Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Kitchen Utensils with Mild Acids
• Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Aluminum Sinks
• Method 3 of 3: Cleaning aluminum in your yard
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Aluminum is a lightweight yet tough metal that should be cleaned with extreme care. Aluminum pots and pans, dishes and sinks should be cleaned periodically to prevent dirt from accumulating. Cleaning also helps prevent the build-up of alumina on the metal surface.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Kitchen Utensils with Mild Acids

1. 1 Wait for the pan to cool. Attempting to clean a hot pan or pot may burn your fingers.
2. 2 Remove dirt and grease. Wash and dry pots and pans to remove all grease and dirt. Wash utensils in warm water and a dish soap to rinse out any excess grease.
3. 3 Scrape off food debris and carbon deposits from the utensil. Try using a dish scraper first. If you are unable to completely clean the utensils with a scraper, pour some water into the bottom of a dirty skillet or saucepan, heat it to a boil, and scrape the dirt off the metal with a wooden spoon.
4. 4 Prepare an acidic solution. For every liter of water, add 2 tablespoons of tartar, white vinegar, or lemon juice.
   • The acidic solution reduces the tarnishing of utensils caused by surface oxidation of the metal. You can also rub the surface of the crockery with the juice of sour fruits or vegetables, such as apples or rhubarb. Instead of an acidic solution, you can use the apple peel by placing it in water.
   • If desired, you can use a mild aluminum dish cleaner instead of boiling the water. Apply it in the same way as soap or a soft dish brush. Wipe the utensils with a sponge moistened with cleaner, then rinse the cleaner with water and wipe the dishes with a rag.
5. 5 Pour the solution into a saucepan. If you want to clean flat dishes, place them in a saucepan and cover with the solution.
   • If you want to clean the pan not only from the inside, but also from the outside, place it in a bOa large saucepan. If you don't have a larger pot, wipe the outside of the aluminum pot with sliced ​​lemon, dipped in salt.
6. 6 Put the saucepan with the solution on the fire and bring it to a boil. Boil the solution over low heat for 10-15 minutes.
7. 7 When the aluminum brightens, turn off the heat. Wait for the pan and its contents to cool down. Pour the solution out of the pot.
8. 8 Gently scrub the pot (pan) with a scraper to remove any remaining dull stains.
   • Do not use steel wool. It is too hard and can scratch the surface, which will lead to undesirable consequences.
9. 9 Dry the pan with a towel. Take a clean towel and wipe dry.

Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Aluminum Sinks

1. 1 Brush the sink gently to remove any food debris. Food particles can interfere with the removal of the oxide layer, making it difficult to clean the surface.
2. 2 Clean the surface with dish soap. Rinse off the remaining product thoroughly with water. Make sure that there are no greasy marks on the surface.
3. 3 Take a lemon and cut it in half. Dip half a lemon in salt. Wipe the surface with this half.
4. 4 Wipe the treated surface with a cloth dampened with water. Thoroughly remove all lemon juice and salt residues.
5. 5 Dry the cleaned area with a clean, dry towel. Remove any remaining moisture.

Method 3 of 3: Cleaning aluminum in your yard

1. 1 Clean aluminum in your yard in moderate weather. It is best not to work with metal at very high or low temperatures.
2. 2 Clean the metal surface with mild soap and water. Remove dust, dirt and grease from it.
   • A mild abrasive such as Soft Scrub can be used to remove scratches and scuffs.
3. 3 Use a garden hose to douse the aluminum surface. Thoroughly rinse off any cleaning agent residue.
4. 4 Mix acid and water in a one-to-one ratio. For example, you can take a cup of vinegar and add a cup of water to it. You can also use tartar or lemon juice.
   • Instead of a mild acid for cleaning aluminum furniture and fittings, you can use a metal polish paste.
5. 5 Wipe the surface with the prepared solution. Use a soft dish brush to avoid scratching the metal. Try to remove dull spots caused by metal oxidation.
   • Due to surface oxidation, aluminum does not rust. Although oxidation is a form of corrosion, it leads to the formation of a thin oxide film on the aluminum surface, which serves as a reliable protective barrier that protects the metal from water. However, over time, the oxide film grows and the metal tarnishes, which negatively affects the appearance of aluminum products.
6. 6 Rinse off the solution with a garden hose. Make sure there are no traces of solution on the surface.
7. 7 Dry the surface thoroughly with a dry towel. The next step is better to deal with a dry surface, so dry it thoroughly.
8. 8 Use wax to protect the surface of the items. A layer of car polish wax will protect the metal surface. Apply a thin layer of the paste with a clean piece of cloth, rubbing in a circular motion.

Tips

• Clean aluminum items in your yard regularly to keep them from tarnishing.

Warnings

• When cleaning aluminum with a steel wool, use the thinnest available. Rub the surface back and forth, rather than in circular motions, to maintain the uniform texture of the aluminum surface.

What do you need

• Water
• Tartar, vinegar, or lemon juice
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Dish scraper
• Lemon
• Salt
• Bucket
• Mild detergent
• Metal polishing paste or vinegar
• Towels
• Water hose