Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the aluminum
• Method 2 of 3: Use natural cleaning products
• Method 3 of 3: Use commercially available cleaners
• Tips
• Necessities

Aluminum is a very versatile material that many objects are made of, from pans to bicycle wheels. Unfortunately, aluminum eventually starts to oxidize, which means that a chalky, gray deposit develops on the material. When you see this oxidation occur, there are several ways to remove the deposits. Start by cleaning and scrubbing the aluminum to remove all dirt from the surface. Then clean the aluminum with an acidic cleaner and scrub the surface to remove the oxidation.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the aluminum

1. Rinse the surface of the aluminum. Begin the process of cleaning the oxidized aluminum by rinsing the aluminum to remove dust and dirt from the surface. If you are cleaning an aluminum pan, rinse the pan with a strong jet of water. If you are cleaning aluminum wheels or siding, use a damp cloth to wipe the aluminum or rinse it with water with a garden hose.
2. Clean the aluminum thoroughly with soap and water. If the aluminum looks clean after rinsing with water, clean it with a natural detergent. If it is still dirty here and there or there is caked-on dirt on the oxidized areas, clean the aluminum surface with hot water, soap and a soft brush or scouring pad.
3. Clean the aluminum thoroughly. To remove stubborn dirt and caked-on food from the aluminum, use hot water and a flat-edged tool to scrape the build-up from the surface. If you're cleaning an aluminum pan, put a few inches of water in the pan, put the pan on the stove, and let the water boil for about five minutes. Remove the pan from the stove, allow the water to cool slightly and use a flat-edged spatula to scrape away the build-up with the water still in the pan.
   • When cleaning aluminum wheels or siding, soak a cloth in hot water and hold the cloth against the build-up to loosen them. Then scrape off the remains with a flat spatula.

Method 2 of 3: Use natural cleaning products

1. Use vinegar. If you're cleaning an aluminum pan, fill the pan with water and add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vinegar for every gallon of water. Bring the water and vinegar to the boil and let the mixture boil well for 15 minutes. Then pour the liquid out of the pan. You may need to do this several times to remove all oxidation.
   • If you are cleaning a small aluminum object, bring water and vinegar to a boil in a saucepan, remove the pan from the stove and put the object in the pan. Let the object soak for 15 minutes, remove it from the pan and rinse it.
   • If you're cleaning a large area of ​​aluminum, soak a rag in vinegar and wipe over the oxidation. Scrub the areas with a soft brush, then wipe away the vinegar and the loosened oxidation with a damp cloth.
   • Do not use abrasive aids such as steel wool and sandpaper to rub the surface of the aluminum. You can scrape away the oxidation with it, but it also scratches the surface of the aluminum, so that new oxidation is more difficult to remove.
2. Use lemon juice. Follow the same cleaning process as with vinegar, but now use lemon juice. Alternatively, if you are cleaning a small oxidized surface, you can simply rub it with a slice of lemon and wipe away the residue. Dip the lemon slice in some salt to give it a little chafing if it is a particularly stubborn area with oxidation.
   • You can buy small bottles of lemon juice at most supermarkets, which is easier than squeezing lemons.
3. Use tartar. Use the same method as with vinegar and lemon juice, but now use tartar to remove the oxidation. If you are cleaning a large oxidized surface, wet a cloth, put a small amount of tartar on it, and rub the surface with the cloth. Then rub away the tartar with a soft brush.
4. Cook something sour. If you want to remove oxidation from an aluminum pan, you can simply cook something sour in it, such as tomatoes, apple slices, lemon slices or rhubarb. Put the pan on the stove and add one of these acidic foods and enough water to cover the oxidized areas. Bring the contents of the pan to a boil, remove the pan from the stove and empty the pan.
   • Because the oxidation is released from the pan, it is not a good idea to eat the foods that you have cooked in the pan.

Method 3 of 3: Use commercially available cleaners

1. Use an aluminum cleaner. There are cleaners for sale that are specially formulated for cleaning aluminum. After removing as much of the oxidation as possible using the methods above, put on gloves and apply the aluminum cleaner according to the directions on the package.
   • Only use cleaners that are specifically designed for aluminum.Many commercially available cleaners contain ammonia, trisodium phosphate, and other chemicals that can harm aluminum.
2. Use metal polish. Metal polish not only makes surfaces shine, but can also clean the aluminum and remove oxidation. Buy metal polish that is safe to use on aluminum and apply it to the oxidized areas according to the directions on the package.
3. Apply wax after cleaning. Depending on the type of item you have cleaned, it may be a good idea to cover the surface with a coat of car wax to prevent re-oxidation. Apply wax to surfaces such as car and bicycle wheels, siding, and garden furniture, but don't do this on aluminum pans and utensils.

Tips

• If you are cleaning an aluminum pan, clean the pan thoroughly and use a natural solution instead of a commercially available one.
• Make sure to use store-bought supplies outside or in a well-ventilated area.

Necessities

• Dishwashing liquid
• Spatula with flat edge
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Tartar
• Clean cloths
• Aluminum cleaner
• Aluminum polish
• Car wash