Aluminum is a lightweight but durable metal that is widely used in everyday life. Many household items are made of aluminum, such as pots, pans, rice cookers, and sinks. However, when using aluminum utensils, it is important to clean them regularly to prevent buildup and the oxidation process that causes rust. In this article, we will guide you through the methods to clean dirt on aluminum appliances.
Cleaning Aluminum Pots
1 – Removal of oil
Clean aluminum pots with hot water and dish soap to remove all traces of oil. If you have a spoon, you can use it to remove burnt food or oxidized parts. If you don’t have a spoon, pour boiling water into the container and let it sit, then wash with dish soap.
2 – Remove residue with acidic substances
Mix one liter of water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice. This combination reduces discoloration due to the aluminum oxidation process.
3 – Pour the mixture into the container and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the gas and let it cool, then pour out the solution.
4 – Clean the dishes with dish soap and remember to dry them with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Aluminum Sinks
1 – Clean all food and oxidized parts (rust) with a spoon.
2 – Clean the entire surface of the sink with dish soap to completely remove the grease on it.
3 – Cut a lemon in half and add salt, then scrub the entire aluminum surface. If you don’t have a lemon, use lemon extract and salt.
4 – Pour lemon water and apply salt to the dirty area. Then rinse with lemon and dry with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Other Aluminum Devices (Aluminum Doors)
1 – Clean the aluminum surface with mild detergent
First, clean the aluminum items with suitable detergent. Then clean the entire surface with water to remove any traces of the detergent.
2 – Remove dirt. Mix one cup of vinegar with one cup of water. You can also use lemon juice. Apply the solution to the aluminum door with a sponge and clean the oxides on the aluminum. Avoid strong detergents or tools with high friction that can damage and scratch the aluminum door, such as scouring pads.
3 – Wash the aluminum door. Rinse the aluminum device thoroughly with a hose and dry it with a cloth to prevent yellowing.
Cleaning Outdoor Aluminum Items
Use mild soap and water to clean outdoor aluminum items. Clean off any mud or grease on the surface.
Another method is to use metal polish to polish the aluminum surface instead of a mild acid solution. Apply the solution to the aluminum surface. Use a soft brush to lightly scrub the aluminum surface to avoid scratching it. This step is to remove the discoloration caused by oxidation.
Rinse off the solution with water hose. Make sure all solution is removed from the aluminum surface. Dry the aluminum items with a cloth. A dry surface will make it easier for you to work in the next step, so be sure to wipe it thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of car wax to the aluminum surface in circular motions to protect the aluminum items.
According to An Nhiên – Vietnamnet
Regular cleaning of aluminum utensils prevents the buildup of dirt and oil, which can lead to oxidation and rust. Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and aesthetic appeal of these items.
- Use hot water and dish soap to remove oil traces. You can also use a spoon to scrape off burnt food.
- If there is stubborn residue, mix one liter of water with vinegar or lemon juice to reduce discoloration caused by oxidation.
- Pour the mixture into the pot and boil for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool, then pour out the solution.
- Finally, wash the pot with dish soap and dry it with a soft cloth.
- Use a spoon to remove any food particles and oxidized parts (rust) from the sink.
- Clean the entire sink surface with dish soap to eliminate grease.
- Cut a lemon in half, add salt, and scrub the entire aluminum surface. Alternatively, use lemon extract and salt if fresh lemons are unavailable.
- Pour lemon water onto the dirty areas, apply salt, and then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
- Use a mild detergent to clean the aluminum surface, ensuring that you choose a suitable product for the specific item.
- Rinse the entire surface with water to remove any detergent residue.
- Mix vinegar and water (or lemon juice) and apply the solution to the aluminum with a sponge. Avoid strong detergents and abrasive tools that can scratch the surface, such as scouring pads.
- Rinse the aluminum item thoroughly and dry it with a cloth to prevent yellowing.
For outdoor aluminum items, use mild soap and water to clean any mud or grease from the surface. You can also apply metal polish instead of a mild acid solution. Rinse thoroughly and dry the items before applying a thin layer of car wax in circular motions to protect the surface.
