How to Clean Tarnished Stainless Steel Exhaust

If your chrome is badly tarnished or rusty, try cleaning it with aluminum foil. Doing so is a simple matter of cutting a square of aluminum foil, crumpling it a bit and then dipping it in some warm water or vinegar.

How do you clean tarnished motorcycle exhaust?

If the surface is dull brown and feels slightly rough, it’s pitted corrosion and you won’t make an impression with soap and water.
The quickest way to get rid of the discolouration is to use an acid to etch away the corrosion. Rinse off all the chemicals. Use metal polish (eg Autosol) or the finest grade wire wool.

Can you blue stainless steel exhaust?

Yes. it turns more of a straw color than chrome. It can be buffed out shiney again. Depending on where your mufflers are, they may or may not get hot enough to discolor.

Does stainless steel exhaust change color?

Good-quality stainless steel normally turns this color when exposed to repeated heat cycles, and will even turn blue if it gets hot enough. The “golding” should be considered normal and not a defect.

Can you clean chrome with stainless steel?

Nearly any shiny metal surface in your kitchen can get a refresh with this stainless steel cleaner from 3M, as it works on aluminum and chrome as well.

Does wd40 clean exhaust tips?

Just for the record, when the tips are warm, the WD-40 works really good, but watch out on hot exhausts because WD-40 is flammable. (but after you wipe it down you’re good). Don’t burn yourself on hot tips, the method works just as well on cold exhausts.