How To Clean Aluminum (Using 5 Household Cleaners)

Aluminum is everywhere in your home. From pots and pans to patio furniture, sink fixtures, and car wheels, this lightweight metal is incredibly useful. However, it also has a knack for getting dull, oxidized, and dirty over time.

You need to clean it effectively without leaving scratches or causing discoloration. We’ve put together a guide on how to clean aluminum safely using items you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you are scrubbing a window frame or brightening up vintage cookware, we have you covered.

Here is everything you need to know about restoring that aluminum shine.

Key Takeaways

• Grab household staples: Vinegar, cream of tartar, lemon juice, and mild dish soap are the best cleaners for aluminum.
• Avoid abrasive tools: Always use microfiber cloths or non-scratch pads to prevent damaging the soft metal surface.
• Tackle oxidation: A simple boil of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) removes discoloration and restores shine.
• Skip the dishwasher: Hand washing is essential, as dishwasher detergents and high heat can ruin the finish.

In This Article

• Best Home Remedies for Cleaning Aluminum
• How to Prevent Scratches
• How to Clean Aluminum Items
• How to Remove Aluminum Oxidation
• Polishing Aluminum
• Aluminum Care Tips
• FAQs

Best Home Remedies for Cleaning Aluminum

You don’t need expensive chemical cleaners to get the job done. In fact, natural acids and gentle abrasives work best on aluminum. Here are six household heroes that cut through grime.

Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is a powerhouse. It’s acidic enough to eat through grease and mineral deposits but safe enough to use around food. It also kills bacteria and is incredibly cheap.

If the smell bothers you, add a few drops of lemon essential oil. When using vinegar for cleaning aluminum, always dilute it with an equal part of water to prevent etching.

Cream of Tartar

This baking staple acts as a mild abrasive and acidic cleaner. It is fantastic for brightening aluminum without scratching it. To use it, mix cream of tartar with a small amount of water to create a thick paste. buff it onto the surface, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse away.

Borax

Sodium tetraborate, or Borax, is a natural mineral salt. It is excellent at removing mold, heavy oxidation, and stubborn stains.

For a general spray, mix two teaspoons of Borax into four cups of hot water. For tough stains on patio furniture or siding, make a paste with a splash of water and apply it directly to the metal.

Dish Detergent

Good old dish detergent is often all you need for surface dirt. It cuts grease without reacting with the metal. Mix two tablespoons of soap into a bucket of warm water. Just remember to rinse thoroughly, as dried soap can leave streaky films.

Lemon Juice

Lemons are high in citric acid and smell much better than vinegar. They naturally bleach stains and fight bacteria.

Cut a lemon in half, dip the cut side in salt, and use it as a scrubber. The salt adds a little grit for scouring, while the juice dissolves the grime.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is the king of gentle abrasives. It lifts grease and deodorizes at the same time. Since aluminum scratches easily, baking soda is usually safer than commercial scouring powders.

Mix it with water to form a 1:1 paste and rub it into stained areas.

Power Duo

For a fizzing cleaning action that lifts stuck-on food, sprinkle baking soda on the aluminum and spray it with vinegar. Let the reaction bubble for a minute before scrubbing.

How to Prevent Scratches

Aluminum is a soft metal. If you look at it the wrong way, it might scratch. To keep your items looking new, stay away from steel wool, heavy-duty scouring pads, and sharp scraping tools.

Instead, stick to these materials:

• Microfiber cloths: These trap dirt without dragging it across the surface.
• Soft sponges: Use the soft side of a standard kitchen sponge.
• Old toothbrushes: Perfect for getting into crevices on wheels or window frames.

How to Clean Aluminum Items

From the kitchen to the driveway, let’s break down exactly how to clean the most common aluminum items in your life.

• Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• Mild acid (vinegar, lemon, or cream of tartar)
• Dish soap
• Spray bottle
• Bucket or large bowl
• Microfiber cloths
• Soft sponge
• Wooden spoon (for scraping)
• Garden hose (for outdoor items)
• Dry towel

Cleaning Pots and Pans

Cookware takes a beating. Here is how to handle everyday cleaning and remove burnt bits without warping the pan.

1. Cool down: Never plunge a hot aluminum pan into cold water. Thermal shock can warp the metal instantly. Let it cool completely.
2. Wash: Scrub with warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge to remove surface grease.
3. The boil-out method: If you have burnt-on food or discoloration, fill the pan with water and add two tablespoons of vinegar (or cream of tartar).
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The acid helps lift the burnt food.
5. Scrape and wash: Pour out the water. Use a wooden spoon to gently nudge off any remaining residue. Wash again with soap and water.
6. Dry: Dry immediately to prevent water spots.

Cleaning Appliances and Sinks

Aluminum finishes on appliances or sinks need a gentle touch to maintain their sheen.

1. Degrease: Apply dish soap to a damp cloth (or wear gloves and use your hands) and wipe down the surface to remove oily fingerprints and grease splatters.
2. Scrub the grain: If there is a visible grain in the metal, always wipe with the grain, not against it.
3. Brighten: Cut a lemon in half. Scrub the sink or appliance surface with the lemon to remove oxidation and brighten the finish.
4. Rinse: Wipe away all lemon and soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
5. Buff dry: Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface until it shines.

