4 Recipes for Homemade Aluminum Cleaning Solutions

Aluminum pot

Aluminum is a type of non-ferrous metal with a low density. It is also corrosion-resistant, which makes it an ideal material for many common items, such as pots, pans, sheds, carports, etc. However, aluminum can also tarnish. There are some homemade solutions to bring back the shine of your aluminum items without the use of commercially-produced products. Below are some great homemade recipes you can use to clean your aluminum items till they shine again.

1. Discolored Aluminum

One of the most common problems with products made from aluminum is that they lose their color. If one of your aluminum items has become discolored, you can use plain vinegar or cream of tartar to restore the color of the aluminum.

All you need is 1 tablespoon the vinegar for every 1 quart of water. Heat this solution in the aluminum pan until discoloration disappears. You can also use 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar for every 1 quart of water. Using the same method of heating until discoloration is no longer apparent. For other items, soak in the solution until the discoloration fades.

2. Aluminum Door Frames and Windows

Sometimes cleaning aluminum windows and door frames with soap and water is not enough. Using plain soap and water can not bring back the original luster of the aluminum. However, there is a simple homemade recipe that you can do to bring the shine back into the aluminum.

All you need is a few slices of lemon, water, and vinegar. These three common household items are all you need to create a fantastic cleaning solution that can also bring the shine back into your window and door frames. To create this recipe, mix 4 cups of water and 1 cup of vinegar in a container or spray bottle. Rub the lemon slices directly onto the aluminum surface and then rinse it off using the water and vinegar solution.

3. Aluminum Pots and Pans

You do not need to scrub your aluminum pots and pans to death to keep it clean and shiny. There is a homemade recipe that you can create to clean your pots and maintain their luster. You need cream of tartar and either vinegar or lemon juice for this homemade recipe.

All you need to do is to fill up your pan or pot with water, making sure that you use about 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar for every 1 quart of water. Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice or vinegar into the pot. Allow this solution to reach rolling boil. Let it boil for 10 more minutes before you remove the solution from the pot. Let the pot cool. Once the pan or pot is cool, wash it and allow it to dry. This will effectively clean your aluminum pots and pans and at the same time restore their shine.

4. Other Aluminum Items

Aside from using vinegar, cream of tartar, or lemon as ingredients to your homemade aluminum cleaning solutions, you can also use tomatoes and rhubarb. These two uncommon ingredients can be used to clean smaller items made from aluminum. All you need is to fill a container with water, place the aluminum item in the container, and add some stalks of rhubarb or tomatoes. Boil everything together. After boiling the solution, turn the heat off and let the liquid mixture cool. You can now wipe the item dry with a clean cloth.