How To Clean Oxidized Aluminum Siding
The goal in cleaning the metal siding is not only to remove dirt and grime but to remove all the chalky oxidation wax or grease that may be on the surface so the coating can adhere properly.
How to clean oxidized aluminum siding. Rinse from the bottom towards the top. Clean the surface of the aluminum siding with a water sprayer. Let the cleanser sit for a couple minutes before scrubbing. Scrub with siding brush.
Step 2 mix 1 cup of dish soap with 2 gallons of hot water. However you can also use rhubarb or tomatoes to clean aluminum siding. Mix 3 cups of liquid trisodium phosphate tsp cleaner and 3 gallons of water in a large bucket. If the oxidation is mild and light then you should be able to use an oxidation removal product without acid.
Add in a few stalks of rhubarb tomatoes or lemons and boil the mixture. Turn off the heat and allow the liquid to cool before scrubbing your siding with it. Allow it to air dry. Mix 1 3 of a cup of laundry soap and 6 gallons of water.
For any of these cleaning solutions fill a bucket with water from your garden hose. Begin scrubbing the siding using a scrub brush. Step 2 dealing with light oxidation. To clean aluminum siding start by mixing water liquid dish soap and white vinegar in a large bucket.
Make sure the aluminum siding is still wet from the rinsing step. Then submerge a long extendable scrub brush in the cleaning solution. Rinse the aluminum surface. Begin the process of cleaning oxidized aluminum by rinsing the aluminum to remove surface dust or debris.
Use the sprayer wand to evenly disperse the tsp mixture all over that section of siding. Wring and rinse the sponge and then use it to rinse the aluminum clear of detergent. One that is designed to clean recreational vehicles works great. These are simply sprayed or rubbed onto the surface of the aluminum and then buffed up using a clean cloth.
If you are cleaning aluminum wheels or house siding use a damp cloth to wipe the aluminum or a hose to it with water. This can be purchased in sprayable or paste solutions which are very easy to apply. Refinishing your siding or other painted metal is a two step process. If you don t have an extendable brush try attaching a car wash brush to the end of an extendable painting pole.
Mix baking soda and dish soap to form a paste. If you are cleaning an aluminum pot or pan rinse the pan under a strong jet of water. Use a ladder to allow the water to spray the siding at a downward angle.