Cleaning Anodized Aluminum

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated August 12, 2024)

Anodized aluminum is a type of aluminum that has been put through a special process to help protect and strengthen the metal. This process, while it can do wonders, does not remove the need to further clean that metallic surface. Often this process, which is called anodizing, can actually make the cleaning process a little more difficult than it normally would be.

When some type of gunk or grime actually gets encrusted onto the material or, in the case of cookware, burned on, it can seem next to impossible to get them removed. Here are some ideas that you can use to actually get this wonderful material clean.

  • Zud. Zud is an extremely effective, heavy-duty abrasive cleanser that can be purchased at just about every grocery and department store. Use this cleaner by simply sprinkling a little (no more than a finger full) onto the surface and scrub with a damp (not wet) flat sponge. It's important not to use too much water as this cleaner doesn't suds up and you will lose the scrubbing power—you will want to use a "dry" paste. A little Zud will go a long way.
  • Copper-Glo. Made by the same company as Bar Keeper's Friend, this cleaner is specially formulated to clean copper. Surprisingly enough it is also cleans anodized aluminum remarkably well. Applied in the same manner as Zud, or Bar Keeper's Friend, Copper-Glo works so well that you will not have to scrub anywhere as hard as you would think. Simply rub with a damp (not wet) rag, rinse off, and dry.
  • Drain Cleaner. It may sound silly, but drain cleaner is an extremely useful tool in cleaning anodized aluminum. Simply pour some of the cleaner onto a soft rag or sponge, and rub it onto the aluminum. Rinse it off, and see how clean the surface is. Repeat as necessary, and when clean rub the surface dry with a towel.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

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