Aluminum is a lightweight yet durable metal that should be cleaned with extreme care. Aluminum pots and pans, dishes and sinks should be cleaned periodically to prevent dirt from accumulating. Cleaning also helps prevent the build-up of alumina on the metal surface.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Kitchen Utensils with Mild Acids
Step 1. Wait for the pan to cool
Attempting to clean a hot pan or pot may burn your fingers.
Step 2. Remove dirt and grease
Wash and dry pots and pans to remove all grease and dirt. Wash utensils in warm water and a dish soap to rinse out any excess grease.
Step 3. Scrape off food debris and carbon deposits from the utensil
Try using a dish scraper first. If you are unable to completely clean the utensils with a scraper, pour some water into the bottom of a dirty skillet or saucepan, heat it to a boil, and scrape the dirt off the metal with a wooden spoon.
Step 4. Prepare an acidic solution
For every liter of water, add 2 tablespoons of tartar, white vinegar, or lemon juice.
- The acidic solution reduces the tarnishing of utensils caused by surface oxidation of the metal. You can also rub the surface of the crockery with the juice of sour fruits or vegetables, such as apples or rhubarb. Instead of an acidic solution, you can use the apple peel by placing it in water.
- If desired, you can use a mild aluminum dish cleaner instead of boiling the water. Apply it in the same way as soap or a soft dish brush. Wipe the utensils with a sponge moistened with cleaner, then rinse the cleaner with water and wipe the dishes with a rag.
Step 5. Pour the solution into a saucepan
If you want to clean flat dishes, place them in a saucepan and cover with the solution.
- If you want to clean the pan not only from the inside, but also from the outside, place it in a b Oa large saucepan. If you don't have a larger pot, wipe the outside of the aluminum pot with sliced lemon, dipped in salt.
Step 6. Put the saucepan with the solution on the fire and bring it to a boil
Boil the solution over low heat for 10-15 minutes.
Step 7. When the aluminum brightens, turn off the heat
Wait for the pan and its contents to cool down. Pour the solution out of the pot.
Step 8. Gently wipe the pot (pan) with a scraper, removing any remaining dull stains
Do not use steel wool. It is too hard and can scratch the surface, which will lead to undesirable consequences
Step 9. Dry the pan with a towel
Take a clean towel and wipe dry.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Aluminum Sinks
Step 1. Gently brush the sink to remove any food debris
Food particles can interfere with the removal of the oxide layer, making it difficult to clean the surface.
Step 2. Wash the surface with dishwashing detergent
Rinse off the remaining product thoroughly with water. Make sure that there are no greasy marks on the surface.
Step 3. Take a lemon and cut it in half
Dip half a lemon in salt. Wipe the surface with this half.
Step 4. Wipe the treated surface with a cloth dampened in water
Thoroughly remove all lemon juice and salt residues.
Step 5. Dry the cleaned area with a clean dry towel
Remove any remaining moisture.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning aluminum in your yard
Step 1. Clean aluminum products outside in moderate weather
It is best not to work with metal at very high or low temperatures.
Step 2. Wash the metal surface with mild soap and water
Remove dust, dirt and grease from it.
A mild abrasive such as Soft Scrub can be used to remove scratches and scuffs
Step 3. Use a garden hose to douse the aluminum surface
Thoroughly rinse off any cleaning agent residue.
Step 4. Mix acid and water in a one-to-one ratio
You might, for example, take a cup of vinegar and add a cup of water to it. You can also use tartar or lemon juice.
Instead of a mild acid for cleaning aluminum furniture and fittings, you can use a metal polish paste
Step 5. Wipe the surface with the prepared solution
To avoid scratching the metal, use a soft dish brush. Try to remove dull stains caused by metal oxidation.
Due to surface oxidation, aluminum does not rust. Although oxidation is a form of corrosion, it leads to the formation of a thin oxide film on the aluminum surface, which serves as a reliable protective barrier that protects the metal from water. However, over time, the oxide film grows and the metal tarnishes, which adversely affects the appearance of aluminum products
Step 6. Rinse off the solution with water from a garden hose
Make sure there are no traces of solution on the surface.
Step 7. Wipe the surface thoroughly with a dry towel
The next step is better to deal with a dry surface, so dry it thoroughly.
Step 8. Use wax to protect the surface of the items
A layer of car polish wax will protect the metal surface. Apply a thin layer of the paste with a clean piece of cloth, rubbing in a circular motion.