Aluminum, like any other metal, will get dirty if you don't use it. For small items, such as pots and pans, first clean the metal with dish soap and water, then use an aluminum polish or paste made of cream of tartar. For aluminum sheets, make sure the metal is clean and dry before polishing. Then, sand the sheet metal, then use a compound scraping product and a rotating buffing tool to polish the aluminum.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Cleaning the Aluminum
Step 1. Wash the aluminum with dish soap and water
Wet the aluminum with water, then dab a small amount of dish soap on a washcloth or sponge. Use a sponge or rag to clean off grease, dirt, food, etc., that sticks to the aluminum.
Step 2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the grooves in the aluminum
If the item you're cleaning has a notch or other design, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or other scrubber to remove grease from any indented metal areas.
Step 3. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the metal with tap water to remove soap residue and debris. You can also soak the metal in a large bucket of clean water, or spray it with a hose if it doesn't fit in the sink.
Method 2 of 4: Using Cream of Tartar
Step 1. Mix cream of tartar with water
Cream of tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate, is a by-product of winemaking and is often used as a household cleaner. Mix cream of tartar and warm water in a balanced ratio to make a paste.
Step 2. Apply the product to the aluminum
Rub the cream of tartar on the aluminum using a soft cloth in small circles.
If you want to clean an aluminum pot or pan or pan, simply boil water with 1 tablespoon cream of tartar in a pot or pan until it boils. Wait for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and discard the cream of tartar mixture. Then, allow the pan or pan to cool before rinsing thoroughly
Step 3. Rinse the aluminum with water
After applying the cream of tartar, you should rinse the metal thoroughly. Make sure you wash off all the cream of tartar so you don't miss any recesses, handles, edges, and other areas that often go unnoticed.
Step 4. Dry the metal
Use a clean, soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, to dry the item after rinsing. Make sure to completely wipe away any remaining drips as they will leave water spots if they don't dry well.
Method 3 of 4: Using Aluminum Polish
Step 1. Apply the aluminum polish
Use a soft cloth to rub the cloth in small circles. Do not use aluminum polish on pots, pans or cooking utensils, even if you are going to wash them afterwards as these products are absolutely not to be swallowed.
Step 2. Wipe the polisher with a soft cloth
After applying the aluminum polish to the metal, wipe off the residue with a clean, soft cloth. Pay special attention to the handles, recesses, and notches so that no polish remains at all.
Step 3. Polish the metal
After you've removed all of the polish, it's a good idea to buff it to restore its shine. Prepare a new, soft, clean cloth for scrubbing the metal. Wipe in small circles like applying and removing aluminum polish.
Method 4 of 4: Polishing Aluminum Metal Sheet
Step 1. Start with a clean sheet of metal
Use dish soap and water to remove any debris or dust from the sheet metal. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
Step 2. Wear eye protection and a mask
You should always protect your eyes and entire face from the machine you are using. This precaution is also important so that dust and polish do not enter the eyes, nose and mouth.
Step 3. Sand the sheet metal
In order for a car, boat, or aluminum panel to look like a mirror, the aluminum sheet needs to be sanded. Start with medium grit sandpaper and work your way up to finer sandpaper. You can sand the aluminum manually, but it's much easier to use a sanding machine.
- For a quick polish, start with 400 grit sandpaper and scrub the entire area evenly. Then, use 800 grit sandpaper and blot the area again.
- For a more thorough polish, start with 120 grit and work your way up to 240, 320, 400, and finally, 600 grit.
Step 4. Apply the scraping compound to the rotary scrubber
Before polishing the metal, apply an abrasive compound to the scouring tool. The abrasive compound will protect the metal and give it a bright shine. Read the usage guide on the packaging to determine the best compound to use in the project.
In general, you can start with a solid wheel and brown compound for an initial polish, then choose a softer wheel and an a rouge (red) compound to give the aluminum surface a bright, smooth shine
Step 5. Use a rotary polisher to polish the aluminum
Cotton polishing tools are especially suitable for aluminum. Shine the sheet metal in a circle following the instructions in the user manual and make sure you are careful when using the polishing tool.
Step 6. Wipe off all remaining compound
Use a soft, clean cloth to remove compound residue from the aluminum. Wipe until the surface looks like a mirror.
Warning
- Do not polish the inside of an aluminum pot or pan with polish as it is hazardous to human health and absolutely should not be swallowed (although the pot or pan will later be washed).
- Do not polish areas of pots or pans that will come into contact with a stove or gas flame.
