Few household chores evoke collective dread quite like scrubbing a bathroom. From foggy mirrors to stubborn soap scum, even the most dedicated homemaker knows the struggle of keeping bathroom fixtures spotless. But amidst the usual arsenal of cleaning sprays and sponges, one unexpected product is turning heads—and it’s probably already sitting in your fridge.
You’ll Never Look At Ketchup The Same Way Again
When Cynthia Lawrence, Homes Content Editor, reluctantly tested a cleaning hack involving ketchup and her dull bathroom faucets, she wasn’t expecting much. Yet, this peculiar trick turned out to be surprisingly effective—and surprisingly simple. Long considered nothing more than a fast-food staple, tomato ketchup is gaining attention as an unconventional ally in the fight against tarnished chrome.
She applied a small amount of the condiment directly onto her chrome faucets, targeting only the metal and avoiding excess mess. After letting it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, she wiped it off with a microfiber cloth and warm water, followed by a quick polish using a dry, soft cloth. The results were immediate. Her faucets, once dull and lifeless, had transformed into shiny, mirror-like surfaces that reflected her image. In her own words, “I could even see my reflection in my polished faucets — impressive.”
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Experts Endorse This Simple Switch
Though the hack may sound unorthodox, it has some backing from those in the know. Andrew Haydon, DIY and home expert at Simply Plastics, explains the science behind the shine: “The acidity in ketchup helps lift the tarnish and water spots from chrome taps without the need for chemicals.” This makes it a gentler alternative to commercial sprays, many of which rely on harsh ingredients.
Haydon goes further, suggesting that this isn’t an isolated phenomenon. “You’d be surprised what you can clean with the stuff already in your cupboards,” he adds, referencing items like cooking spray alongside ketchup. These kitchen staples, he claims, are not only less toxic but sometimes more effective than traditional cleaning products.
A Tiny Trade-off For A Gleaming Result
Despite its effectiveness, the ketchup method isn’t without its quirks. Lawrence notes the lingering vinegar smell—something many ketchup brands contain due to their acetic acid base. Thankfully, airing out the bathroom with an open window neutralized the scent quickly. And unlike commercial cleaners that may contain volatile compounds, ketchup poses no such hazard to indoor air quality.
This hack also stands out for its accessibility. Ketchup is readily available in nearly every household, making it a convenient fallback when commercial products run out. Still, as with all unconventional cleaning methods, caution is advised. Lawrence recommends testing the condiment on a small, discreet area before applying it widely to avoid unforeseen damage.
Not Just For Fries Anymore
As more people look for sustainable, low-tox alternatives in everyday routines, solutions like this ketchup trick are gaining ground. While it may never replace an entire cleaning kit, it offers a quick polish for chrome fixtures and a reminder that innovation often starts in the most unexpected places—like a bottle of sauce.
For those battling limescale or looking for additional bathroom hacks, Lawrence has tried other popular solutions too, including a $20 gadget aimed at removing hard water deposits.
