How To Clean Oxidized Aluminum (2024)

How do you clean oxidized aluminum?

1. Have a regular cleaning routine
2. Use a white vinegar solution
3. Use lemon juice
4. Use cream of tartar
5. Use commercial cleaning products
6. Deep clean your aluminum products

Several household items that you use every day, like your utensils, sidings, and furniture, are made from aluminum. While it’s a popular metal for its durability and lustrous appeal, it can become dull from oxidation. Proper maintenance of aluminum products is important to keep them beautiful and shiny.

While it may seem simple, you should know which products are best for cleaning aluminum without damaging it. In this guide, we share our knowledge on how to clean oxidized aluminum, so that you can clean your things and get them gleaming without a single scratch. Read on!

What is oxidation?

Oxidation is a process that happens to any metal and is caused by the metal coming into contact with oxygen. This process creates a dull outer layer that appears stained and chalky. Unfortunately, aluminum oxidation happens much faster than with other metals if it has not been coated or anodized. This is because aluminum has a strong affinity for oxygen. Since it bonds quickly, an oxidized layer can appear on your aluminum products within a matter of days.

Have a regular cleaning routine

The first step to removing oxidation from aluminum is to get into the habit of regular cleanings. This is especially important for when you start to see signs of oxidation. Be on the lookout for discolorations, white spots, and grime. If you ignore these, they will build up and become harder to get rid of after a while.

To start a regular cleaning, you need some water or a damp cloth, and some soap. Begin with rinsing your aluminum item to remove dirt and dust. This can be done in a sink, with a hose, or with a damp cloth. If you’re cleaning aluminum wheels or siding, make sure to rinse it out thoroughly as dirt easily gets trapped in their crevices.

After, wash it thoroughly with soap — avoid using a brush or anything similar at this time. If the aluminum looks clean, then thoroughly wipe it down and store it in a dry place. If it still looks oxidized, or dirt has been caked into the metal, use the next cleaning methods.

Use a white vinegar solution

To start with this cleaning method, first get a pot of water. Add two tablespoons of vinegar for every four cups of water. Mix this solution thoroughly then bring it to a boil for 15 minutes. You can use this mixture in many ways. You can douse your aluminum sink with it and pour it down the drain to remove the oxidized layer. You can also leave smaller aluminum items in the pot for a few minutes to strip the layer off. You can get a rag and some gloves and apply this solution to window frames and outdoor furniture as well. If the oxidized layer persists, use a soft bristle brush and gently scrub the vinegar solution into the aluminum. This can lift the remaining oxidation marks from the surface.

Use a lemon juice mixture

If you don’t have white vinegar, you can try using lemons. First, cut a lemon in half, and dip the open side on some salt. Use the salted lemon as a scrub brush and begin working on the aluminum product. Reapply salt when needed. This should remove most — if not all — marks on the surface of the product. For more persistent marks, try boiling your other lemon half in water for 15 minutes. Use this lemon water to rinse off your aluminum, then begin scrubbing with the salted lemon half again until the marks disappear. This method works well with aluminum furniture, pots, and pans.

Use cream of tartar

Cream of tartar is a cooking ingredient similar to baking powder and is an organic acid. To use this, put a few spoonfuls of cream of tartar into a small bowl. Mix in hydrogen peroxide until thick paste forms. Dip a cloth or a rag into this paste, and rub onto the aluminum. Rub in a circular motion until the whole product has been covered with paste. Let sit for ten minutes. Rinse your cloth and then use it to wipe the paste from the aluminum surface. Wash your aluminum with some water and soap, then dry it thoroughly. You can also use baking soda in the same way instead of cream of tartar.

Use commercial cleaning products

Several commercial cleaners can remove oxidation. If you decide to use them, make sure that the cleaners you’re buying are made specifically for aluminum. If not, it can pit and corrode the metal.

After removing as much oxidation as you can by using the other cleaning methods, put on gloves and apply the commercial cleaner according to the instructions given on its packaging. You can also apply a metal polishing paste or wax that is suitable for aluminum. Using these products will provide a shiny finish, and can help protect the metal from oxidation in the future. Using wax is only recommended for aluminum wheels, window and door frames, and outdoor furniture.

Deep clean your aluminum products

If — after all of these methods — there are still a few stubborn marks on your aluminum products, then it’s time to deep clean. Use hot water, a flat-edged tool (can be a spatula), and begin cleaning. Douse or cover the item in the hot water for a few minutes, then scrape the buildup off of the surface. If you are washing larger items like furniture or aluminum siding, then soak a cloth in hot water and hold it against the oxidation layer to loosen it, then use your tool to scrape it off.

Key Takeaway

Knowing how to clean oxidized aluminum is a much-needed skill that is guaranteed to keep your stuff functional and beautiful to look at. But, maintaining your aluminum doesn’t have to be a regular chore for you. With AMC Aluminum, we know the value of having a durable, low-maintenance product. That’s why we offer powder coating and our patented Jaloucout for all our aluminum products. To learn more about how our products and services can fit into your home, send us a message here.