How to Remove Rust from a Chrome Bumper

An old car with rust deposits on the chrome bumper.
  • 2-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 15-25
What You'll Need
Aluminum foil
Bowl
Can of cola
Warm water
Clean cloths
Wire wool
Automobile chrome cleaner
Buffer
What You'll Need
Aluminum foil
Bowl
Can of cola
Warm water
Clean cloths
Wire wool
Automobile chrome cleaner
Buffer

If your vehicle has a chrome bumper, you might find that from time to time that you come across small areas of corrosion. Rust is a common occurrence on metal and chrome areas of a car. Fortunately, getting rid of this rust is easy with a few simple household items. For larger amounts of rust, you will likely need something a little more heavy-duty.

Step 1 - Shape Aluminum Foil

Small rust spots or tiny areas of oxidization look very unsightly so remove them very simply using the aluminum foil. Take some and roll it into a large ball. Don’t make it too tight. When you have a good shape, roll it gently around between your palms to even it out.

Step 2 - Coat the Foil in Cola

Pour a considerable amount of the cola into a bowl. Then, dip the aluminum foil ball into the cola and rub vigorously onto the area of the chrome that has been scarred with rust spots. Work initially in smaller areas of 6 to 8 inches, moving slowly from one side to the other. Dip the aluminum foil into the cola again every so often, keeping it generously coated.

Step 3 - Rub

Rub the foil into the chrome until you see that the rust spots have almost disappeared. You should actually see them start to dissipate as you move the foil back and forth. Dip the foil into the cola one more time and rub vigorously again. The spots should eventually disappear. This method has been tried and tested by many people and found to be one of the most reliable ways of removing rust spots from a chrome bumper.

Step 4 - Clean

Once you're rid of these tiny blemishes, use a clean cloth, dampened with warm water, to wipe off any cola left so it doesn't leave behind a sticky film. Then, wipe and dry the bumper with a clean lint-free cloth. If you are still left with some signs of spotting, you can repeat the process until you are happier with the results.

Step 5 - Use Wire Wool for Larger Areas of Rust

Larger rust deposits require a little more of a robust approach. Use the wire wool along with a good amount of chrome cleaner and polish for this. While it is mildly abrasive, the wire wool has a slightly more gentle effect on the chrome than using sandpaper or more rougher material. Work in small areas, just as you did before, moving from one side of the affected area to the other.

Step 6 - Add Chrome Polish

Rub the chrome cleaner into the rusted spots with the wire wool and use gentle circular motions rather like planing wood. Be cautious about how you rub the wire wool so you don't create tiny little scratch marks on the surface of any unmarked chrome.

Step 7 - Polish

Once you have completely removed the rust marks, you can finish up by polishing the chrome and buffing it with a good buffer.