How Do You Remove Aluminum Oxidation?
To remove aluminum oxidation, clean the surface, prepare an acid solution, apply it with a stiff brush, and scrub away the oxidation stains. If necessary, follow up with sandpaper to remove pits and lingering oxidation on the aluminum.
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Prepare a cleaning solution
Fill a bucket with hot water. Add an abrasive soap, and mix well.
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Wash off the dirt
Put on protective gloves. Soak a rag in the cleaning solution, and wipe away the dirt with the soapy rag, pausing to rinse the rag often. If necessary, use a brush to scrub off stains. Rinse off the soap solution.
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Prepare an acid solution
Make an acid solution by heating 1 quart of water, adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar and mixing well.
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Apply the acid solution
While wearing protective gloves, dip a stiff brush into the acid solution. Apply the solution to the aluminum surface, and scrub vigorously. Rinse the solution off with hot water.
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Sand away any remaining oxidation
Sometimes, oxidized aluminum has a pitted surface, which intensifies the oxidation. To get rid of this surface, use 400- to 600-grit sandpaper to remove pits and lingering oxidation stains.
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Smooth out the surface
Wipe away the dust from the first sanding. Use fine-grain sandpaper to smooth out the surface. If possible, seal the aluminum surface to prevent future oxidation.
