How to Clean Anodized Aluminum

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Looking to brighten your anodized aluminum pots or get debris off of your home’s aluminum fixtures? Anodized aluminum is notorious for being easy to scratch, but it’s a lot easier to clean that you’d think. So long as you don’t use extremely harsh chemicals and you stay away from cleaning materials that will scratch it, you should be good to go. In this article, we’ll walk you thorough everything you need to know about cleaning anodized aluminum.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Scrubbing Anodized Aluminum

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  1. The best cleaners for anodized aluminum are in the pH range of six to eight. Seven is neutral (as opposed to acidic or alkaline), so you want cleaners that are close to neutral. Anything too acidic or too basic can damage the surface.
    • Avoid cleaners with chlorine.
    • Dishwashing soap or Bar Keepers Friend are a good choices. [1]
    • While you may reach for baking soda as an easy and natural cleaner, it's not a good choice for anodized aluminum, as it is on the basic side of the pH scale. It can end up damaging the metal, which you don't want. However, the opposite is also true: acidic cleaners aren't great either. Basically, don't use anything too harsh on anodized aluminum. [2]
  2. Before you use the cleaner on the whole area, try it out on an area that can't be seen well. Make sure the cleaner doesn't stain or damage the anodized aluminum before using it to clean the rest of the aluminum.
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  3. A sponge with a bit of abrasion can help clean the tough surface of anodized aluminum. [3] However, stick to something with mild abrasive properties, such as a scrubby sponge, not a steel wool scrubber. If it's only lightly soiled, stick to a clean rag or washcloth. [4]
  4. Scrub the area with soap and water, focusing on particularly dirty areas. Start with a less abrasive tool, such as a clean rag or washcloth. If that doesn't work, use the scrubby side of a sponge to clean it off. Rub the metal in the direction of the grain. [5] [6]
    • If you're washing an anodized aluminum pot, make sure you always wash it by hand. It shouldn't go in the dishwasher. Also, never plunge a hot pot into water, as it can warp it. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Rinsing and Drying Anodized Aluminum

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  1. Once the aluminum is clean, wash it off until the surface is free from residue. Any residue left on the aluminum could damage it. This step is especially important if you used any kind of harsh cleaner. It needs to be removed from the surface. [8]
  2. When rinsing, it's important to start at the top and work your way down. That way, you're not rinsing residue back on to an area you've already cleaned off. It's more efficient and better for the metal overall. [9]
  3. If possible, dry the metal off with a cloth to prevent streaking and spots. Plus, using a cloth can help remove any remaining residue. However, if the area is too big, you can just let it dry by itself. If you notice streaking, use a cloth on it to remove the streaking. [10]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Anodized Aluminum

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  1. If you have rub marks on your surface, try using a somewhat abrasive pad (like an abrasive sponge) on it. It should take out minor rub marks on the surface, helping it to look nice again. [11]
  2. If your aluminum had an additional coating, such as beeswax, it can be beneficial to reapply a layer after cleaning. You'll likely need to melt beeswax first, then apply it with a rag, rubbing it into the metal. [12]
  3. You can use other protective coatings to seal your aluminum, applied in different ways. [13] For instance, you can paint on a protective coating, letting it even out on its own as you go. [14] You can also use methylated spirits or any number of spray products meant to seal anodized aluminum.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Do you need to seal anodized aluminum?
    Cleanzen Cleaning Services
    Residential Cleaning Specialists
    Cleanzen Cleaning Services is an organization consisting of Residential Cleaning Specialists based in Boston, MA. The Cleanzen Cleaning Services Team consists of Residential Cleaning Specialists. With more than six years of experience, they specialize in connecting independent cleaning professionals with those who need help cleaning their houses. All of Cleanzen’s professionals are experienced and licensed and have passed background checks.
    Cleanzen Cleaning Services
    Residential Cleaning Specialists
    Expert Answer
    It's a good idea! To protect the anodized aluminum after it is clean, you can apply an anodic coating product that may be purchased from a paint or hardware store.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Gentle cleaner
      • Non-abrasive sponge or rag
      • Water
      • Coating

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      References

      1. ↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
      2. ↑ https://www.calphalon.com/supportShow?cfid=cookware-use-and-care
      3. ↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
      4. ↑ https://sweets.construction.com/swts_content_files/1304/830545.pdf
      5. ↑ https://linetec.com/anodize/anodize-cleaning-maintenance/
      6. ↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
      7. ↑ https://www.calphalon.com/supportShow?cfid=cookware-use-and-care
      8. ↑ https://sweets.construction.com/swts_content_files/1304/830545.pdf
      9. ↑ https://linetec.com/anodize/anodize-cleaning-maintenance/
      1. ↑ https://www.everbritecoatings.com/aluminum.htm
      2. ↑ https://sweets.construction.com/swts_content_files/1304/830545.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MFt3gM06JI
      4. ↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
      5. ↑ https://www.everbritecoatings.com/aluminum.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean anodized aluminum, start by dampening a rag with soapy water and using it to wipe the metal. For particularly dirty areas, use a scrubby sponge instead of a rag. Make sure to scrub in the direction of the metal's grain to avoid leaving scratch marks. Then, rinse the metal thoroughly with clean water, and dry the surface with a dry cloth to prevent streaking and spots. For tips on how to add protective coatings to your anodized aluminum surfaces, read on!

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