Quick Tip

Keep a spray bottle of diluted dish soap under the sink. It’s safe for daily wipe-downs of almost any aluminum surface.

Cleaning Window Frames

Aluminum frames are durable, but they collect dirt and dead bugs. It is important to clean your window frames seasonally to prevent pitting.

1. Mix solution: Combine one cup of water and one tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle.
2. Soak dirt: Spray the frames generously, getting into the tracks. Let it sit for a minute to loosen the grime.
3. Scrub: Use an old toothbrush to scrub the corners and tracks. Wipe the flat surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
4. Rinse: Wipe with a fresh cloth dampened with plain water.
5. Dry: Dry the frames thoroughly. Standing water leads to oxidation.

Experiment

If dish soap isn’t cutting it, you can try the Borax paste mentioned earlier for tougher outdoor grime.

Cleaning Wheels

Brake dust is corrosive and clings to aluminum wheels. Note that many modern wheels have a clear coat, so avoid highly acidic cleaners if you aren’t sure.

1. Rinse first: Blast away loose dirt and mud with a hose or pressure washer.
2. Soap scrub: Mix dish soap and water in a bucket. Scrub the wheels with a soft sponge or wheel brush. Dish soap is usually safe for both coated and uncoated aluminum.
3. Detailing: For uncoated aluminum with heavy stains, make a baking soda paste. Scrub it into the spots with a toothbrush.
4. Rinse well: thoroughly rinse all soap and baking soda away.
5. Dry: Dry the wheels with an old towel to prevent water spots.

Cleaning Utensils

Vintage aluminum silverware needs special care.

1. Standard wash: Wash with warm soapy water and a soft cloth to remove food.
2. The acid bath: If they are dull, mix a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water in a pot.
3. Boil: Place utensils in the pot, boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Cool and rinse: Drain carefully and let them cool. Rinse with warm water.
5. Polish: If needed, rub with a little baking soda paste to restore shine, then rinse and dry immediately.

How to Remove Aluminum Oxidation

If your aluminum has a chalky white residue or dark gray streaks, that is oxidation. It’s the metal’s way of protecting itself from corrosion, but it looks terrible. Here is how to fix it.

• Time: 25 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• Vinegar
• Water
• Large pot
• Microfiber cloths
• Soft-bristled brush

1. Create Acidic Solution

Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. You need an acid to break down the oxidation layer.

2. Boil or Soak

For small items like utensils or small pots, boil them in the solution for 15 minutes. For larger items like furniture or window frames, soak a cloth in the hot solution and lay it over the oxidized area for 15 minutes to let it penetrate.

3. Scrub

Once the oxidation is loosened, use a soft-bristled brush or a scrubber sponge to wipe away the chalky layer. It should come off relatively easily.

4. Rinse and Protect

Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry the item completely. If it’s an outdoor item, consider applying a coat of car wax to seal the surface and prevent future oxidation.

How to Polish Aluminum

If natural remedies aren’t giving you that mirror finish, you might need a commercial product. We recommend Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish. It is a favorite among car enthusiasts and works wonders on household items too.

Apply a small amount of polish to a cloth and rub it into the metal in circular motions until the cloth turns black (that’s the oxidation coming off). Wipe away the residue with a clean cloth to reveal the shine.

Tips For Caring For Aluminum

Maintenance is easier than deep cleaning. Keep these tips in mind to prolong the life of your metal.

• Use the right tools: Stick to silicone, wood, or plastic utensils when cooking in aluminum pots. Metal spoons will gouge the soft surface.
• Watch the acid: While acid cleans aluminum, prolonged exposure to acidic foods (like tomato sauce) can pit the metal. Cook acidic foods in stainless steel or enamel instead.
• Hand wash only: The dishwasher is the enemy of aluminum. The high heat and caustic detergents will turn your shiny items a dull, dark gray.
• Dry immediately: Water contains minerals that leave behind deposits. Always towel dry your aluminum pots and fixtures rather than air drying.

FAQs

What Causes Discoloration In Aluminum?

Discoloration usually comes from three sources: heat, oxidation, and chemicals. High heat can cause rainbow-like stains. Oxygen reacts with the metal to create a chalky gray oxidation layer. Finally, minerals in hard water or harsh chemicals (like dishwasher detergent) can darken the surface.

How Do You Restore Tarnished Aluminum?

For heavy tarnish, Borax is your best bet. Mix ¼ cup of Borax with a little water to form a paste. Apply it to the tarnished areas with a soft brush and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub gently and rinse. The borax lifts the tarnish without scratching the metal underneath.

Will Coke Clean Aluminum?

Technically, yes, because Coke contains phosphoric acid. However, it also contains sugar and coloring agents that can leave a sticky mess. It is much more effective (and cleaner) to use vinegar, lemon juice, or cream of tartar. We don’t recommend using soda on expensive cookware.

Can I Use Bleach on Aluminum?

No, never use bleach on aluminum. Bleach is highly alkaline and will cause a chemical reaction that turns aluminum black and causes pitting (corrosion). Once bleach damages aluminum, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to fix. Feedback: Was This Article Helpful? 👍 👎 Thank You For Your Feedback! Share Pin Thank You For Your Feedback! What Did You Like? Informative Easy to Understand Engaging Submit What Went Wrong? Inaccurate Missing Information Outdated Submit