Cleaning the exterior aluminum surface.

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Cleaning the exterior aluminum surface.

Postby goramsey » Mon Mar 29, 2010 11:28 am

I have been searching this forum and TearJerkers forum for info on recommendations for cleaning the exterior aluminum surface of my teardrop. After searching and coming up empty, (spending a lot of time and getting nowhere) - I wonder what is a good cleaner for the surface?
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Postby mechmagcn » Mon Mar 29, 2010 12:59 pm

One question, is it polished or mill finish? If polished, get a can of Mothers metal polish and go to work. If it is mill finish, you have a few choices, a product called aluminum brightener, which will,well, brighten the finish, but make it look somewhat whiter. If trying to keep the mill finish looking new, you could try some of the "mag wheel" cleaners, but beware, they are usually just watered down brightener. Test anything in an inconspicuous place first to see if you like it.
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Postby halfdome, Danny » Mon Mar 29, 2010 1:05 pm

Lacquer thinner will clean up any left over goop you may have gotten on the aluminum.
I use Stainless Steel Magic which has the magic ingredient mineral oil.
Use a micro fiber cloth so you don't make any new scratches.
It would be a good idea to put a metal sealant (that applies like liquid wax)on it to preserve the look for a year or so.
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Postby Gage » Mon Mar 29, 2010 1:52 pm

Depending how dirty it is. I've used soap and water then mineral oil on mine.
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Aluminum cleaner

Postby goramsey » Mon Mar 29, 2010 2:53 pm

Has anyone used or heard of "AlumKlean"

http://www.wash-safe.com/merchant.mvc?S ... awodZ0TzDA

Sounds good.
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Re: Aluminum cleaner

Postby aggie79 » Mon Mar 29, 2010 4:23 pm

goramsey wrote:Has anyone used or heard of "AlumKlean"

http://www.wash-safe.com/merchant.mvc?S ... awodZ0TzDA

Sounds good.


It may be a good product, but I'd be a little wary. When I clicked their MSDS link, they issued a disclaimer that MSDS is just for commercial users and not a list of ingrediants. They are correct in that MSDS does not list all ingrediants, but my guess they are not showing this is because a similar product is available for much lower costs.
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Aluminum cleaners

Postby goramsey » Mon Mar 29, 2010 5:26 pm

Yes, I am trying to keep the mill finish looking new. It sounds like Stainless Steel Magic is a good way to go, with a Microfiber cloth, correct?

I sure appreciate your feedback on this.
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Re: Aluminum cleaners

Postby halfdome, Danny » Mon Mar 29, 2010 5:33 pm

goramsey wrote:Yes, I am trying to keep the mill finish looking new. It sounds like Stainless Steel Magic is a good way to go, with a Microfiber cloth, correct?

I sure appreciate your feedback on this.


That's a choice you'll have to make, can't hurt anything.
I use Sprayway window cleaner (it's a spray foam in a can) after the Stainless Steel Magic to remove any black residue.
Costco and some grocery stores sell it.
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Postby Alleged User » Mon Mar 29, 2010 6:48 pm

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Postby bc toys » Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:02 am

the best thing to clean alm. is MARYKATE-METALMATE you have to order it online BOATFIX.COM Part #77mk3016 right now it is $5.48 for 16oz little goes long way Rub on with bush and wash off with water and dry. :thumbsup:
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