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Water Mark on Polished Nickel

2 years ago

I have a newly installed Vibrant Polished Nickel sink drain by Kohler with a water mark that won’t budge. Kohler’s most aggressive treatment is a 50/50 water & vinegar solution left overnight. Stain does not budge and I only want to use what Kohler recommends. Does anyone have experience with this?

Featured Answer

HU-291331155

2 years ago

That’s an acid mark, not a water mark. Nickel doesn’t react well to acidic substances. Like some personal care products. The anti acne stuff is acid, as are some cleansers. Go through your care stuff, and if you’re going to use it, put a facecloth down first.

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Comments (9)

safemommy
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you. I wonder if contact lens solution could do that?
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elcieg
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Try Barkeeper's Friend...I bet it will take the stain away. Use the creamy version and not the powder. I use it on my sterling jewelry and find it to be safe.
Anne Duke
2 years ago
Try Wright’s paste silver polish. It cleaned up a similar stain on my chrome finish faucet. Also cleaned off hard water stains. Not an abrasive, obviously.
HO-UZZ812
2 years ago
Barkeepers Friend is oxalic acid. It ruins nickel finishes.
elcieg
2 years ago
THANKS, HO-UZZ812 for that info. I use either the powder or liquid on just about anything and it works like a charm. However, I don't have nickel finishes. That was a uninformed suggestion I gave to OP. Sorry, safemommy.

Hopefully, this article will give you better advice.

https://homedecorbliss.com/clean-brushed-nickel-bathroom-fixture/
safemommy
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you all. I think once an acid substance gets to it it cannot be cleaned or fixed but I will be aware of this going forward so I appreciate the advice!
millworkman
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
"once an acid substance gets to it it cannot be cleaned or fixed"

Correct, the acid has removed the finish.
Lisa Kennedy
9 months ago
Gee- I wish I had seen this BEFORE I put all new polished nickel fixtures in my new kitchen. Within 3 weeks I have hard water stains...hmmm. I may have chosen differently but they do look so pretty.

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