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Home / Cleaning Guides / Automotive / Mechanical / How to Clean a Nickel-Plated Radiator

How to Clean a Nickel-Plated Radiator

fiat

Table of Contents:
  1. You Will Need
  2. Steps to Remove the Stain
  3. Additional Tips and Advice

Brodie asked:  We are restoring a vintage Fiat, and we have a nickeled radiator. The problem is, it has a lot of green spots on it that are lime in color. Is this from water or oxidation? We could get it re-nickeled, but that would cost a fortune! Is there any simple way to remove these that won’t scratch the finish? Thanks!

Nickel-plated metals can react with chemicals in the environment, and the result might be corrosion, oxide, general build-up or other reactive results. In any case, take the following steps to restore the clean without having to re-nickel the radiator.

You Will Need:

  • Warm water
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Sponge or scouring pad
  • Bucket
  • Clean towel
  • Fine steel wool #0000
  • 3-in-1 Oil
  • Paste wax (choose one indicated for high heat or automotive use)
  • Clean cotton cloth (for wax application)

Steps to Remove the Stain:

  1. Make a solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid in the bucket.
  2. Use the sponge or household scouring pad to wash the solution over the nickel, scrubbing as necessary.
  3. Rinse with clean water.
  4. Towel dry.
  5. If stains remain, scrub with steel wool that has been saturated with 3-in-1 oil. Do NOT allow the steel wool to go dry or it will scratch the surface.
  6. Wipe away any residue with a clean cloth.
  7. Protect against future damage with paste wax, if desired. Apply with a clean cotton cloth or according to package directions.

Additional Tips and Advice

  • Follow all label directions and safety and storage precautions for all cleaning products used.
  • Do not use acidic or alkaline solutions on nickel.
  • If you think the stains on the nickel are greasy or oily, use mineral spirits to clean them.
  • When all else fails, try a home nickel plating bath. Kits are available for a fraction of the cost of a professional job, and the results are well worth the effort.

Cleaning Guides, Mechanical

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Susan

I'm a stay-at-home mom who used to run a small housecleaning business. These days I consider myself more or a mad cleaning-scientist. I do most of the testing for our articles - as well as helping Mark & Melanie write them.

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