There are many aluminum products in our lives, such as aluminum kettles, aluminum pots, etc. How should these products be cleaned? In other words, what is the best way to clean aluminum products? Today Peak Fasten Tech will check it together with you.

The best ways to clean aluminum products include the following:‌

1.Industrial cleaning solution (suitable for precision parts or batch processing)

‌Alkaline solution cleaning method‌: Soaking aluminum products in alkaline solution can effectively remove the oxide film and dirt on the surface. After soaking, rinse with distilled water and boil to close the pores of the oxide film to prevent the adsorption of dirt again.

This method needs to pay attention to: ‌PH value control‌: Use an alkaline solution containing phosphate or silicate corrosion inhibitors, and the PH value is strictly controlled between 9-11 to avoid excessive corrosion of aluminum.

‌Operation process‌: Soak aluminum parts → emulsify grease → remove surface dirt → regularly replace the cleaning solution (because the decontamination ability decreases after the solution is lost).

Nitric acid solution treatment‌ (auxiliary deoxidation layer): For the gray oxide film produced after chemical polishing, it is necessary to use nitric acid solution to remove it, and hot water is needed to rinse and replenish the acid concentration after pickling.

‌Typical scenarios‌: Industrial products that require high cleanliness, such as aluminum welding wire and precision parts.

2. Household daily cleaning methods (safe and convenient)

Baking soda cleaning method‌: Mix baking soda and white vinegar to make a cleaning agent, and gently wipe the yellow scale on the aluminum products with a soft sponge. This method is gentle and does not damage the aluminum surface. 

Stubborn stain treatment‌: Mix baking soda and warm water into a paste, apply it and let it stand for 10 minutes, and remove the dirt through micro-grinding.

‌Lemon juice cleaning method‌: Apply lemon juice on aluminum products and wipe it with a soft cloth. The acidic components of lemon juice can decompose stains and add gloss.

‌White vinegar cleaning method‌: Mix an appropriate amount of vinegar and warm water, dilute it at a ratio of 1:3 and wipe the aluminum products. The acidic components can dissolve the oxide layer, effectively remove the yellow scale, and will not damage the aluminum surface, so that the product can restore its gloss. Or soak the aluminum products in the mixed solution for about 5 minutes, and then gently wipe the aluminum products with a clean cloth or sponge. If there are stubborn stains on the aluminum products, you can use a soft brush to gently scrub them, and finally rinse them with clean water.

‌Toothpaste cleaning method‌: Use a soft brush to dip toothpaste and gently scrub the stubborn stains on aluminum products. The abrasive in the toothpaste can effectively remove the dirt. The abrasive in the toothpaste can treat small areas of oxidized spots, and the effect is better when brushing with a soft brush.

Soapy water cleaning method‌: Put the aluminum product in a large bowl or basin, add an appropriate amount of warm water, add a small spoonful of detergent and stir evenly. Then wipe the aluminum product clean with a cleaning cloth or sponge, and finally rinse with clean water.

2.Special Scenarios Treatment Recommendations

Chemical cleaning: Suitable for cleaning welding wires and industrial products that are small in size and produced in batches. There are two methods: immersion and scrubbing. You can use acetone, gasoline, kerosene and other organic solvents to degrease the surface, use 5%-10% NaOH solution at 40°C-70°C for 3-7 minutes (pure aluminum takes a little longer but not more than 20 minutes), rinse with running water, then pickle with 30% HNO3 solution at room temperature to 60°C for 1-3 minutes, rinse with running water, and air dry or dry at low temperature.

‌Mechanical cleaning‌: For large-sized aluminum parts or welding parts surfaces, copper wire brushes or ultrasonic cleaning methods (stripping stains through high-frequency vibration) can be used.

‌Precautions‌: Avoid using hard tools such as steel wool to prevent scratching the surface; strong acids (such as concentrated sulfuric acid) or strong alkalis (PH>11) will corrode aluminum. After cleaning, it is recommended to wipe dry and apply anti-rust oil or special aluminum alloy coating to extend the anti-oxidation cycle.

The precautions for cleaning aluminum products mainly include the following aspects:

‌Choose a suitable cleaning agent‌: Aluminum can be cleaned with acidic or alkaline cleaning agents. For heavy oil and dirt, alkaline cleaning agents are generally more effective. For light stains and oxides, acidic cleaning agents can be used. No matter which cleaning agent is used, it is necessary to pay attention to the acid-base concentration of the cleaning agent and the cleaning time and temperature to avoid corrosion and damage to the aluminum surface.

‌Avoid excessive wear‌: Aluminum is relatively soft, so you need to be careful during the cleaning process and avoid using manual or abrasive materials to avoid scratching the aluminum surface. Generally, hanging or assembly line cleaning is used to protect the work piece from mutual wear.

‌Post-cleaning treatment‌: The aluminum after cleaning needs to be dried in time to avoid water stains and scale on the surface of the aluminum, which affects the appearance and spraying quality. You can use a high-pressure water gun for cleaning, thoroughly remove the stains, and then rinse with clean water.

‌Environmental protection and safety‌: Choose phosphorus-free, heavy metal-free, biodegradable cleaning agents, such as EU RoHS certified products. When using solvent-based cleaning agents, attention should be paid to ventilation and explosion prevention.

Protective measures: When cleaning aluminum alloy die-castings, protective gloves and goggles should be worn to prevent the cleaning agent from causing harm to the human body. After cleaning, the waste liquid should be disposed of in time to avoid environmental pollution.

The best method for cleaning aluminum products should be selected according to the type of stains and usage scenarios. In industrial environments, alkaline cleaning and acid cleaning are preferred, and mild methods such as white vinegar or baking soda are recommended for daily home use. Different aluminum products may require different cleaning methods, and the most suitable method should be selected for cleaning. In addition, safety should be paid attention to when performing any cleaning work to avoid damage to the skin and the environment caused by chemicals and mechanical operations. The above methods can effectively clean aluminum products and restore their luster, while paying attention to usage methods and maintenance to extend their service life.

Wanna to know more, or have parts that need our help no matter in suggestions or design or making, please feel free to contact with us. Peak Fasten Tech, a professional one stop aluminum CNC parts supplier are always here ready to help.