The care and maintenance of the motorcycle is not just about making it shine, but also about ensuring it has a longer lifespan. One of the most important aspects in this regard is cleaning the motorcycle's chrome, and in this article, we will show you how to do it.

What do I need to clean the motorcycle's chrome?

To clean the chrome on the motorcycle, you won't need much. The main components are water and soap. Make sure the water is warm to effectively remove dirt and dust from the motorcycle, and that the soap is gentle to avoid damaging it. You can use dish detergent if you prefer, as the goal is to remove grease.

It's also important to have microfiber cloths to dry without damaging the surface, a sponge, and some chrome wax. With this wax, you can protect and shine the chrome after cleaning. If there are damages, you can also use some polish to remove scratches.

man polishing the motorcycle

Can I damage the motorcycle by cleaning it?

One of the major concerns for many users regarding how to clean motorcycle chrome is whether they can damage the motorcycle in the process. It's essential to clarify that yes, when cleaning a custom motorcycle chrome, you could damage your precious ride.

You can end up damaging your motorcycle's chrome for two main reasons: using an incorrect technique and not using the right products. We've recommended a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the motorcycle, but using harsh products or excessive force can also damage the chrome. It's best to use specific products for this task, such as QMCLEANER Total Bike.

man cleaning the chrome plating on the motorcycle

In some cases, the damage is reversible, as there are products that can fix scratches or rust marks, like QMCLEANER Puli-Oxi which will remove rust marks and scratches. In other cases, the damage might be irreversible, and you'll have to replace the chrome part, which can be quite expensive. However, don't worry. As we'll see next, cleaning the motorcycle's chrome is a relatively simple task.

man polishing the bike with QM CLEANER PULI OXI

Cleaning the motorcycle's chrome step by step

Now that you understand the materials you need and the risks of damaging your motorcycle if not done correctly, let's see the process step by step.

  • The first thing you should do is prepare the motorcycle. Find a place with good lighting, a stand for the motorcycle, and enough room to maneuver. Of course, wait for the motorcycle to cool down to work better.
  • The first step is to add some water to a container and wet the chrome part you want to clean. Use the specific cleaning product for chrome that we mentioned before and let it act for the recommended time, which you can find on the label. After this, use a sponge to scrub any stains on the chrome.
  • Once you've cleaned the chrome well, use warm water to rinse off the product. The process doesn't end here; it's also crucial to dry the chrome thoroughly to prevent any remaining droplets from causing stains. This is when you should use the microfiber cloth to dry the chrome. Remember, it's crucial that the cloth is made of this material to avoid scratching the motorcycle.
  • Finally, when the chrome is completely dry, it's time to polish. With the special motorcycle chrome wax, you'll make your chrome shine even more, and it will also become more water-resistant since the wax will act as protection. As before, let the wax sit for a while and then use the microfiber cloth again to spread the product evenly over the surface.
  • Always remember to be careful when cleaning your motorcycle and handle it with care. If you use the right products, there's no need to apply excessive force; your motorcycle will look sparkling.

That's all for today's post. We hope we've helped you understand how to clean your motorcycle's chrome. If you have any questions about cleaning products, don't hesitate to contact us. See you in the next article!

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