Chrome Deposits

Question:

Will cleaners formulated with phosphoric acid degrade the chrome finish on brass fixtures? C.P.

Answer:

Before giving you the “all clear” on this process, I would be interested in time, temperature and concentration parameters. In general, phosphoric acid is fairly mild compared to mineral acids like sulfuric, nitric and hydrochloric. Considering the nature of the question and since you are a faucet manufacturer, I am thinking that you are interested in the effects of this in the form of an over-the-counter cleaner. In this case, you would expect a fairly dilute cleaner at room temperature for a relatively short time. This would also likely be followed by a water rinse. Under these circumstances, I would not see any serious problems with the phosphoric acid.