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Thread Number: 45228
Cleaning Aluminum Agitators |
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| Post# 662710 2/27/2013 at 04:42 (4,069 days old) by WaterWitch (Pomona, Calif.) | ||
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Post# 662841 , Reply# 1 2/27/2013 at 15:47 (4,069 days old) by Tomturbomatic  (Beltsville, MD) |
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COT is just an acid. I would imagine that you could lighten the aluminum with an acid product like CLR, Lime Away or similar acid cleaner. | ||
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Post# 662864 , Reply# 2 2/27/2013 at 16:28 (4,069 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN) |
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Is it just dark/dull or heavily corroded or what?
A quick etch in a warm alkaline bath (Sodium Hydroxide, Lye) will remove the top layer and expose fresh aluminum. An etch of this nature is done prior to anodizing on most alloys to remove the non-conductive oxide layer. Especially for cast aluminum the etch will leave the aluminum silver in color but with a dull luster. Some polishing with an abrasive, like fine Scotchbrite will bring up the sheen. Locktite sells a product called Aluminum Jelly, basically it is for removing aluminum corrosion like Navel Jelly removes rust from steel. I believe its mostly phosphoric acid. This may be best if you have heavy corrosion to remove. I'm not sure how much it will brighten the surface. As with all cleaning always start out less aggressiveness and work up as needed. Test in an inconspicuous area at first too. | ||
| Post# 662921 , Reply# 3 2/27/2013 at 20:31 (4,068 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
Depending upon the severity of corrosion, I would suggest "Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish" available at auto stores. It does an amazing job of polishing the crown of a Maytag wringer washer to a mirror-like finish.
If there is pitting and/or severe corrosion, like there was on the "gyratator" of my 1935 Maytag, I first used sandpaper and steel wool, then the Mother's polish. | ||
| Post# 662955 , Reply# 4 2/28/2013 at 00:18 (4,068 days old) by WaterWitch (Pomona, Calif.) | ||
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Thank you guys, I used a scotch bright pad and dish washing soap. I'm happy with the results. I didn't press too hard as I was afraid of scratching it. It was mainly dark and with very light spots of that white stuff, lime I think it might be. I'll keep at it and then post a picture of them. I'm such a nerd, I bought two aluminum agitators from an antique store for $15 for both. One goes to a GE wringer from the early 30's, and as for the other, not sure. It looks similar to that of the Kenmore of yours Bradross.
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| Post# 662977 , Reply# 5 2/28/2013 at 03:06 (4,068 days old) by WaterWitch (Pomona, Calif.) | ||
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| Post# 675049 , Reply# 7 4/23/2013 at 20:39 (4,013 days old) by bradross (New Westminster, BC., Canada) | ||
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Pic of the other? | ||
| Post# 675063 , Reply# 8 4/23/2013 at 21:50 (4,013 days old) by everythingold (Grand Rapids, Michigan) | ||
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| Post# 675066 , Reply# 9 4/23/2013 at 22:03 (4,013 days old) by everythingold (Grand Rapids, Michigan) | ||
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Oh | ||
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