to be removed with less severe methods. Dip a soft cloth in vinegar and use that cloth to scrub out the nickel for 30 seconds. Rinse off excess vinegar with clean water and dry the metal with a dry, clean cloth.

Step 7. Quickly apply a combination of baking soda and vinegar

In desperate cases where the dirt is too thick and too severe for any weak solution, you can try to remove it with a combination of baking soda and vinegar. When combined, these two chemicals form carbonic acid, which quickly converts to carbon dioxide and water. This acid can be a very effective detergent.

Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the stained nickel area.
Slowly pour the vinegar over the baking soda, allowing the reaction to proceed.
After about 60 seconds, rinse the area with hot or even boiling water to remove any residue. Do not over tighten over the holding time, as this may damage the nickel.

Step 8. Polish the nickel when done

No matter how far you have to go in terms of detergents, an important step in preserving your matte nickel is to gently clean and polish it. Use a dry soft cloth to polish the metal until streaks or fingerprints disappear.

Advice

If you don't have vinegar on hand, try another weak acid, such as lemon juice or cola. These substitutes work as well, but they may not have the same reaction with baking soda or cornstarch as vinegar

Warnings

Avoid using sandpaper or steel wool on matte nickel. Steel wool is particularly harmful as it is an abrasive material. She can delete anything she likes when she comes into contact with him.
Avoid harsh chemicals. Typically, all that is required of you is to put on protective clothing. Ammonia-based oven cleaners are considered abrasive and can wipe off haze along with dirt or rust.
Be careful with the warranty. Many brushed metal surfaces, such as bathroom taps, come with a warranty that can be void if abrasive methods are used.