Skip to main content

Make faucets shine like new with this incredible hack

Want to keep your faucets sparkling? Use this hack to polish chrome fixtures

bathroom sink ideas pexels photo 6782428
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nothing beats a squeaky-clean bathroom or kitchen. Not only does a spotless sink make you feel safe from germs and viruses, but it also makes you proud to have your guests visit and use the restroom when they stop by.

Here's the problem with chrome faucets, though: They're prone to water spots and fingerprints that make them look dirty when they've just been cleaned. Luckily, we've got the fastest hack you've ever seen for keeping chrome sparkling. Let's talk about how to polish faucets the easy way using parchment paper.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • All-purpose cleaner

  • Rag

  • Parchment paper (wax paper)

  • Scissors

White bathroom sink on counter and mirror
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why use parchment paper on your faucets?

Parchment paper is that thin, waxy paper you use in the oven when making baked goods. So, why does this wax paper work wonders on faucets? Well, the wax leaves behind an invisible film that repels both watermarks and fingerprints.

Clean sink and faucet
Unsplash

How to polish faucets with wax paper

Before you polish chrome with wax paper, it's a good idea to ensure your faucet is clean by giving it a good wipe down. This makes it so that you're not just smearing grime around with the wax.

Step 1: Grab your all-purpose cleaner and spray it generously on both the levers (or handles) and the spout.

Step 2: Take a clean, dry rag and wipe the cleaner away until the faucet appears clean and shiny.

Step 3: Cut a 5-by-5-inch piece of parchment paper.

Step 4: Rub the waxy paper directly onto the chrome surfaces of your faucet, being sure to cover the entire surface. You may find it easier to fold up the wax paper so you can keep a good grip on it.

Kitchen with white walls and countertops and chrome appliances
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don't stop at the faucets: Other places to prevent fingerprints with parchment paper

Once you give this parchment paper hack a try on your bathroom and kitchen faucets, you'll start dreaming up other areas to use it on. Got a stainless steel refrigerator? Wipe away the grime and fingerprints with your usual cleaner and then use this wax paper hack to keep them away for longer.

What about the stove? Both the oven handle and the knobs on stainless steel stove controls get covered in fingerprints, but this hack can prevent them.

Don't forget about any other brass, chrome, or stainless steel fixtures and appliances. You can use this trick on doorknobs, drawer handles, shower faucets, and more!

Is there a better feeling than looking at a just-cleaned sink? We don't think so. But the moment you or someone else uses your faucet, suddenly there are fingerprints and water stains marring your perfectly shined chrome. With this parchment paper hack, you can prevent those finger marks and watermarks, making your cleaning job last even longer. You won't have to worry about gross-looking faucets anymore!

Veronica Sparks
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
Does vinegar kill mold? What you need to know
Keep your home safe and clean with the right mold-fighting strategy
Woman scrubbing mold growth

Mold is a persistent problem in many households, thriving in damp and poorly ventilated areas. While there are numerous commercial products designed to combat mold, many people turn to natural cleaning solutions. One of the most popular is vinegar. But does vinegar kill mold? Let's explore the efficacy of vinegar as a mold killer and provide a comprehensive guide on its use.
Vinegar's cleaning properties

Vinegar is a versatile household staple that has been used for centuries for cleaning purposes. It is a mild acid, typically containing 4% to 8% acetic acid, which gives it its distinctive tangy scent and flavor and potent cleaning abilities. Vinegar is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for tackling various household cleaning tasks.

Read more
Say goodbye to dirt and odor: Learn how to wash pillows like a pro
Most people's pillows aren't even close to clean. Here's how to wash yours
Woman hugs pillows

Even if you succeed in choosing the right pillows for your maximum comfort and rest, you may not have considered the cleaning steps you'll need to take later to maintain their wonderful fluff and freshness. It may be the last thing anyone wants to think about, but the pillows where we place our heads at night are basically breeding grounds for bacteria and other microorganisms.

The average person spends one-third of their life asleep. During that time (it’s gross, but all too true), our skin and saliva can, shall we say, free themselves from the body, promoting the growth of bacteria inside our pillows and pillowcases in the process.

Read more
Make homemade weed killer in 8 simple steps
Get rid of pesky weeds without costly and toxic commercial products
Gloved hand holding a pulled weed with roots and soil still attached

Tired of battling weeds in your garden? These pesky plants can quickly take over gardens, lawns, and even walkways on your property, stealing vital nutrients from your gardens and making an unsightly mess. Commercial weed killers can be expensive, though, and often contain harmful chemicals. Luckily, you can create an effective homemade weed killer using natural ingredients found right in your kitchen! Let's explore how to make your own weed killer in just a few simple steps so you can clear your garden of weeds.
The natural ingredients in your homemade weed killer

When it comes to killing weeds naturally, three key ingredients stand out: vinegar, dish soap, and table salt. These common household items work together to effectively eliminate unwanted vegetation without harming the environment or your garden.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a common cleaning agent, but it's also a potent weed killer because of its high acidity. When applied to weeds, vinegar works to dry out the plant, ultimately killing it. The best part? Vinegar is nontoxic, making it safe for use in vegetable gardens and flower beds with delicate blooms. By opting for vinegar-based weed killer, you can effectively combat weeds while minimizing harm to the environment.
Dish soap
Dish soap serves as a surfactant in homemade weed killer, helping the vinegar to adhere to the weed's surface. This allows for better penetration and absorption, ensuring that the vinegar can work its magic more effectively. Additionally, dish soap is mild and won't harm beneficial insects in your garden, making it an eco-friendly choice for weed control.
Table salt
Adding ordinary table salt to your homemade weed killer is optional, but it can provide an extra boost in effectiveness. Salt works by dehydrating the weed, causing it to wither and die. Additionally, small amounts of salt in your garden can attract bees and other pollinators, benefiting your overall garden ecosystem.
How to make homemade weed killer

Read more