How to Clean Brushed Aluminum

Co-authored by Daniel Olin

Last Updated: October 27, 2021 References

Brushed aluminum lends its beauty to many household objects. You’ll see its silver, finely striated marks on everything from kitchen appliances and faucets to jewelry and hubcaps. Because of brushed aluminum’s special finish, it’s important to keep some things in mind when you clean it. By using a non-scratch cleaning pad on it regularly and deep cleaning residue off, you’ll keep your brushed aluminum sparkling like new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Brushed Aluminum Regularly

1
Remove surface residue with a damp cloth. Wipe any accumulated dirt or dust off your brushed aluminum surface with a damp dish rag or paper towel.^{[1]
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- A microfiber cloth is also safe to use on brushed aluminum.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Daniel Olin
  Home Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.}
2
Scrub with a non-scratch cleaning pad. Don’t ruin the delicate design of brushed aluminum by scrubbing it with abrasive copper or steel-wool pads. Get rid of stubborn grime by using a non-scratch cleaning pad or sponge instead. Add a drop of dish soap to a damp pad and scour away.^{[3]
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3
Spray and wipe the surface with glass cleaner. A window or glass cleaner will help your brushed aluminum sparkle. Spray the surface down, let the cleaner sit for about 30 seconds, and wipe it off with a dry paper towel.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Oxidation and Deeply Cleaning

1
Scrub grease off with hot water and soap. Before you start tackling stains and oxidized areas on your brushed aluminum, make sure you cut through any grease or built up dirt. Wet a non-scratch scrubbing pad with hot water and dish soap to scrub the surface clean.^{[4]
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2
Use vinegar and water on oxidized areas. Aluminum is less likely to get a white, dull looking build-up than silver, but the surface can still oxidize. A solution slightly acidic like 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water will clean the surface up nicely with a little bit of muscle. Dip a dish rag in the vinegar and water, rub the aluminum and repeat if necessary.
3
Remove spots with cream of tartar. Brushed aluminum can build up stains in regularly used things like cookware. Combat this by mixing 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar to 1 tablespoon of water and apply the mixture to the discolored surface. Let it sit for several minutes and scrub with a dry wash cloth or non-scratch sponge. Wipe any left-over cream of tartar off with a dry paper towel.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Polishing and Sealing the Finish

1
Wipe the surface down with a gentle cleaner. Never use abrasive cleaners, like bleach or oven cleaners, on brushed aluminum. Spray a multi-purpose kitchen or window cleaner on the surface and wipe it off with a dry towel.
2
Apply metal polish by hand. To shine your brushed aluminum and protect the finish, use a metal polish. The polish can be used on many types of metal, like copper and chrome. Dip a rag in the polish and apply a thick coat to the surface using circular motions.^{[6]
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3
Gently buff the metal. Remember that brushed aluminum can be delicate, so you will want to gently buff the polish in the surface. If you use a rotary buffing tool, place it on the lowest setting. Use circular motions to rub the polish in by hand with a soft cloth.^{[7]
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4
Wipe any remaining polish off. Create a nice shine to your brushed aluminum by wiping any remaining polish off thoroughly. Wipe the surface from top to bottom with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
5
Top your aluminum off with a clear sealant. To protect the finish of your brushed aluminum, use a clear sealant lastly. This method works especially well for hubcaps and you can find a clear metal sealant at any auto parts store.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can stainless steel cleaner be used on brushed aluminum?

Daniel Olin
Home Cleaning Specialist
Daniel Olin is a Home Cleaning Specialist and the CEO of Easyway Maid Service, a home-cleaning company based in Austin, Texas. With over four years of experience, Daniel and Easyway Maid Service specialize in executive-quality maid service, as well as vacation rental cleaning and overall home deep cleaning. Daniel holds a BA in Psychology from The University of California, Los Angeles.

Daniel Olin

Home Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Absolutely! Stainless steel cleaner works just as well on aluminum as it does on stainless steel.
Question

How can stainless steel cleaner be used on brushed aluminum?

Daniel Olin
Home Cleaning Specialist
Daniel Olin is a Home Cleaning Specialist and the CEO of Easyway Maid Service, a home-cleaning company based in Austin, Texas. With over four years of experience, Daniel and Easyway Maid Service specialize in executive-quality maid service, as well as vacation rental cleaning and overall home deep cleaning. Daniel holds a BA in Psychology from The University of California, Los Angeles.

Daniel Olin

Home Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Spray a small, 1 in (2.54 cm) wide line down each square foot of brushed aluminum surface that you want to clean. Then, buff the surface really well with multiple microfiber rags. Keep in mind that leaving stainless steel on the surface for too long will leave marks, and you'll have to start all over again.

Warnings

Do not use polish and sealant on pots and pans.

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Citric acid products can damage brushed aluminum.

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