How to clean aluminum with acid

Video: CLEANING ALUMINUM WITH ACID PLUS POLISHING

Content

Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning Aluminum with Acid
Part 2 of 3: Preparing an Acidic Cleaning Solution
Part 3 of 3: Pre-wash aluminum
Tips
Warnings
What do you need

Aluminum is a readily available metal that is widely used in a wide variety of products. Aluminum alloys (aluminum with additives of other metals) make everything from kitchen utensils to furniture and car parts. Aluminum reacts with oxygen in the air to form a continuous oxide layer on the metal surface. This layer protects the aluminum and prolongs the life of the product, but it can discolor the metal and make it look dull. An acid is often used to remove the surface oxide layer and give the aluminum a light and shiny appearance.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Cleaning Aluminum with Acid

1 Apply acid solution to the aluminum surface. The amount of solution depends on the size of the object and the contaminated area. If a large surface is dirty, it may be better to soak the product in acid for 1–2 hours. If you want to clean a small area or do not have a container large enough to hold an item, you can dampen a cloth with acid solution and gently wipe the area (while moving the cloth from side to side).
- Do not wipe the surface in a circular motion, as this will make it look uneven.
2 If necessary, rub the surface lightly with a mild abrasive. If dirt is difficult to remove with acid, try using salt or baking soda as a gentle abrasive. They can be rubbed over the surface with a rag. When doing this, use as little effort as possible so as not to scratch the metal.
- Sometimes a wire sponge is used as a tougher abrasive. If you think this is necessary, choose a loofah with the finest wire and proceed very carefully. Be careful not to scratch the aluminum, otherwise it will get more dirty later on.
3 Rinse off the acid and dry the surface. If acid is left on the metal, it will erode over time and pits will form on the surface. Wash off the acid with water at room temperature (about 20 ° C). After that, simply wipe the item with a clean, soft towel.
4 Buff the aluminum to protect it from further damage. You can buy aluminum polish from your local hardware store or online. Apply it to a rag and wipe the surface in a circular motion, then wipe off the product with another clean rag. Polish the metal with a clean rag to keep it shiny.
- Do not apply polish to areas that will come into contact with food or fire, as it is highly flammable and toxic.

Part 2 of 3: Preparing an Acidic Cleaning Solution

1 Choose the right acid. To prepare a cleaning solution, hydrochloric or hydrochloric acid is often used. This acid is relatively harmless to aluminum and is readily available commercially. Remember that hydrochloric acid is very dangerous and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. In addition, hydrochloric acid can be harmful to the environment.
- There are various concentrations of hydrochloric acid on the market, which must be indicated on the packaging.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses to avoid irritation.
- Another way is to prepare an acidic solution from vinegar or potassium hydrogen tartrate and water. It is safer than using hydrochloric acid or other strong acid.
2 Pour acid into water to dilute it. It's very important to do it right. When water and acid mix, a lot of heat is generated. It is necessary to pour the acid into a container of water so that the released heat has time to dissipate. Check the label or consult the manufacturer to find out how much to dilute the acid with water.
- Do not pour water into concentrated acid, otherwise the liquid may become very hot, boil and splash out of the container. To prevent this from happening, always pour acid into the water, and not vice versa.
3 Keep the acid solution at room temperature. At this temperature, the acid perfectly removes dirt and traces of corrosion from aluminum. At the same time, acid that is too hot or cold can make the surface less clean, especially if it needs to be scrubbed. Before you start cleaning the aluminum object with acid, make sure that it is also at room temperature.
- To clean a dirty saucepan or skillet, you can pour a dilute acidic solution into it (for example, pour 1 liter of water and add 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of vinegar) and boil it, then wash the dishes with clean water and dry with a towel.

Part 3 of 3: Pre-wash aluminum

1 Wash the aluminum surface with warm water and soap. The goal is to remove as much dirt and grime as possible. If you want to clean corroded aluminum objects, care must be taken to allow the acid to reach the corroded surface. Prepare the metal for acid cleaning and try to rinse off as much dirt as possible.
2 If the surface needs to be scraped, select a light abrasive. You may need to rub the metal a little to remove stubborn food debris and the like. In this case, it is better to choose the most gentle method. You can use baking soda and a rag. Rub the surface from side to side, not in a circular motion, otherwise it will look uneven.
3 Wash the surface with water and dry thoroughly before using the acid solution. Wash and wipe the item to prepare it for the acidic cleaner. Remove any remaining detergent or baking soda. Then wipe down the aluminum surface with a soft cloth before applying the acid solution.

Tips

Pre-test the effect of the cleaning agent on a small, inconspicuous area of the surface.

Warnings

Strong vapors such as hydrochloric acid can be hazardous. Wear a respirator or work under an exhaust hood.
Gloves are best when working with acids, even diluted ones. If you are dealing with a strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid, be sure to wear gloves and goggles and cover your skin.
Try to avoid corrosive substances whenever possible.