Are the chrome items covered/preserved by nicotine? Just wondering.
In general, considering that most "coverings" might be of an oil-based source, using an oil-based cleaner/polish might be more appropriate. Where the oil in the polish would help dissolve the coating and then the small amount of abrasive would help clean it up manually. For example, I've come to rely upon "cleaner wax" to remove road tar rather than the liquid tar/road oil removers. Put a coat of wax on it, let it sit a bit, then more wax, and it'll come off easily (turning the towel often) and leave a coat of wax when it's all done. WITHOUT the smell of other "remover" liquids.
CBODY67