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Aluminum is a versatile and attractive metal, and you probably have more aluminum in and around your home than you realize. Unfortunately, aluminum oxidizes and gets filthy as time goes by and requires regular maintenance like many other metals. Learn how to polish aluminum, whether everyday household items, aluminum sheet metal, wheels, or a boat.
Aluminum is a shiny-white metal that is the most widespread metal on the planet. We use it for everything from foil, cans, and kitchen utensils to appliances, motors, and building materials. While this material is highly durable, its appearance diminishes over time if you do not take care of it. An aluminum surface doesn’t tarnish but it has a high affinity to oxygen which causes a thin layer of aluminum oxide to develop.
Oxidation is what makes aluminum corrosion and rust-resistant. It occurs when you expose the metal to air or an oxidizing agent and appears as a dull gray or powdery white coating. This substance causes aluminum surfaces to look worn and unattractive. Fortunately, aluminum items are easy to restore using the proper technique, cleaner, and metal polish.
Cleaning and Polishing Aluminum Surfaces
All metals require cleaning now and then, whether it is stainless steel, copper, or aluminum. While it takes a bit of elbow grease and a little bit of time, polished aluminum looks stunning. Learn how to clean aluminum window frames and polish everything from pots and pans to aluminum rims using various methods and cleaners.
Things to Know about Polishing Aluminum
Before polishing aluminum, it’s a good idea to understand this metal and learn what to avoid when cleaning it. There are also some precautions to take when using aluminum items in everyday life.
Aluminum
When cleaning aluminum, or anodized aluminum, avoid chlorine bleach, ammonia, strong alkalis, and scouring products. Bleach corrodes and discolors aluminum, ammonia may mottle and pit the surface, strong alkalis cause discoloration, and some abrasives like steel wool cause scratches.
Avoid cooking with acidic foods, like tomato sauce, rhubarb, highly salted foods, pickled foods, fruits, and juices when using aluminum pans and utensils. These food items react with aluminum which causes pitting, resulting in aluminum leaching into the food.
Cleaning Aluminum with Soapy Water
The easiest way to polish aluminum is to use a basic solution of soap and water. While this process doesn’t remove oxidation, it cleans away dirt and grime, making the polishing process more efficient.
Basic Aluminum Cleaning
Mild dish soap
Warm water
Soft cloth
Soft toothbrush
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