How to Clean Die Cast Metal

Clean your die cast metal objects regularly to keep the item's finish shiny.

Manufactured by pouring molten metal into steel molds, die cast metal is shaped into a variety of products including sink faucets, connector housings, automobile parts and even die cast toy cars and trucks. Die cast metal products are mass produced, long lasting and durable. The products often are painted or left in the gray metal state, but coated with a clear lacquer. When cleaning die cast metal, you don't want to use an abrasive cleaner or towel that will dull and scratch the metal's finish.

Things You'll Need

• 3 soft, nonabrasive cloths or rags
• Small vacuum cleaner (optional)
• Bowl or bucket
• Lukewarm water
• Cotton swabs
• Nonabrasive carnauba wax
• Lint-free cloth or rag

Instructions

Cleaning Die Cast Metal

1. Wipe the die cast metal object with a soft, nonabrasive cloth or rag to remove any loose dust and dirt. You also can use a small vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dust and dirt from your die cast metal object(s).

2. Use a cotton swab to remove any dust and dirt from the small crevices of your die cast metal object.

3. Fill a bowl with 1 cup of lukewarm water, if cleaning a small die cast metal object. If the object is large, fill a bucket with 1/2 gallon of lukewarm water.

4. Dip a soft, nonabrasive cloth or rag into the water. Wring out excess water. Scrub any caked-on dirt and grime gently with the damp cloth or rag.

5. Dry the die cast metal with a dry soft cloth or rag.

Waxing Die Cast Metal

1. Apply 1 tbsp. of a nonabrasive carnauba wax to a soft, lint-free cloth or rag.

2. Wipe the die cast metal object with the wax-soaked cloth or rag. Let the wax haze on the die cast metal.

3. Wipe the wax off the die cast metal object with a clean soft cloth or rag. Fold the cloth in half and buff the metal object gently to restore the object's shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your die cast metal objects out of direct sunlight—the sun can fade the object's finish.

• Do not use a soap solution, an abrasive cleaner or acetone to clean your die cast metal objects. These substances will damage the die cast metal's finish.

References

• North American Die Casting Association: About Die Casting
• Ed's Nascar Connection: Diecast 101
• Diecast Nuts: Diecast Hygiene

Resources

• Die Cast Alley