How to take care of aluminum
Aug 29, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
A lovely kitchen from 1937
Aluminum has been a staple in our lives for over a hundred years (and counting). Manufacturing developments in the late 1800s paved the way for countless innovations, allowing aluminum to be a critical part of our culture. Did you know Napoleon served his state dinners on aluminum plates, that aluminum helped us win the great war, and it made space travel possible? When you pick up your next vintage aluminum find – keep all that history in mind! Let us show you how to take care of aluminum so you can enjoy your treasures for years to come. The best news is that most of the solutions can be found in the kitchen.
How to clean aluminum
Cleaning this metal is easy as can be – a hint of mild soap and warm water goes a long way to getting the aluminum looking brand new. You can gently rub with a soft brush if there are stubborn bits stuck to the surface.
Rhubarb for sale – to eat or to use as a cleaning agent?
How to remove stains from aluminum
Remember grandma’s rhubarb pie? Well, next time you go to the market it’s time to see this treat in a new light! Cooking the acidic rhubarb in gently boiling water will help lift stains free. Just soak the aluminum item in question or, if it’s a pan/pot itself, boil the rhubarb directly in the container, being sure to add enough water to cover the stain. Once the stain is gone, clean and wash the aluminum.
How to polish aluminum
It’s the pantry to the rescue once again, but this time the shining star is cream of tartar. Firstly, you want to clean the aluminum as we noted above. Then, in a small bowl mix together cream of tartar and luke warm water (in equal parts). Stir consistently for a few minutes until a paste-like texture forms. Using a clean, soft cloth dip into the paste. Buff the surface with the cloth in circular movements. (Think wax on and wax off!) Once you’ve carefully covered the entire item, wash off the paste with water and dry with a gentle fabric. Bonus tip: boiling cream of tartar with water will help remove stains as well.
Cause A Frockus would like to thank their tremendous resources: Smart Kitchen, Wiki How, Aluminum.org, and “Tips Tools & Techniques to care for antiques, collectibles, and other treasures” by Georgia Kemp Caraway.
For our readers: What tips do you use to clean aluminum?