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Sandy asked: I have many aluminum platters and trays from the 1940s. How do I clean them to get rid of the tarnish without scratching them? These pieces were given as wedding gifts and were considered to be poor man’s silver. They are dull and I would love to clean them, but the product I tried was too abrasive and scratched the surface. Help!
Aluminum is commonly used in a variety of products from car wheels to dishes to window frames. Over time, these aluminum pieces can develop a dark color and lose their shine. Here are the simple steps to bring your aluminum piece back to life and its original luster.
You Will Need:
- Regular dish soap
- Cream of tartar
- Aluminum polish
- Water
- Soft cloths
- Old toothbrush
Steps to Clean and Polish Aluminum:
- Begin by washing the aluminum piece with water and regular dish soap. Use a soft cloth to scrub away dirt build up that may have occurred over time.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Next, mix cream of tartar with a small amount of water to form a paste.
- Use the soft cloth to apply the paste to the surface of the aluminum. Use small circular motions to clean the surface.
- An old toothbrush can be used to clean designs or corners in the piece.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Next, apply aluminum polish to the surface with a soft cloth. Only apply the polish to aluminum pieces that are not used for food as it is not safe to be consumed. It can be applied to the outside of pans and pots, but do not place it on areas that will come in contact with burners or fire. Use small circular motions to apply and rub it in. Remove with a soft clean cloth and buff to shine.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- Do not use baking soda or other alkali-based cleaners on aluminum as it can cause discoloration.
- Aluminum scratches fairly easily, so avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbers when cleaning and polishing.
- Whenever using a new cleaning product on your aluminum piece, it is advisable to test a small, hidden area first to ensure there are no unwanted effects to the surface.
- Dry the surface immediately when rinsing after polishing to avoid streaks and spots.
There are chemical removers that will take away this white layer, or rubbing vinegar over the surface may help as well. Be aware that once this white film develops, it can be very difficult to get rid of. It will require persistence or just living with it.
I have an aluminium statue that has some water stains that I want to remove without damaging any of the protective coating. Can anyone tell me a foolproof technique as the statues don’t belong to me.
I mistakenly put my mother’s aluminum serving tray in the dishwasher and it came out black. How do I clean it to restore its previous shine? I have a set of three and now know to never put them in a dishwasher! Thanks.
I have picked up a vintage “juicer”. The parts that actually press the fruit is made of aluminum . Now that I have them cleaned naturally, how do I polish them back to their original shine?
I just moved into a new apartment. The aluminum refrigerator freezer door has small brownish stains on it. I tried vinegar and water, but it didn’t help. I don’t know what the stain is, possibly rust. What will remove these stains?
Barbara,
Use Bar Keepers Friend. It is available at most major supermarkets. You can get it as either a powder or liquid; the powder is the most common version. Sprinkle some powder onto a damp cloth, then gently rub the stains. Bar Keepers Friend contains oxalic acid, which is why it should work well on rust. If you would prefer to use a home remedy, you can try using a little baking soda instead, however be very gentle as the baking soda is a mild abrasive that could scratch the metal. Good luck!
Source: Wikipedia – Bar Keepers Friend
Use cream of tartar and a little water to make a paste. Rub it and rinse with clean cloth. Don’t use baking soda; it will scratch the aluminum.
Hi. May I ask what cream of tartar is and where can I find it?
Very much appreciated, thanks so much.
Raquel,
Cream of tartar is an acidic powder commonly used in cooking. More specifically, it’s potassium bitartarate. You can find it with the spices or baking supplies at most grocery stores or supermarkets. Good luck!
Source: Wikipedia – Potassium bitartarate
Is there a way to restore the shine of an aluminum Christmas tree?
I have some vintage aluminum luggage. My great uncle was a salesman for Wear Ever and I have two of his display cases. I don’t really want them to shine like new, but they’ve been in a dirty basement. What is the best way to clean without damaging?
Michal,
The steps in the guide should not cause any damage, however it’s always best to test a method in a small hidden area first. It’s important to wash the surface before cleaning as tiny pieces of dirt can cause scratches when cleaning and polishing the aluminum. You may be able to get away with only washing and using aluminum polish (no tartar). Good luck!
I have tons of aluminum gift ware. Does it have any value?
Teri,
Yes, aluminum does have value as scrap metal. Just like soda cans can be turned in to scrap centers for money, so can other aluminum products. Scrap metal is paid by weight, so the heavier the item, the more it will be worth. Soda cans are usually worth about five cents in most U.S. states for comparison. Good luck!
Teri –
Yes, aluminum gift ware does have value, beyond scrap metal. You can sell it on sites such as etsy, etc. Prices depend upon the condition of the piece(s) and the maker. Even those pieces without makermarks can garner a good price. You can research a price for your piece(s) on the Internet fairly easily. Good luck!
Instead of aluminum polish, what else can be used on an aluminum platter that will be used to hold food?
Hi Susan,
This is the guide you need for cleaning aluminum used for food: How to Clean an Aluminum Pizza Pan. Good luck!