A common mistake made by many people is to clean chrome, brass and enamel bathroom fixtures with a strong disinfectant cleaner. The best cleaner to use on these items is a neutral spray cleaner, which can be purchased at a janitorial supply house.

Showerheads need attention only when they get clogged with mineral deposits. The head must be removed from the downspout for cleaning. Place a layer of heavy cloth over the chrome of the showerhead to protect it from scratches, and gently remove it from the spout with an adjustable wrench.

Working from the side the water comes out of, poke any debris out of the holes with a wooden toothpick or needle, and rinse the entire head well with water. Using a brush or toothbrush and vinegar can also loosen sediment.

If the holes are encrusted with hard-water scale, soak the showerhead in white vinegar overnight. Dry and reassemble the next morning. Be sure to wrap plumber’s tape over the threads before screwing the showerhead back on to ensure a tighter seal.

Liquid dishwashing soap and water will remove small marks from chrome.

To remove scale from a chrome faucet or showerhead, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie the bag onto the faucet so it is submerged in the vinegar. When the scale is gone, rinse and buff.

Mix equal amounts of grapefruit juice and salt to make a cleanser to remove rust stains from faucets or showerheads, and use a washcloth to wipe off rust. The mixture provides a light acid and abrasive.

Remove a dirty ring around the base of a faucet with a damp toothbrush dipped in a soft cleanser. Just scrub around the base and wipe clean.

If using a commercial brass cleaner for the first time, read the label and test it first in a hidden area. Many cleaners leave a film on brass or gold plated hardware.

A lemon dipped in salt works well as a cleaner for brass faucets or showerheads. Just cut the lemon in half, pour a little bit of salt onto a plate, dip the lemon into it and rub it over the faucet. Buff the faucet with mineral oil when finished.

Another cleaner for brass is a paste made from equal parts vinegar, flour and salt. Rub on the fixture then buff with mineral oil.