Clean Oxidized aluminum

I have a beautiful thick aluminum tray which I got in Bali (they have many cheap and gorgeous aluminum products for sale in Bali at a fraction of their Jakarta price). I used it for a while in our guest bathroom as a tray for the soap and lotion, however it was getting dirty. At first I thought it was soap stains, but after trying to clean it and finding it impossible with a metal polish I realized that this is what oxidation looks like on aluminum – Check out how I cleaned it using non-toxic ingredients around the house after the jump!

aluminum wine rack via

First I tried using a solution of cream of tartar and water (from my Non-Toxic Home Cleaning guide) and it helped a lot. Remember to “put your elbow into it” as my MIL likes to say. But there were still oxidation left so I tried . I am reposting it below.

Eventually the air quality around bare aluminum surfaces causes the aluminum to oxidize. Oxidation makes the aluminum Fortunately, oxidation does not pit or leave dents in the aluminum surface. When removing oxidation, avoid the use of harsh chemicals. They can cause premature wear of the aluminum surface and get embedded in the pores of the aluminum.

Things You’ll Need

• Warm soapy water
• Cotton rag
• Cotton towel
• Boiling water (optional)
• Spatula (optional)
• White vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Table salt