People are going crazy over this aluminum foil hack that cleans faucets — here's what happened when I tried it

Opinion
By published

Because aluminum foil can be used for so much more than cooking

Cleaning faucet with foil
(Image credit: Future)

I love my kitchen. And if there’s one thing that I take great pride in is keeping my chrome faucet shiny. Since this is obviously put to good use on a daily basis, it’s often prone to water stains that make it look dull. As a result, I’m constantly cleaning and wiping it down to ensure it remains spotless.

But, the ‘CleanTok’ community are swearing by this one cleaning hack to clean and remove marks on faucets. What’s more, this simply involves a common cooking prep essential that we all have in our kitchens — a scrunched-up ball of aluminum foil.

As a Homes editor, my job is to try and test various cleaning hacks, and I've tried them all. From concocting a salt and white vinegar solution to sacrificing my lemons to shift stubborn limescale, nothing has really been a surprising ‘game-changer’ for me. Admittedly, I wasn’t convinced the answer to my woes was a scrunched up piece of aluminum foil — but no harm in trying, I suppose.

While there are many surprising uses for aluminum foil, it turns out it can also make a good chrome cleaner too. After much reluctance to try this (at the risk of scratching my expensive faucet), I finally decided to test out this aluminum foil hack to see if it actually works. Here’s what happened.

Bomves Store Electric Spin Scrubber
Bomves Store Electric Spin Scrubber: $37 at Amazon

If you really want to cut out the elbow grease, this cordless scrubber is equipped with a 30W motor and two spin modes to banish limescale. This handy tool comes with 8 detachable heads to handle various surfaces without damaging them.

View Deal

Here’s what happened when I tried aluminum foil on my faucet

Water marks on faucet before cleaning with foil

Water marks on faucet before cleaning with foil (Image credit: Future)

First, I rolled up a strip of aluminum foil into a small ball, and gently scrubbed at the water marks on the top of the faucet. I was keen not to apply too much pressure in case it damaged the surface (and the last thing I wanted was an expensive replacement!).

Cleaning faucet with foil

Cleaning faucet with foil (Image credit: Future)

At first, I didn’t feel it was doing much at all, ( I’m not a patient person), but I decided to stick to it. Luckily I did! After scrubbing in circular motions for about 20 seconds, I noticed that the water marks were beginning to disappear.

I continued doing this for the entire chrome, not missing a spot and going over areas that were still visibly smudged. Overall, this took about six minutes. Then once I was satisfied, I simply took my microfiber cloth to give the chrome a final wipe.

Shiny chrome kitchen faucet in kitchen

Shiny chrome kitchen faucet in kitchen after cleaning with foil (Image credit: Future)

I was pleasantly surprised to see that my faucet was free from water marks and appeared to gleam again. Although it wasn’t instant results compared to my trusted cleaning spray, I must say that I was impressed with the shiny surfaces. In fact, I could see my own reflection on the faucet — which is always a good sign. What’s more, this method is quick and easy, and won’t cost a fortune.

To be on the safe side however, I would try on a tiny spot first to ensure the foil doesn’t damage your faucet surface. Secondly, I wouldn’t recommend this method for tackling heavy limescale build-up, as you’ll probably need a stronger solution or tool for that.

In any case, if you just want to get rid of light water marks, or give your chrome faucets a good polish, then aluminum foil is a clever cleaning trick.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

More from Tom's Guide

Cynthia Lawrence
Cynthia Lawrence
Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. 


Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.


With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!


You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.