How to fix chrome rims damaged by soda (acid) based degreser?

[kimtt]

I have a customer sent in a car with chrome rims for wash, I made a mistake by spraying a soda based degreaser on her chrome rims and as a result the residue turns black and sticked to the rim. Any idea how to fix it?

[FUNX650]

I have a customer sent in a car with chrome rims for wash, I made a mistake by spraying a soda based degreaser on her chrome rims and as a result the residue turns black and sticked to the rim. Any idea how to fix it?

RE: soda (acid) based degreser?

-What's the brand name of the degreaser you used?
-What are the ingredients listed on the product label?

I usually associate soda as either being:
Sodium bicarbonate...fluctuates reacting with acids/bases (Arm&Hammer)
Sodium carbonate (soda ash)...used to neutralize acids (think swimming pools, Clabber Girl baking powder, corn starch)
Both alkylies (bases)...Not acids
Either can be caustic by nature.

[The above is just my limited knowledge of these 'chemicals'...I could be wrong.]

NOTE:
Since I'm not able to be on-site...The below "cleaning off the black residue methods" from the wheels you are working on...
Can be considered: Just hypothesizing on my part...
So...As always, proceed with caution; and, for goodness sake: Do a TEST-SPOT.

Going forward:
-The black sticky residue may be caused by a basic cleaner reacting with acidic contaminates on the wheels surfaces.

If your degreaser is more basic (more sodium carbonate/soda ash):
-Perform a Test Spot-treatment, in a most inconspicuous area of a wheel, using some white vinegar on a soft cloth.

If your degreaser is less basic (having sodium bicarbonate):
Again...Do a Test-Spot-treatment...With a very fine paste of baking powder/water on a soft cloth.

Results not too successful?

Your best bet...IMO:
Head over to your local H-D dealership and pick-up some S100 PH neutral, safe for all wheels, wheel cleaner.

Chrome/chrome plating is quite impervious; but, can be damaged by acids and strong bases without proper usage. Hope these chrome wheels didn't sustain such damage.


Good Luck!!!




Bob