Shiny, happy people: Best motorcycle chrome cleaners

Updated: 16 July 2024

Chrome cleaner will let you take care of the ultra-reflective plated surfaces on your motorbike, especially common on customs, cruisers and some retro models.

Cleaning a motorbike properly involves much more than merely a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. Electrical items need to be protected, greasy items degreased then relubricated, painted surfaces sometimes benefit from a T-Cut or at least a wax and polish while metal surfaces often require their own dedicated cleansers and regimes, too.

But looking after it and making the chrome on your bike look its very best requires specialist chrome cleaner products. After all, an abrasive cleaner will destroy its sheen while the wrong types of chemical cleaners can result in discolouration.

But what’s out there? What are the different types of chrome cleaner or polish? And what do you get for your money? Here’s our pick of some of the best chrome cleaners to help you choose.

Autosol 250ml Liquid Chrome Cleaner

Price: $22.06

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Autosol is one of the longest-established and most respected names in automotive cleaning products and their liquid chrome cleaner is a best seller and highly rated.

It’s claimed to provide protection against rust and tarnish as well as producing a brilliant reflective shine and is said to be especially useful for motorcycles. Apply sparingly with a lint-free cloth, allow to dry and then polish off with a dry cloth and the job’s done!

Pros

Proven brand
Easy to use
Great results

Cons

Very mildly abrasive so apply carefully

Motul E6 Chrome & Alu Polish

Price: $19.14

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An automotive polishing cream from a proven petrochemical manufacturer that has been designed specifically for chrome and aluminium on motorcycles and is claimed to be "perfect for cleaning and restoring old metal".

Apply liberally with a lint-free cloth, rub vigorously to clean, polish and revive the metal surface concerned (and even, they say, remove surface rust), leave the polish to dry and then finally remove with another clean cloth or duster.

Pros

Reputable manufacturer
Easy to use
Good price

Cons

Very slightly abrasive

Turtle Wax All Metal Polish

Price: $20.28

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Turtle Wax are probably the other leading brand when it comes to automotive polishes and cleaners and its flagship chrome-cleaning product is this liquid All Metal Polish.

It’s suitable for all metal surfaces including chrome, aluminium and stainless steel and is claimed to contain advanced polishing agents which remove contaminants, oxidation and even fine scratches to provide clarity and to deliver a high-level shine and protection.

Pros

Again, respected brand
Also easy to use
Can be used on variety of metals

Cons

Also mildly abrasive so apply carefully

3M Chrome and Metal Polish

Rrp: $18.44

Price: $16.79

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Alternative Retailers

Walmart

$17.33

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Yes, a more expensive offering but 3Ms' chrome polish comes highly recommended and, as it's in cream rather than liquid form, which is why it also comes in a jar, not a bottle, you're also less likely to spill or waste it and more likely to use it sparingly.

Again, polish it with a lint-free cloth before rubbing off with a clean cloth. Also note that, while good for restoring tarnished chrome, it is slightly abrasive so can dull the finish of bright chrome ever so slightly.

Pros

Well rated
Cream not liquid form
Easy to use

Cons

Pricier than many

Jenolite Metal Polish

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Here's a tempting, practical alternative to the conventional liquid or cream chrome and metal polishes.

The Jenolite aerosol polish comes out like shaving foam, is designed for cars and motorcycles and is claimed to be a fast-acting polish that removes grease, grime and dirt to leave a protective film helping your bike’s chrome stay clean for longer. Simply spray on, leave, then wipe or buff off for a streak-free shine.

Pros

Doddle to use
Quick and clean
Less abrasive than many

Cons

Less effective on heavy tarnishing

Blue Job Chrome Exhaust Polish

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Another different form for a chrome polish - this time a fine powder. Blue Job is specifically designed to clean chrome motorcycle exhausts, even removing the "blueing" (hence the name) and again is highly rated.

It’s a unique, high-concentration, non-abrasive powder which you apply minimally with a damp cloth (and a lot of elbow grease). It’s guaranteed to remove chrome exhaust tarnishes and to add a long-lasting shine.

Pros

Clean, dry powder format
Specifically designed for motorcycle exhausts
Claimed to remove ‘blueing’

Cons

Pricier than some

Mothers California Gold Chrome Polish

Price: $9.59

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Alternative Retailers

Blain Farm & Fleet

$6.99

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Ace Hardware

$9.99

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Walmart

$11.42

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Another highly-rated chrome polish, and this time more of a cream than a liquid or wax. This US product is claimed to be thick, rich and easy to use and gently deep cleans and brightens chrome parts, whether on your car or bike.

It’s also said to use advanced polymers to help protect against fingerprints, spots or even rust and corrosion and will not streak, scratch or smear.

Pros

Easy to apply
Decent value
Well rated

Cons

Less effective for heavy tarnishes

Car Pride Chrome Polish

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Yes, as its name suggests, this is an automotive chrome polish that's aimed directly at car use rather than bikes, but it gets decent rating and is reasonable value so is more than worth a mention here.

It’s a cream that comes in a 70ml tube so is similar to the Autosol cream version. Again, simply apply with a clean, lint-free cloth, leave, then polish off. As it’s mildly abrasive it’ll revive light marks and tarnishes but not deeper ones.

Pros

Great value
Decent ratings
Easy to use

Cons

Less well-known than most

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By Jim Blackstock

Product Tester for MCN and sister publication RiDE Magazine - Jim began riding motorcycles in the late 1980s while working in an automotive repair garage after earning a Mechanical Engineering degree. Initially, he used bikes for practical purposes but later shifted to cars, starting a publishing career in the early 1990s focused on car modifications and product testing. After a stint in PR and Marketing for major motorsport teams and events, Jim returned to publishing and joined RiDE Magazine in 2017 as a Production Editor. His expertise in product testing soon led him to oversee the magazine’s product content. Rediscovering his love for motorcycles, Jim earned his license through the Direct Access process and now enjoys riding his KTM 790 Adventure across various terrains.

Best motorcycle chrome cleaner