Cleaning tarnished GLE side steps

[cws196]

My dad has just bought 2021 GLE and the silver alloy (?) side steps needs some attention - nothing too bad, just a bit dull and some brown specling in patches. What's the best thing to use? Bear in mind I don't want to damage/mark the rubber inserts.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Try toothpaste and a toothbrush.

 

[C320]

I’d cover the inserts with some painters tape.
Then use anything from autosol to sonax metal polish with some 0000 wire wool.
Brown speckles remain? You could try a tiny bit of rust remover with a fine tip art brush.
Protecting the area is key post-treatment.
Make sure you get a good metal sealant on there. Maintain it as it will see wear and tear. It will make subsequent cleaning easier.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

They’re a nightmare. Almost certainly chemical etching caused by acidic road traffic remover (or similar) being applied in too strong concentration, left too long before running, and made worse by doing it in direct sunlight. You’re going to struggle to remove the etching. Replacing is the best bet.