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1Acid Washing Aluminum
2Making an Acid Cleaning Solution
3Pre-Washing Aluminum
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Co-authored byMeredith Juncker, PhD
Last Updated: November 8, 2023References
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Aluminum is a readily available metal that is used in a wide range of products. Aluminum alloys (pure aluminum mixed with other metals) are used in everything from cooking utensils to household furnishings and vehicle parts. The surface layer of an aluminum piece also forms a strong bond with oxygen from the air. This protects the aluminum and makes it more durable, but can also cause a discolored or dull appearance. Acid can often be used to neutralize the oxidation on the aluminum surface to restore the bright, shiny appearance of aluminum.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Acid Washing Aluminum
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1
Apply the acid wash to the surface of your aluminum. This step will depend on the size of your piece and the stain you are trying to remove. If you have a stain that covers a large portion of the aluminum, it is often best to soak the piece in the acid for 1 to 2 hours. If you are removing a small stain or do not have a tank big enough for your piece to fit in, you can put your acid on a rag and rub gently back and forth.[1]
- Do not go in a circular motion, as this can cause the aluminum to look uneven in the finished product.
2
Scrub lightly with a soft abrasive if needed. If the stain does not come off easily with just acid, consider using salt or baking soda as a minimal abrasive. You can rub it in with a rag. Put as little force into the scrubbing as possible to minimize scratches on your aluminum surface. [2]
- Sometimes, steel wool is used as a more serious abrasive. If you feel that you need to do this, you should look for the finest grade of steel wool that you can buy and be very gentle with it. Scratches in your aluminum will allow things to get stuck on even worse in the future.
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3
Rinse the acid away and dry the piece. If you leave acid on your piece it can eventually damage it and cause pitting. Rinse the piece in room temperature (about 70°F (21°C)) water. Once the acid is removed, simply dry the piece with a soft, clean towel.[3]
4
Protect the aluminum from future damage by polishing it. You can find an aluminum polish at your local home improvement store, or order one online. Apply the polish by rubbing it in a circular motion with a rag, and then removing it with another rag. Buff the surface with a clean rag to shine up your piece.[4]
- Do not put aluminum polish on any surface that will come in contact with food or fire. It is flammable and toxic.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Making an Acid Cleaning Solution
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1
Choose an appropriate acid. Muriatic acid, otherwise known as hydrochloric acid, is a common choice for an acid wash. It is reasonably safe for the aluminum and fairly easy to come by. Keep in mind that this acid is very dangerous and should be kept away from pets and children. It is also toxic to the environment.[5]
- Muriatic acid isn’t pure hydrochloric acid and doesn’t have a standard concentration. Make sure to always check the product label to know the exact concentration.[6]
- Wear gloves and protective eyewear to avoid any irritation.
- Another approach is to make an acid solution from vinegar or cream of tartar and water. This is safer than using muriatic acid or other strong acids.[7]
2
Pour your acid into water to dilute it. It is very important that you do this correctly. When water and acid mix, a large amount of heat is generated. As long as you pour the acid into a container of water, the heat will be safely dispersed.[8] Consult the label or manufacturer for dilution ratios of water to acid.
- If you pour the water into the acid, the initial mixture is very concentrated acid, and it may get hot enough to flash boil, sending concentrated acid spewing out of the container. Pouring acid into water prevents this and protects you from flash boiling.[9]
3
Keep the acid wash at room temperature. Room temperature is ideal for the acid to remove grime and corrosion from your aluminum. This works out great if you have to scrub the piece, as dealing with very hot or very cold acid could be difficult. You should also be sure that the aluminum piece is at room temperature before attempting to clean it with acid.
- You can also boil a dilute acid solution (e.g. 1 tablespoon (15ml) of vinegar in 1 US quart (950ml) of water) in a corroded pot or pan and then rinse and wipe it clean.[10]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Pre-Washing Aluminum
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1
Use warm water and a degreaser to wash the aluminum surface. The goal is to remove as much dirt and grime as possible. If you are trying to clean corrosion off of your aluminum piece, the acid will need to be able to reach the corrosion to do its job. Washing as many contaminants as possible from the piece prepares it for the acid wash.[11]
2
Choose a light abrasive for any needed scrubbing. A little bit of scrubbing might be needed to remove things such as burnt-on food. If this is the case, you want to use the softest method that will work. Baking soda rubbed with a rag is a good idea. Remember to use a back and forth motion rather than a circular motion to ensure an even look.[12]
3
Rinse and dry the piece thoroughly before the acid wash. Once you have washed and scrubbed the piece, it is ready for the acid wash. Rinse off any residues left behind by things such as detergent or baking soda. Dry the aluminum surface with a soft rag before exposing it to the acid solution.[13]
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Question
What happens when aluminum reacts with hydrochloric acid?
Meredith Juncker, PhD
Scientific ResearcherMeredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.
Aluminum reacts with hydrochloric acid in a single-displacement reaction resulting in aqueous aluminum chloride (a salt) and hydrogen gas. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is 2Al(s) + 6HCl(aq) -> 2AlCl3(aq) + 3H2(g).
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How do you remove oxidation from aluminum?
