Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500288
06/24/03
Aluminum Outdoor Furniture--Cleaning
Aluminum does not rust, but it will discolor and
develop a pitted or rough surface. Aluminum is affected
by air pollutants. The surface will appear to have fine
grit stuck to the surface, but it will not wipe away
easily. If you observe aluminum storm windows and screens
which have been exposed to weather for a couple years you
will see what happens to aluminum outdoor furniture; the
surface has oxidized.
Care will depend on the condition of the aluminum:
Regular Cleaning
If surface is only mildly discolored, wash with soap
and water, to which some mild household acid has been
added; lemon juice, vinegar, or cream of tartar. Most
water is slightly alkaline, so do not add ammonia, TSP or
soda. Wash as needed during the season; wash at end of
season. (Remember the darkening of aluminum pans when low
acid or alkali foods are cooked..it blackens. When acid
foods such as tomatoes are cooked in aluminum, it will
become shiny.)
Special Cleaning
If surface is pitted, polish with a soap-filled steel
wool pot cleaner, rinse and dry. All steel wool must be
removed or it will rust and stain the aluminum. Wash and
dry.
There are also a variety of commercial cleaners used
for aluminum surfaces on boats and automobiles which may
help clean extremely dirty aluminum.
Do not use commercial cleaners on anodized aluminum.
A coat of auto wax, or a silicon spray will protect
aluminum from corrosion and pitting.
Colored Anodized Aluminum:
Use only mild detergent and water to wash anodized
aluminum. Rinse well. The anodized finish resists
corrosion.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Mary Ellen
Delsipee and Isabel Jones, Previous Extension Specialists,
and the Aluminum Association.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .