Aluminum is a very versatile material and is used to make many things, from pots to bicycle wheels. Unfortunately, aluminum tends to oxidize over time, which means it precipitates a chalky gray cast. If you see any oxidation build up, there are several ways to clean it. Start by cleaning and scrubbing the aluminum to remove any debris on the surface. Then, clean the aluminum using an acidic cleaning product and scrub to remove any oxidation.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Aluminum
Step 1. Clean the aluminum surface
First of all, you need to rinse the aluminum to get rid of any dust or debris on the surface. If you are cleaning the wheels or siding of an aluminum housing, wipe it with a damp cloth or flush it with water from the hose.
Step 2. Clean thoroughly with soap and water
If the aluminum looks clean after rinsing with water, you can already use a natural cleaning product. If the aluminum still looks dirty, or if debris settles on top of the oxidizer, clean it with hot water, soap, and a soft-bristled brush or scouring pad.
Step 3. Clean the aluminum thoroughly
To remove stubborn stains or food deposits on the aluminum, use hot water and an abrasive to remove the deposits from the surface. If you're cleaning an aluminum skillet, pour a few inches of water down the bottom, place it on the stove, and simmer for five minutes. When it's done, turn off the heat, wait for it to cool a bit, remove the skillet from the stove and use the edge of a spatula to scrape off the sediment while the water is still in the pan.
If you are cleaning aluminum wheels or siding, dampen a cloth in hot water and hold on to the sediment until it softens, then use a spatula to scrape it off
Method 2 of 3: Using Natural Cleaning Agents
Step 1. Use vinegar
If you're cleaning an aluminum skillet, fill it with water, then add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vinegar per quart of water. After that, boil the vinegar solution on the stove for 15 minutes, then throw it away. You will need to do this several times to completely remove the oxidation.
- If you are cleaning a small aluminum object, pour the vinegar solution into the pan, then drop the aluminum object in the pan. Boil the vinegar solution for 15 minutes before turning off the heat, then carefully remove the aluminum object and rinse.
- If you're cleaning a large aluminum surface, dampen a cloth with vinegar, then rub it along the oxidizer. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush, then wipe off the vinegar and any residual oxidation with a damp cloth.
- Do not use abrasive materials such as steel wool or sandpaper to scrub the aluminum surface. While they are capable of eroding oxidation, abrasives will also scratch the aluminum and increase its oxidation hardness in the future.
Step 2. Use lemon juice
Do the same cleaning process as using vinegar. If you are cleaning a small surface, simply rub a lemon wedge on the oxidized surface, then wipe. Dip a lemon in salt to increase the roughness if it's going to wash away any stubborn oxidation.
You can find small cans of lemon juice at the grocery store, which are easier to use than squeezing the lemons individually
Step 3. Clean the cream of tartar
Use the same method as using lemon and vinegar. If you're cleaning a large area, dampen a cloth, rub a little cream of tartar on the cloth, and use it to scrub the oxidized surface. After that, rub the cream of tartar with a soft-bristled brush.
Step 4. Cook acidic foods
If you want to clean aluminum pans, you can simply cook acidic foods such as tomatoes, apple slices, lemon wedges or rhubarb. Put the pot on the stove, add one of these acidic foods and enough water to cover the oxidation area. Bring the water to a boil on the stove, then turn off the heat and drain all the water.
Since it contains oxidizers that are eroded from the pan, the food should not be consumed
Method 3 of 3: Using Commercial Products
Step 1. Use an aluminum cleaner
There are many cleaning products specifically designed for cleaning aluminum. After removing as much of the oxidation as possible with the methods above, put on gloves and apply a commercial aluminum cleaner according to the instructions on the package.
You should only use commercial cleaners specifically for aluminum. Many commercial cleaners contain ammonia, trisodium phosphate and other chemicals that are harmful to aluminum
Step 2. Use a metal polishing paste
Apart from creating a shiny surface, polishing paste can also clean aluminum surfaces and get rid of oxidation. Purchase a metal polishing paste that can be safely used on aluminum, and follow the instructions for use on the product packaging.
Step 3. Use wax after cleaning
Depending on the type of aluminum object you're cleaning, it's a good idea to coat it with car wax to prevent future oxidation. Use wax on aluminum such as car or bicycle wheels, siding, or outdoor furniture, but don't apply it to pots or cookware.
Tips
- If you are cleaning an aluminum pan or skillet, clean it thoroughly and use natural methods instead of commercial products.
- Make sure you use commercial products outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
