Anodized aluminum is durable, strong, and highly corrosion-resistant. Anodized aluminum is not a material but a surface finish for aluminum. Anodized aluminum has a tough oxide layer between 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers thick. Industrial standards range between 5 – 25 micrometers for anodized layers.
When cleaning aluminum, it is possible to scratch or agitate the anodized layer, which is why it is important to learn how to clean anodized aluminum without damaging it.
1 Water and Soap
Title: Saop To clean aluminum
You can clean your anodized aluminum using a mild dishwashing soap and water mixture.
Things You Need
- Dishwashing liquid with pH 7 to 8. Most gels and dishwashing soaps are 7 to 10, so you can add water to decrease the pH of your mixture.
- No chlorine in the cleaners
- A sponge or microfiber towel
- Soft brush for tougher areas or crevices
Cleaning Steps
- Make a mixture with the water and soap
- Use a cloth or microfiber towel soaked in the liquid to scrape dirt, grease and oil from the aluminum.
- For spots where you find marks, you can use a soft brush to scrape the area.
- Clean anodized aluminum along the direction of the grain or surface lines.
- For aluminum pots and accessories, it is better not to use hot water in a single spot to clean, as it can deform any scratched spot on the layer.
- Rinse the anodized aluminum thoroughly and dry with a towel.
2 Vinegar Spray
Title: mist on aluminum
Vinegar has a low pH, which is not ideal for aluminum. This method requires testing on a small area first before cleaning anodized aluminum.
Things You Need
- Vinegar and water
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning rag or cloth
Cleaning Steps
- Make a 50% water to vinegar solution in a spray bottle
- Mist on a small area to test the solution. If there’s no agitation and discoloration, you can spray on the whole part
- Let the mixture sit on the anodized aluminum for a minimum of 5 minutes.
- Rinse with water and dry from top to bottom.
The vinegar solution works well for any grease and tarnish. You’d typically use it on window frames or any other parts where grease and oils can build up.
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Industrial Ways To Clean Anodized Aluminum
The methods to clean anodized aluminum work well for single parts and items like pots and pans. For industrial applications and a large number of anodized aluminum parts, efficiency and scalability require methods that preserve the anodized layer.
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Pressure Washing & Neutral Cleaner
Title: Pressure washing aluminum
Industrial settings use a pressure washer (100 psi) to spray a neutral industrial detergent, covering the entire aluminum surface. The key here is the water pressure, which can scrape dirt, dust oxidation, and chemicals that can remove grease at the same time.
Pressure-washing anodized aluminum is useful for railings, facades, and industrial parts.
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Vapor Degreasing
Automotive aluminum parts can get covered in dust and thick grease overtime. Such parts cannot be cleaned using standard cleaning methods for anodized aluminum.
Vapor degreasing involves placing these aluminum parts in closed containers with a chemical solvent that heats up and evaporates.
The parts are suspended above this solvent and the vapor condenses on the cold part eating into the grease and dirt leaving behind a clean pristine metal.
Vapor degreasing is good for CNC machined anodized parts with cutting fluids build up or industrial equipment.
Maintaining Anodized Aluminum Parts
Anodized aluminum essentially has a tough layer, but it can get scratched or damaged. Maintaining anodized aluminum parts improves part longevity and preserves their shine.
Step-by-step Guide To Preserve Anodized Aluminum
- Wipe the anodized aluminum surface with a cleaning rag.
- Use an abrasive sponge where there is a build-up of dirt
- Rinse the part and dry
- Use a non-abrasive particle-free wax or a car wax to add another layer of protection
- Inspect the aluminum for any kind of wear or scratches
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Aluminum Anodizing Service at Pro-LeanTech
Trying to find ways to enhance your aluminum parts? At Prolean-Tech we offer many surface finishing solutions.
- PVDF Coatings
- Anodizing
- Hard anodizing
- Aldoining and many other surface finishing options to choose from.
FAQ
- How do you clean anodized aluminum?
You can easily clean anodized aluminum using a neutral pH cleaning soap and water mixture. Lightly scrub the area using an abrasive sponge, rinse, and dry the aluminum part and apply a wax on top as a protective coat.
- How do you remove oxidation from anodized aluminum?
The best way to remove oxidation without damaging your anodized aluminum is through vinegar and water spray. For heavy oxidation, you can use Simple Green Pro HD without etching aluminum.
- How do you clean anodized aluminum pans?
You can wash your anodized aluminum pans using dishwashing liquid and mildly warm water. Use a standard abrasive sponge to scrape the aluminum pan and rinse the soap off the pan.
- What can damage anodized aluminum?
Anodized aluminum can be damaged by sharp tools, metal contact, chemicals, acids, and strong pH solutions.
- How to restore hard anodized aluminum?
The best way to salvage old hard anodized aluminum is by using vinegar and baking soda for stains and applying a polish over the minor scratches.
- What stains anodized aluminum?
Your anodized aluminum cookware can be stained by acidic fruits over time or harsh cleaning chemicals like bleach. Anodized aluminum parts like panels on vehicles can degrade over time under weathering and abrasions.
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