I've not damaged any chrome I know of with 00000 (5) steel wool and Blue Magic or WD-40. Then I move to a towel and Blue Magic. Then I move to a t-shirt and Blue Magic. Then it generally looks new. If I have to "pre-treat," it's with Wal-Mart's rust remover for $4.34 a bottle.

I think the worst thing about cleaning chrome is being in a hurry.