Cleaning Aluminum
Aluminum remains one of the most popular choices for a wide range of products
ranging from coffee pots, to flatware, to outdoor garden furniture. It
is lightweight and extremely resistant to rust do to its affinity for oxygen.
This affinity for oxygen is what leads to its rapid oxidation and its
recognizable silvery sheen. Though this oxidation provides a great deal of
protection from corrosion, it is often not a total solution.
The most effective method for cleaning aluminum depends largely on what type
of product is in question. The process for cleaning your aluminum kitchen
utensils will differ necessarily from the process for cleaning your aluminum
outdoor furniture. Obviously, you’ll want to ensure the cleaning is more
thorough and devoid of residues when cleaning the items that you eat with!
As is the case with many outdoor products, the best way to keep aluminum outdoor furniture looking like new is to take steps to
prevent damage from the elements. While this can be accomplished by moving them
indoors or covering them when not in use, in reality this is rarely a long-term
solution. Instead, most aluminum furniture manufacturers and aluminum furniture
companies suggest treating the surfaces of the the furniture with a
weatherproofing agent. This coating not only helps the furniture repel moisture
but also acts as a sunblock to protect it from harmful UV rays.
When you use a quality weatherproofer to seal the furniture, periodic
cleaning will often be a simple as pulling out the hose and spraying it down.
Occassionally, when simple hosing off of the furniture doesn’t quite work, a
simple solution of mild dish soap and water will do the trick. The main thing to
avoid is using abrasive cleaners and cleaning products such as steel wool that
may permanently scratch the protective coating and even the aluminum itself.
Aluminum Patio Furniture - Cleaning Aluminum - Durability of Aluminum - Aluminum Finishing - Wrought vs Cast Aluminum |