Clean Polished Aluminum

For many classic vehicles, polished aluminum is a common material for the engine cover and outer trim. However, regular driving and exposure to the elements can leave dirt and grime on the metal surface. The good news is that you don't have to settle for an unsightly appearance. You can easily and affordably clean engine covers and aluminum trim. To further protect your collection, you can also take some handy preventative measures.

Steps

Cleaning an Engine Cover

  1. Purchase a polishing ball. This attachment goes on the head of a power drill. You can buy polishing balls in most hardware stores. Read the description on the packaging to make sure the ball will fit the head of your drill.[1]
  2. Wear protective gear. Any time you use power tools that could kick up debris, you should cover your eyes and mouth. Put on a pair of goggles and a face mask. For good measure, wear a welding shield to protect the rest of your face.[2]
  3. Squeeze a dab of toothpaste onto the polishing ball. Aim for a diameter of about the size of a dime or 10-pence coin. Just about any kind of toothpaste will work. However, if you're concerned about abrasions, use toothpaste with baking soda.[2]
    • Alternatively, you could Make Baking Soda Toothpaste. Mix baking soda with water. Use 2/3 cups (185 g) for a long-term supply. Add water drop by drop and mix thoroughly until the baking soda becomes a paste. Apply a dime-sized dollop to the polishing ball.
  4. Clean the surface of the engine cover. Hold your drill with both hands and touch the polishing ball to the aluminum surface. If your drill has multiple speeds, set it to low. Otherwise, make sure the drill goes no faster than 1200 RPM. Glide the ball over the surface of the engine cover until all dirt and grime have been removed. Reapply the toothpaste as needed.[2]
  5. Rinse the surface. Dampen a clean cloth with warm water. Remove any remaining toothpaste or grime. Use circular strokes as you move across the surface. Continue this process until the entire surface is free of debris.
  6. Dry with a microfiber towel. Use only a clean, dry towel to avoid depositing unwanted dirt. Move over the surface with gentle circular strokes. Make sure the cloth absorbs every last drop of water to avoid the appearance of water spots on the surface.[3]

Cleaning Automotive Trim

  1. Protect your face. The dirt and grime you clean from your car's aluminum trim can turn into projectiles as you spray them off. Wear a comfortable pair of goggles that won't allow any debris to get near your eyes. Wear a face mask to cover your mouth and nose. This will keep you from inhaling debris, which can contain hazardous chemicals.[2]
  2. Hose off the aluminum wheels. First, attach a firefighter's nozzle to the end of the hose. Then, aim the hose at each wheel and press the nozzle to blast off any loose dirt and brake dust. Repeat on each wheel.[3]
  3. Scrub each wheel with commercial wheel cleaner. This product is non-acidic to prevent damage to the wheel. Spray the cleaner from the bottle directly on any remaining dirt and brake dust. Scrub the area with a soft-bristled wheel brush. Use the special design of the bush to remove dirt from narrow spaces in the wheel.[3]
    • You can purchase wheel cleaner and the wheel brush at any auto supply store.
  4. Rinse the wheels. Hose down each wheel thoroughly, one by one. Aim the hose all over the surface. Don't overlook small narrow areas, such as between the spokes and in the lug nut holes.[3]
  5. Dry the wheels with a microfiber towel. Use only a clean, dry towel. Move over the surface with gentle circular strokes. Make sure the cloth absorbs every last drop of water to avoid the appearance of water spots on the surface.
    • Use this towel only for drying the wheels. Wash it separately from other towels used for cleaning your car. This separation will prevent grime and brake dust from being deposited on the drying towel.[3]
  6. Polish with a wax paste. Pre-softened wax pastes help polished aluminum maintain its original brilliance. Squeeze or scoop a small amount of paste (about the size of a dime or 10-pence coin) to a clean cloth. Apply the paste to the surface in a gentle clockwise motion. You can buy wax paste at any auto supply store.
    • If you live in a very humid climate, polish the metal every month. Otherwise, you can do this once every three months.[4]

Caring for Polished Aluminum

  1. Keep the object out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause unsightly grey oxidation to develop on the surface of polished aluminum. Pay attention to the position of the sun before you park your car outside. If your garage has large windows, cover them with opaque curtains.[5]
  2. Control the humidity around your polished aluminum. Excessive dampness can cause polished aluminum to rust. If your garage is prone to dampness, set up a hygrometer to measure the ambient humidity. Run a dehumidifier or exhaust fan around your car.[6]
  3. Maintain the ambient temperature. Dramatic temperature changes can lead to the oxidation of polished aluminum. If the oxidized areas become white and powdery, they'll be ruined beyond repair. Keep the temperature between {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} to help protect the aluminum surface from this dangerous oxidation.[5]

Things You'll Need

  • Polishing ball
  • Power drill
  • Toothpaste or baking soda paste
  • Goggles
  • Face mask
  • Face shield
  • Hose with firefighter's nozzle
  • Clean cloths
  • Wheel brush
  • Wheel cleaner
  • Microfiber towel
  • Wax paste
  • Hygrometer (for humid climates)
  • Dehumidifier (for humid climates)

Tips

  • When cleaning polished aluminum trim, you should also clean the wheel wells and the lug nuts. Dirt, grime, and brake dust accumulate in these areas and contribute to buildup on the metal.[3]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-trim.html#
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aecsw9MPxBg
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 http://www.autogeek.net/how-to-clean-aluminum-wheels.html
  4. ↑ https://goldsworthystudio.com/pages/care-maintenance
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.roberthague.com/sculpture/care.htm
  6. ↑ http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/hot-tip-use-a-humidifier-105471

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