Cleaning Anodized Aluminum

by Lee Wyatt
(last updated June 15, 2015)

2

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. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Top 10 Exotic Pets

Everyone needs a little help when choosing their pets. If you have ever wondered about some pets that would be a little ...

Discover More

Coffee Machines

Anyone that drinks coffee will attest to just how important and vital the coffee machine can be. Coffee machines are ...

Discover More

Removing Bad Odors from Ducts

For the most part, central air systems are a wonderful invention that can simply make our lives better in both cold and ...

Discover More

Tough Tools for Tough Cleaning Jobs O-Cel-O sponges and Scotch Brite scrubbers are truly a fashion-meets-function success story. The highly absorbent and durable sponges in this handy six-pack make quick work of tough cleaning problems in any kitchen, bathroom, or garage. Check out Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges today!

More Cleaning Tips

Polishing Silver

Used to make flatware, jewelry, and dishes, silver is a versatile metal. While not as soft as gold, silver is soft and ...

Discover More

Cleaning Bronze

Over time, bronze can become dull and even green. If you prefer your bronze to stay bright and shiny, follow these tips ...

Discover More

Cleaning Silver-Plated Coffee Pots

If you are looking to add a little bit of elegance to your kitchen, then you can't really go wrong with some ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is eight less than 8?

2018-04-03 14:36:14

Ryan

!!!WARNING!!!
DO NOT USE DRAIN CLEANERS TO CLEAN ALUMINUM.
The recommendation in this article to use drain cleaner is ignorant to the point of being dangerous. Most drain cleaners are formulated with high concentrations of sodium hydroxide, which will dissolve aluminum in an extremely exothermic reaction, and poduce explosive hydrogen gas.

Pull this guy's card!

2015-06-15 09:40:45

JJ

Why can't good, earth-friendly baking soda do just as well as those chemicals?

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2019 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.