Does vinegar clean all taps?

[RobLowth]

I recently bought a new flat and the taps in the kitchen were dull, slightly rusted and stained with limescale.

I read all over the internet that the best solution is to mix equal parts white vinegar and water, soak tissues in the mixture, wrap the taps in these tissues and leave for a few hours before rinsing & scrubbing.

Admittedly, I did use white wine vinegar...

Upon removing the tissues the tap was covered in bizarre marks and new (much more prominent) stains.

I do not know what metal the taps are but they look like brushed steel / brushed chrome.

Not sure if I am seeing the job halfway done or the taps halfway destroyed.

Question; does vinegar work to restore all metal taps or is it known to corrode some types?

Vinegar is vinegar so what sort you used doesn't matter. I suspect the acid has reacted against the finish of the taps. Ime if the finish is damaged, you can't remove those marks. The same thing happens with some taps if you use strong bathroom cleaners on them or bleach. The cleaning instructions will say to use warm soapy water only.