How to clean aluminium?

Keeping aluminium in perfect conditions is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also durability. This metal, which can be found in frying pans and even window and door frames in our homes, stands out for its lightness, strength and easy maintenance. Nevertheless, daily wear and tear (fingerprints, splashes and stains) can wear it out and fade its original finish.

If you are wondering how to clean aluminium to bring back its original shine, here is a complete guide with practical tips to make your home brighter.

How to clean aluminium step by step

The key to the question is technique and materials. Forget about metal scouring pads or other abrasive products that can scratch the surface. Instead, the following steps are recommended:

1. Clean off any dust. Start by dusting the surface of the aluminium using a dry microfibre cleaning cloth or soft sponge.
2. Initial washing. Use a mixture of warm water and neutral soap. The secret is the movement: clean in horizontal swipes, avoiding circles to prevent leaving visible marks.
3. Apply the cleaner. You can choose specific products or a diluted ammonia cleaner. Ammonia is used a lot in the food industry and the home because of its degreasing power and the fact that it is not corrosive.
4. Rinsing and drying. Although some modern products do not require drying, it is always a good idea to wipe the surface with a soft cloth to avoid any water drops leaving limescale stains behind.

Aluminium windows without marks and with a perfect finish

Aluminium window frames suffer the most from sunlight and pollution. In fact, a lot of users specifically ask how to clean aluminium window frames because they tend to “burn” in the sun or lose their colour.

If your home is fitted with lacquered window frames, it makes it even more challenging. Learning how to clean white aluminium window frames is essential to avoid that ugly yellowing. The ideal process is as follows:

• Clean the frames with soap and water using a soft sponge.
• If there are any embedded grease stains, use a detergent containing diluted ammonia.
• For a perfect finish, dry the frames using kitchen roll or microfibre cleaning cloths to get rid of any remaining moisture and to give them some extra shine.

How to get rid of stains from aluminium without damaging it

Soap and water are sometimes not enough. If you want to clean aluminium to bring back the shine and also want to get rid of any stubborn finger stains or splashes, the key is to be patient and to use the right product.

If any stains remain on lacquered surfaces after normal cleaning, professionals often resort to car wax. Applying a small amount and gently polishing with a dry cloth can restore the protective layer of the material and bring back its original shine. This is undoubtedly one of the best techniques to clean white aluminium when it has lost its shine.

What to do when aluminium has rusted or is very dirty

Despite it being “stainless”, it can undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen and the moisture in the air, creating an opaque or even reddish layer that makes it look old and worn. If you have that problem, you are probably wondering how to clean rusty aluminium.

There are often doubts about what to call acid to clean aluminium. In industry hydrofluoric acid is used or specific acid solutions, but they are extremely dangerous for domestic use, and we therefore advise against using them.

For household cleaning, natural acids such as vinegar or lemon juice mixed with baking powder is a lot safer and are also effective. Nevertheless, never apply the mixture directly, it should always be diluted in warm water and left on the surface for around 10 minutes before rinsing it off. This softens the rust without damaging the metal.

Keys to keeping aluminium clean for longer

Prevention is the best way to keep it clean. In order to avoid having to research on how to clean aluminium window frames every month, follow these tips:

• Regularity. Cleaning every fortnight will prevent dirt from building up and embedding in the pores of the metal.
• Avoid direct sunlight. Try to clean aluminium surfaces when they are not in direct sunlight. The heat dries the products too quickly and leaves marks behind that are impossible to get rid of.
• Extra protection. Once they are clean, a coat of liquid Vaseline applied using a dry cloth is a good idea.

In short, looking after aluminium in the home is more a matter of “TLC” than brute force. With our recommendations your windows and utensils will recover their original shine, making your home much brighter and cared for. So, why not get down to it?