How To Clean Aluminum Objects

Aluminum is one metal which can be found in many objects inside the house.  There are aluminum pots and pans, aluminum trims on stoves and aluminum mirror frames.  Care should be taken in cleaning aluminum since it is easily harmed by many cleaners.

Aluminum trims on objects that are simply decorative in nature can be easily maintained by simple buffing with a clean, soft cloth.  But for aluminum materials which have to contend with a lot of grease and grime-- such as pots and pans and aluminum trims on bathroom mirrors-- you need a cleansing agent that is strong enough to remove grease yet gentle enough to maintain the metal finish.

Chemicals That Should Not Be Used On Aluminum

• Ammonia and ammonia-containing cleaners mottle and pit the surface of aluminum.  Be especially wary of ammonia-containing glass cleaners which you usually use to wipe down bathroom mirrors.  If the mirror happens to have an aluminum frame, the cleaner could clean the mirror but destroy the frame.
• Strong alkalis discolor aluminum.  Automatic dishwasher detergents for instance, are strong alkalis which cause discoloration of aluminum pots and pans.
• Chlorine bleach discolors and corrodes aluminum.
• Very rough scouring products and abrasive cleaners can easily scratch and thin out aluminum.
 

How To Clean Greasy and Burnt Aluminum Pots and Pans

Hardworking aluminum pots and pans may be easily cleaned with a heavy-duty scouring pad and a strong dishwashing detergent but in the process, they are just as easily destroyed.  What should one do when faced with pots and pans that have tons of grease and gunk?  Here are some tips:

• Soak the aluminum pan in hot water to loosen and soften up the gunk.  Better yet, pour some water on the pan and let it simmer for a couple of minutes on the stove
• You can then easily wash away the pot to a shiny finish.
 

How To Remove Discoloration

Here is a homemade solution for removing discolorations on aluminum pots and pans:

• Dissolve 2 tablespoons cream of tartar and ½ cup white vinegar per quart of water.  Make enough of this solution to fill a pot or pan.
• Bring the solution to a boil and let it simmer for not less than 10 minutes.
• Pour out the solution and let the pot cool.  When the pot is cool enough to handle, wash with mild dish soap and water then dry.