Here’s how to get started.
1. Prepare your tools
You’ll need some essential cleaning items such as a soft-bristled brush, a bucket of warm and soapy water, gloves, a sponge, a buffing cloth, and aluminum or acetone.
2. Safety gear first
Before you get started with the cleaning process, you need to take safety precautions by wearing gloves. It’s protection for your skin, especially if you’re braze-aluminum” title=”How to braze aluminum”>using chemicals such as acetone. Also, avoid the use of abrasive tools or chemicals as they can quickly damage your aluminum surfaces.
3. Soak the aluminum item
Fill a large bucket with warm water and add some mild dish soap to it. Mix thoroughly until the concoction becomes soapy. Soak the item in the mixture, so it softens the dirt and grime that has accumulated over time. Don’t use hot water as it can expand your aluminum item and weaken it eventually.
4. Brush off dirt and grime
Take out the aluminum item from the mixture, and using the soft-bristled brush, scrub off the dirt and grime. Make sure to clean every nook and cranny so that the polish goes on evenly. Be gentle with the brush, and ensure you’re not damaging the aluminum.
5. Rinse, rinse, and more rinse
Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the item thoroughly with clean water. Make sure to remove all soapy residues. You can also employ a sponge to wipe down the item if needed.
6. Apply polish
Put a small amount of aluminum polish onto a buffing cloth, gently rub it over the aluminum item to restore and remove the oxidation. Make sure to buff evenly, so there’s a smooth, satin finish on the surface. You can repeat the process if necessary.
7. Finish the process
Once you’ve applied the aluminum polish, set it aside to dry. It typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes to dry, depending on the polish you have used. After that, use a clean buffing cloth, and gently buff the item to remove any excess polish. The buffing process will also make sure the aluminum item has an even finish and remove all smudges and minor scratches.
8. Optional steps
If you have a particularly rough aluminum surface that needs more polishing, you can employ the use of acetone. Apply a small amount of acetone onto a cloth and rub it onto the aluminum surface until clean.
In conclusion, it’s possible to clean oxidized aluminum using these simple steps. However, this isn’t a one-off process, and you may need to repeat, particularly if there’s significant damage due to prolonged oxidation. By following these tips, you can restore your aluminum item back to its original look and prevent it from further damage.