How to Clean Aluminum (6 Tested Methods with Actual Pics)

Have you come across those dish-washing commercials on TV? Do they actually work for you?

Well, let’s not deny the truth. Those commercials making promising claims are just a bunch of people paid to say something far from reality. And this is because they know that you will follow them without question!

Whether or not the ads are true, these products come with hefty prices and contain harsh chemicals that can damage the shine of your kitchenware, especially if it is made of some soft and light metal like aluminum.

Thorough cleaning of aluminum utensils is essential for proper hygiene and the health of your family.

Here are 6 simple and tested, cost-effective and quick methods to help you clean your aluminum kitchenware.

Method 1: Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a proven remedy and an all-in-one solution for cleaning dirty aluminum, silver or any other item.

Things you’ll need:

• Baking soda (mild abrasive) – 1 tablespoon
• Hydrogen peroxide (natural cleaner) – 2 tablespoons
• Water
• Brush

Step 1. Pour hydrogen peroxide over the stained utensil

• Pour 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide over the stained aluminum item.

Step 2. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface

• Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of baking soda over the wet item,so that it completely covers the stained area.

Step 3. Scrub the surface

• Grab a brush and scrub the stained surface thoroughly.

Step 4. Wash with warm water

• Rinse off the item with warm water to remove the baking soda and any traces of grimy residue.
• Finish with washing the item with dish washing soap and pat dry.

Note: Aluminum reacts quickly to sodium bicarbonate and can cause discoloration of your utensil, so it is best to use it in moderate amounts. Do not forget to wash the aluminum item with regular dish soap to remove any traces of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Method 2: Use Citric Acid and Lemon Juice

Citric acid and lemon juice act as mild cleaners for cleaning stubborn stains on aluminum.

Things you’ll need:

• Citric acid (abrasive) – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice (breaks surface corrosion) – 1 tablespoon
• Cleaning brush
• Towel
• Water

Step 1. Mix together citric acid and lemon juice

• Pour 1 tablespoon of citric acid into a bowl.
• Add an equal portion of lemon juice to the acid.
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2. Pour the mixture and scrub

• Pour the acid-lemon mixture into your dirty pan.
• Scrub vigorously for 3 to 4 minutes over the stained portions.

Step 3. Wash and pat dry

• Rinse off the item with water and pat dry.

Method 3: Use Flour, Salt and Vinegar

A blend of flour, salt and vinegar is another effective remedy for cleaning stained aluminum utensils at home.

Things you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour (mild abrasive) – 1 tablespoon
• Salt (cuts out stains) – 1 teaspoon
• White vinegar (natural cleaner) – 1 tablespoon
• Damp towel
• Small brush
• Water

Step 1. Mix the ingredients together well

• Place 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour in a bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
• Blend the mixture well to form a smooth paste.

Step 2. Coat the metal with the paste

• Using a brush, apply the paste evenly all over the stained metal.
• Allow the paste to work and dry for 30 to 40 minutes.

Step 3. Scrub, rinse and pat dry

• Dampen the cleaning mixture with water and scrub gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Rinse it off with water and then pat dry.

Method 4: Use Ketchup

Ketchup is an incredible resource to get rid of oxidation of aluminum.

Things you’ll need:

• Ketchup (tarnish remover)
• Soft brush
• Damp towel
• Water

Step 1. Cover the object with a layer of ketchup

• Coat the entire aluminum item with a light layer of ketchup.
• Allow the ketchup to sit and dry for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2. Rub with a soft cloth and rinse with water

• Grab a soft cloth and gently rub the ketchup around on the item.
• Rinse the item immediately with water to avoid any streaks or spots.

Method 5: Use White Vinegar and Water

The acetic acid present in white vinegar works wonders for getting rid of grease and oil on aluminum objects.

Things you’ll need:

• White vinegar (weakens tarnish) – 1 tablespoon
• Water – 2 tablespoons
• An old toothbrush
• Sponge

Step 1. Dilute white vinegar

• Dilute white vinegar with water in a 1:2 ratio.

Note: You can also use distilled white vinegar and apply it directly over the object. It will soften the grime quickly.

Step 2. Soak a sponge in the solution and rub it on the item

• Soak a sponge in the diluted solution and rub it all over the surface of the item.

Step 3. Brush clean and wash

• Grab an old toothbrush and work it along the ends and corners of the surface to rub off any traces of food and grime.
• Rinse off the object with water and pat dry.

Method 6: Use Dish Soap and White Vinegar

A combination of dish soap and white vinegar works amazingly to restore the shine and luster of your aluminum object.

Things you’ll need:

• Dish soap (commercial cleaner) – 1 tablespoon
• White vinegar (weakens surface corrosion) – 3 tablespoons
• Cleaning brush
• Damp towel
• Water

Step 1. Dilute dish soap in white vinegar

• Pour 1 tablespoon of dish soap into a bowl.
• Pour in 3 tablespoons of white vinegar.
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2. Soak a brush in the solution and work on surface

• Pick a cleaning brush and soak it in the diluted solution.
• Rub the brush on the aluminum surface using vigorous motions.

Step 3. Rinse and pat dry

• Rinse off the object with water and pat dry.
• Repeat the process if necessary.

Tips

• If you do not wish to use steel wool soap pads, you can try baking soda or ground up lemon peel to clean your cookware and remove any dirty buildup.
• You can try removing the stains with whitening toothpaste containing baking soda and peroxide. All you need to do is apply it with a dry paper towel and rub in circular motions until the stains are completely gone.
• Borax also comes in handy for cleaning cooking surfaces. However, make sure you rinse them thoroughly before using.
• For restoring the shine and luster of your aluminum pots, boil them with apple peels for a couple of minutes.
• If you are short on time, you can use Bar Keepers Friend (a household commercial cleaner) for cleaning aluminum sinks.

Summary of How to Clean Aluminum

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