The aluminum it is very present in our homes. Many household appliances contain aluminum coatings and there are many kitchen utensils made with this metal because it is a light metal and a good conductor of heat. It is also a metal with a lot of presence in exterior elements: windows, frames ...
The shine of aluminum is attractive to us to decorate our home, however, we do not always know how to keep it in good condition. The best way to do it is clean it regularly, so that dirt does not accumulate and deteriorate. There are also some tricks and homemade formulas to clean aluminum that we think you should know, we will show you!
Aluminum is a very versatile and resistant material and as such widely used both indoors and outdoors. However, it is also a delicate material, since they can discolor with the use, scratch if we do not treat it properly and dent with simple blows. Hence, it is important to know with what and how to clean it.
How to clean aluminum
Regular cleaning of aluminum utensils is key to preventing dirt build-up and preventing spoilage. rust buildup aluminum, a form of corrosion that can affect the integrity of the metal. There are a wide variety of products for cleaning aluminum. However, we can also use effective homemade formulas for the same purpose.
Whichever product is chosen, to clean and dry the aluminum you must use soft cloths and sponges that do not damage its surface. In addition, the aluminum must be treated with back and forth movements, that is, back and forth, avoiding making circular movements that could spoil its uniformity. It is also advisable to carry out a test in an inconspicuous place, before applying the solution to the entire object and in the case of commercial polishers, follow the manufacturer's instructions step by step.
Before applying a cleansing formula ...
Before applying any cleaning formula, we will use a soapy solution for degreasing and remove stains from the aluminum surface. We will do it with a cloth or a sponge, without scratching or damaging the surface. By cleaning it regularly in this way, we will be able to keep the aluminum in an optimal state.
If the dirt has accumulated and the soap solution is not enough to restore the shine to the aluminum, we will have to use more active solutions. Acid solutions that will return the color to the aluminum effectively.
Formulas for cleaning aluminum
To remove aggressive stains from aluminum, acid solutions made with common products in our homes such as ammonia, vinegar or lemon juice can be used. These solutions reduce discoloration caused by oxidation and return the shine to objects.
- The vinegar It is one of the foods that is most useful when cleaning. It is used for almost everything, there are few things that you cannot clean at home using vinegar. In the case of using it to clean aluminum, the ideal is to boil water with the appropriate proportion of vinegar (2 tablespoons for 1/4 of water) in a large container and place the objects to be cleaned in it until the aluminum has discolored. Then we will let the water cool down, rinse the cleaned objects under the tap and dry with a soft cloth.
We can substitute the vinegar for lemon juice or cream of tartar obtaining similar results. In any case, it is advisable to wear gloves and heat the solution in a ventilated area so as not to inhale the vapors and avoid possible headaches.
- Another way to clean aluminum is by creating a pasta with vinegar, salt and flour. We will start by pouring a tablespoon of salt into a container with a cup of vinegar and then, little by little, add the flour while mixing to get a uniform paste. Once achieved, we will apply the paste on the metal with a soft cloth and let it act for a minimum of 20 minutes. Afterwards, we will rinse with warm water and dry with a flannel.
- The ketchup It also seems to be a good option for cleaning this metal. The idea is to cover the object with a thin layer of ketchup and let it act for between 10 and 20 minutes. Ketchup is corrosive so the time must be controlled so that unwanted effects are not produced in the area of application. Then it will be enough to rub the surface and rinse with lukewarm water.
As you can see, there are numerous ways to clean aluminum without using commercial formulas. Everyday ingredients in this case become your best ally for this. Now that you know how to clean and restore shine to aluminum objects, will you put them into practice? You no longer have excuses! Your kitchen utensils, window frames and decorative objects will have an improved appearance with minimal effort on your part.