How to Make Your Own Aluminum Polish

Many kitchen utensils, pots, pans and appliances are made of aluminum or contain aluminum parts. Aluminum is lightweight and has a durable silver finish, making it ideal for kitchen implements. Kitchen equipment is exposed to all sorts of foods, liquids and different temperatures. Over time, the shiny finish of an aluminum product can grow dull or appear stained. While some commercial cleaners claim to clean and restore the shine to aluminum, sometimes the cleaners are abrasive and can do more damage to the implement. A simple homemade aluminum polish will often restore your aluminum to shiny condition.

Things You'll Need

• Cream of tartar
• Plastic container
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Pour two tbsp. cream of tartar into a plastic container.

2. Add water to the cream of tartar, stirring while you pour. When the mixture is soupy in texture, stop adding water.

3. Dip a soft cloth in the polish and rub aluminum surfaces to clean them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to polish aluminum pots, pour two tbsp. cream of tartar into the pot and fill the pot three fourths full with water. Set the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Let the water boil for 10 minutes.

References

• Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things; Reader's Digest Staff Writers; 2005