I use those 100% stainless steel sponges from 3M that you use for scrubbing pots & pans. (NOT the green ones).
I always end up melting something on my exhaust pipe. What you do is heat pipe a bit (turn engine on
) and then rub GENTLY with water, and use a towel so you donīt burn yourself with steam. Then use the towel to "polish" the pipe and see if everything is gone.
I didnīt like easy-off because itīs too toxic and you end up sniffing it regardless.
In case of "regular" chrome I use that "magic" (liquid or paste) silver polish from walmart. Rub on gently. Rinse well.
Good luck.