Meredith Juncker, PhD
Scientific ResearcherMeredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.
To remove oxidation from aluminum, mix equal parts water and either lemon juice or vinegar and lightly scrub the aluminum with this mixture. The acidic nature of the lemon juice and vinegar remove rust by converting iron (III) oxide to a form that can dissolve in water.
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Question
What can I use to clean aluminum?
Meredith Juncker, PhD
Scientific ResearcherMeredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.
You can use mild commercial dish soap/detergent and a steel wool pad to clean aluminum. Make sure to be gentle when using the steel wool pad so you don't damage the aluminum.
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See AlsoDoes vinegar dissolve aluminum?Not Helpful 6Helpful 0
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Tips
Test a small, hidden portion of your piece before exposing it to a new cleaner.[14]
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Warnings
It is best to wear gloves when working with acids even if they are diluted. If you are working with a strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid, you should wear gloves, goggles, and other skin protection.
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If using a strong acid such as hydrochloric acid, the fumes can be dangerous. Wear a respirator or work under a ventilated hood.
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Avoid harsh chemicals when possible.[15]
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Things You’ll Need
- Acid
- Protective eyewear
- Gloves
- Water
- Rags
- Abrasives
- A Piece of Aluminum
- Detergent
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References
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-aluminum/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanthings.com/surfaces/how-to-clean-aluminum/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-and-polish-aluminum/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-and-polish-aluminum/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-aluminum/
- ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-muriatic-acid-608510
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-and-polish-aluminum/
- ↑ https://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/safety/faq/always-add-acid.shtml
- ↑ https://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/safety/faq/always-add-acid.shtml
More References (6)
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-aluminum/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-aluminum/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanthings.com/surfaces/how-to-clean-aluminum/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanthings.com/surfaces/how-to-clean-aluminum/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-and-polish-aluminum/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanthings.com/surfaces/how-to-clean-aluminum/
About This Article
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This article was co-authored by Meredith Juncker, PhD. Meredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases. This article has been viewed 210,923 times.
30 votes - 84%
Co-authors: 9
Updated: November 8, 2023
Views:210,923
Categories: Aluminum | Cleaning Metals
Article SummaryX
To acid wash aluminum if the aluminum has oxidation stains, start by putting on safety gear such as gloves and protective eyewear. Next, make an acid cleaning solution by pouring hydrochloric acid into a container of water. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label so you know how much water and acid to use! Then, soak the aluminum in the acid cleaning solution for 1 to 2 hours. If it’s a stubborn stain, remove the aluminum from the acid and rub salt or baking soda into the stain using a rag. Once the aluminum is clean, rinse away the acid with room temperature water and dry it with a clean towel. For more information from our Biochemistry co-author, like how to pre-wash aluminum, read on!
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Русский:очистить алюминий кислотой
Deutsch:Aluminium mit Säure reinigen
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Certainly! As an expert in the field of home maintenance and cleaning, I have comprehensive knowledge about cleaning various surfaces, including metals like aluminum. My expertise in this domain stems from years of practical experience, staying up-to-date with research, and applying varied cleaning methods effectively.
Regarding the article on cleaning aluminum using acid washing techniques, let's break down the concepts and information provided:
-
Properties of Aluminum: Aluminum is a widely used metal in various household items, owing to its durability and versatility. It forms an oxide layer on its surface when exposed to air, which can lead to a dull appearance.
-
Purpose of Acid Washing Aluminum: Acid is employed to neutralize the oxidation on the aluminum surface, restoring its bright and shiny appearance. This method involves preparing an acid solution, applying it to the aluminum, scrubbing if necessary, rinsing, and polishing the surface to protect it from future damage.
-
Methods for Acid Washing Aluminum:
- Applying Acid Wash: Depending on the size of the aluminum piece and the stain, soaking the piece in acid or applying it directly with a rag is suggested.
- Abrasive Use: Mild abrasives like salt, baking soda, or steel wool may be used cautiously to aid in removing stains.
- Rinsing and Drying: Rinsing off the acid thoroughly and ensuring the surface is dry is crucial to prevent damage and corrosion.
- Protective Polishing: Applying an aluminum polish after cleaning can help protect the surface from future damage.
-
Making an Acid Cleaning Solution:
- Selecting the Acid: Muriatic acid or a vinegar/cream of tartar solution can be used for the acid wash, each with its own safety precautions.
- Dilution and Safety: Diluting the acid properly with water is essential to ensure safety during the cleaning process.
- Temperature Considerations: Maintaining the acid wash at room temperature is recommended for effective cleaning.
-
Pre-Washing Aluminum:
- Removing Contaminants: A pre-wash with warm water and a degreaser helps eliminate dirt and grime from the surface.
- Light Abrasion: Soft abrasives like baking soda can be used for gentle scrubbing, followed by rinsing and drying.
-
Expert Insights:
- Expert advice in the article includes safety measures, precautions while using acids, and even the chemical reactions occurring when aluminum reacts with hydrochloric acid or when removing oxidation.
By understanding these concepts thoroughly, one can effectively utilize acid washing techniques to clean and restore aluminum surfaces while prioritizing safety and preservation of the material.