Is this a water mark on tap?

[Authenticity2020]

So, this mark is on our brand new chrome taps (part of our expensive brand new bathroom).

Just seen that the hot part of the shower valve is leaking, so maybe is this a hot water mark from drips falling onto the tap? This was all fitted two weeks ago today, DH and I diligently wiping all taps and bathroom down daily to keep it nice: it’s only been two weeks ffs.

Can I get rid of this? Plumber is coming this week. Feel a bit cross as doesn’t look like this will come out. Thoughts?

I can't see the mark you mean.

You haven't been using an acid cleaner, have you?

@PigletJohn no, just microfibre cloths and soap as the care instructions for virtually everything in our bathroom say nothing abrasive and just use soapy water and wipe down.

Its the multiple colour splotches near the red line that indicates it’s a hot tap. It’s absolutely from the drips from the hot water valve that’s leaking from the shower.

swear I have no luck with bathrooms.

sorry, I can't blow up the pic enough. maybe it is a water mark.

if it is perfectly clean (no dirt, scale or grit to cause scratches) rub it hard with a clean, damp, soft, cotton cloth. an old vest is ideal.

@PigletJohn Some of it seems to have come off. Really strange. Shower valve now fixed though so shouldn’t happen again. Tx PJ

I can see it. That definitely looks like something's eaten through the chrome layer.

@StrawberryMarble That’s what I’m worried about but I’m the only person in charge of cleaning and we have thrown away anything but cif (which wasn’t used on taps) and bought a load of microfibre cloths and e-cloths. No one here uses like hair dyes or nail polish. All our shampoos and washes are basic ones. So frustrated but if the smaller dots of gone maybe the larger one will. The leak was falling directly on the tap and that’s nothing but water. So so odd.