How to clean aluminium

Discover the secret to a flawless shine in aluminium with our cleaning tips. We show you how to clean grey, white or rusty aluminium.

Aluminium is one of the most common materials in our homes. You will find it in small items, like saucepans, in electrical appliances and even in windows. It use is widespread due to its resistance, lightness and easy maintenance. However, it needs to be cleaned properly for it to look shiny and flawless, as fingerprints, splashes or smudges can damage it and remove the shine.

How to clean aluminium until it shines

First of all, you must remove the dirt and dust with a damp microfibre cloth or a soft sponge. We recommend you do so using horizontal rather than circular movements, to get an even result.

Then, use a specific product for cleaning aluminium. One of the most effective is the ammonia cleaner due to its great degreasing power and its capacity to remove stubborn stains and neutralise odours. What’s more, it is suitable for use in the food industry, which is why there is no problem if you use it in your kitchen, and it is not corrosive. This is very important to keep in mind.

Another advantage of this product is that it does not need to be dried, which makes cleaning much easier.

How to clean rusty aluminium

Although aluminium is one of the least corrosive metals, it can get rusty. This is the result of a chemical reaction due to its contact with oxygen and moisture in the air, making it take on a reddish colour and appear worn.

To remove rust you can choose home remedies like vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.

You can use the same dynamic with all three products. First, you must remove the most visible stains with soap and water and then, apply any of the products diluted in lukewarm water. You must not apply vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or cream of tartare  directly on the items to be cleaned, as it could have the opposite effect and damage the surface. Once any of the mixtures has been applied, leave them on for 10 or 15 minutes. Lastly, you will need to clean the surfaces with lukewarm water and dry immediately. 

How to clean white aluminium

You can normally find white aluminium on windows. So knowing how to clean it properly is essential to prevent your windows turning that yellowish tone you hate so much.

• Mix soap and water and rub the frames with a soft sponge
• Remove any remains of soap with a damp cloth. Make sure the cloth you use does not shed any lint and that it is not rough
• Use kitchen towel or newspaper to dry well.
• If the stains are embedded in the windows, use a detergent with ammonia to remove them. We advise you to dilute it in water
• Dry your windows well

If the stains do not disappear with this process, you can use car wax to polish aluminium.