Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Aluminum
• Method 2 of 3: Using natural cleaners
• Method 3 of 3: Using Proprietary Cleaning Products
• Tips
• What do you need

Aluminum is a multipurpose material that is used to make all sorts of things, from frying pans to bicycle wheels. Unfortunately, aluminum oxidizes over time, which creates a chalky gray coating on its surface. Once the oxidation process becomes noticeable, there are several ways to remove it. Start by cleaning the build-up of plaque from the aluminum surface. Then treat the aluminum with acidic cleaners and remove any traces of oxidation.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Aluminum

1. 1 Rinse the aluminum surface. Begin the process of cleaning oxidized aluminum by removing dust or debris from it. If you need to clean an aluminum pot or skillet, rinse it under a strong stream of water. If you are cleaning aluminum wheels or home cladding, wipe the aluminum with a damp cloth or hose it down with water.
2. 2 Wash the aluminum thoroughly with soap and water. If the aluminum is cleaner after washing, move on to cleaning the aluminum with natural cleaners. If the aluminum still looks dirty or still has debris on the surface, wash it off with hot water, soap, and a soft bristled or abrasive pad brush.
3. 3 Deep clean aluminum. Use hot water and a spatula to remove particularly stubborn dirt or food debris from the aluminum surface. To clean an aluminum pot, pour a few centimeters of water into it, put it on fire, and boil it for five minutes.Then remove the pan from the heat, wait for the water to cool slightly, and scrape off the plaque with a flat spatula.
   • If you need to clean aluminum wheels or trim, soak a cloth in hot water and apply to the residue to loosen it, then scrape it off with a flat trowel.

Method 2 of 3: Using natural cleaners

1. 1 Use vinegar. To clean an aluminum pot, fill it with water and then add 30 ml of vinegar for every liter of water. Bring the vinegar and water to a boil and simmer for another 15 minutes, then pour out the liquid. To remove all traces of oxidation, you may need to repeat this process several times.
   • To clean a small aluminum object, bring the water and vinegar in a saucepan to a boil, remove from heat, and lower the aluminum object into it. Leave it there for 15 minutes, then remove and rinse.
   • To clean a large aluminum surface, soak a rag in vinegar and wipe the oxidized area with it. Use a soft-bristled brush to wipe off the vinegar and loose deposits with a damp cloth.
   • Do not use abrasive materials such as a steel brush or sandpaper to clean aluminum. Scratches that appear during the cleaning process will make it much more difficult to remove oxidation in the future.
2. 2 Use lemon juice. The lemon juice cleaning process is no different from the vinegar cleaning process. To clean a small surface, it is enough to wipe the oxidized area with half a lemon, and then wipe it off with a rag. For particularly stubborn plaque, dip half a lemon in salt to add abrasiveness.
   • Small containers of lemon juice can be found at most grocery stores and are an easier alternative to squeezing a lemon.
3. 3 Use the tartar. Follow the same steps as for lemon and vinegar, but this time remove the oxidation with tartar. To clean a large area of ​​oxidation, dampen a cloth, apply a small amount of tartar and wipe it over the aluminum surface. Then scrub the tartar with a soft bristled brush.
4. 4 Prepare something pungent. To remove oxidation from an aluminum pan, cook something sour in it, such as a tomato, sliced ​​apple, sliced ​​lemon, or rhubarb. Put the pot on fire, add one of these acidic foods and enough water to cover the oxidized surface. Bring the water in a saucepan to a boil, then remove the saucepan from the heat and pour out the water.
   • As plaque will lag behind the pan, do not eat foods cooked in it.

Method 3 of 3: Using Proprietary Cleaning Products

1. 1 Apply aluminum cleaner. There are many commercial cleaners available specifically designed for cleaning aluminum. After you've removed as much plaque as possible using the previous methods, wear gloves and apply a proprietary aluminum cleaner according to package directions.
   • Use only proprietary cleaners specifically designed for cleaning aluminum. Many commercial cleaners containing ammonia, trisodium phosphate, and other chemicals can be harmful to aluminum.
2. 2 Use a metal polish paste. In addition to giving the surface a shine, the polishing paste is also suitable for cleaning aluminum surfaces and removing oxidation. Buy a metal polishing paste that is suitable for aluminum and use it to clean off plaque, following the instructions on the package.
3. 3 Apply wax after cleaning. Depending on which aluminum object or surface you are cleaning, coat it with automotive wax to avoid re-oxidation. Use wax on surfaces such as car or bicycle wheels, home cladding or outdoor furniture, but never on aluminum pots or other utensils.

Tips

• When cleaning an aluminum pot or skillet, wipe the pot thoroughly and use natural products instead of proprietary cleaners.
• Use commercial cleaners either outside your home or in a well-ventilated area.

What do you need

• Dishwashing liquid
• Flat-edged scapula
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Cream of tartar
• Clean rags
• Aluminum cleaner
• Aluminum polishing paste
• Car wax