How to Clean and Polish Aluminum

How to Clean and Polish Aluminum Like a Professional

Aluminum is a lightweight, durable metal commonly found on wheels, trim, and engine components or show cars. Aluminum can also be found on Semis and trailers. However, it can lose its shine due to oxidation, road grime, and environmental contaminants. For car detailers and enthusiasts, knowing how to properly clean and polish aluminum ensures a that you can maintain a clean and shiny finish worthy of driving around and showing off.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ Preparation
✔ Basic Cleaning Techniques
✔ How to Acid Wash Aluminum
✔ Polishing Aluminum for Maximum Shine

Cleaning Aluminum: Step-by-Step

Some tips before starting would be to eork in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Avoid high-pressure washers as they can damage surfaces (Talking greater than the industry standard 3000 PSI). ALWAYS test your cleaners on a small hidden area first, you just never know the different variables that could yield abnormal results.

1. Rinse Off Loose Dirt (AKA Wet the Surface)

• Use a gentle hose or pressure washer to remove dust and debris.

2. Apply Aluminum Cleaner

• Use a pH-neutral car washing soap, we recommend Stinger Chemical 518 Lemonlicious.

• Scrub with a soft car washing brush or wash mitt for best cleaning.

3. Rinse & Dry

• Rinse thoroughly to prevent residue.

• Dry with a microfiber towel to avoid water spots.

4. Inspect for Oxidation

• If the surface looks dull or chalky, it may need an acid wash or polish.

Products Recommended:

✔ 518 Lemonlicious Car Soap - Neutral pH with a high-foam
✔ OPTIONAL 728 Black Scorpion Degreaser - Awesome degreaser for heavily soiled areas. Good pre-treatment for weather damaged cars.
✔ PF22 Foam Cannon - For quick and easy washing.
✔ Wash Brush or Wash Mitt - For any scrubbing that needs to be done.
✔ The 1500 Microfiber Drying Towel

How to Acid Wash Aluminum

The Right Way

Acid washing removes stubborn oxidation and chalky residue, BUT must be done carefully. It is important that the user know the following before attempting an acid wash.

Before You Start!

1. Always make sure you are washing the trailer/car/etc. in a shop or shade out of direct sunlight

2. When applying the acid make sure you are wearing proper PPE, glasses, gloves, etc. 

3. MOST IMPORTANT TIP: ALWAYS make sure you wet the surface before applying any acid - avoids chemical burns. Also, make sure you apply the acid from the bottom working up to avoid acid running down over the working surface. See our Youtube Guide Here.

Simple Acid Washing

Now that we know all of the best practices before you wash, washing the aluminum is easy! Follow our no-nonsense step-by-step guide below to achieve the best clean for your aluminum surfaces.

1. Dilute acid properly. Our recommendation is to use Stinger Chemical 755 Chrome Wire & Wheel Cleaner. Mix it in a spray bottle 50/50. (Half Water/Half Chemical)

2. Work in smaller sections do not do half a trailer at once. Apply to the working area with a spray bottle.

3. Let it sit briefly (30 sec–1 min, don’t let it dry). Agitate with a wash brush.

4. Rinse immediately with plenty of water and move onto the next surface.

5. Once you have cleaned the entire vehicle. Neutralize an acid with a soap/degreaser. We recommend using a pH neutral soap, make sure you cover the entire surface, this way if it rains the acid won't become active again on the surface.
6. Dry the surface with a good microfiber drying towel to avoid water spots.

Products Recommended:

✔ 755 Chrome Wire & Wheel Acid - Acid Cleaner Made for Aluminum & Chrome.
✔ 518 Lemonlicious Car Soap - Neutral pH for Neutralizing the Acid.
✔ Spray Bottle & Spray Head - For Applying the Acid.
✔ Glasses & Gloves - Proper PPE for Acid Applications.
✔ Wash Bucket - Place to Store Pressure Washer Wand or Wash Brush.
✔ Wash Brush - For any scrubbing that needs to be done.
✔ The 1500 Microfiber Drying Towel.

Polishing Aluminum to Restore Shine

If the surface is still to cloudy, chalky, or dull then you can consider polishing your aluminum. To polish aluminum clean the surface as described above.

First Time Aluminum Polishing Tips

✔ Aluminum polish – Apply with a microfiber pad, or dual action buffer if on a flat surface, buff in circular motions.
✔ You can use a Metal polishing wheel (for large surfaces) with your aluminum compound. We recommend a dual action polisher.
✔ Seal with a spray coating or ceramic coating to protect against future oxidation.

Pro Tip:

For heavily oxidized aluminum, start with 0000 steel wool (lightly) before polishing. For extreme situations a 2000-3000 grit sanding step may be needed, but we will leave that for a different blog.

Conclusion: Keep Your Aluminum Looking New

Regular cleaning and polishing prevent oxidation and keep aluminum parts gleaming. Add onto that a ceramic coating or spray sealant and now your show car will look the same for many shows to come. Whether you're detailing a classic car’s wheels or restoring some trailer trim, these steps ensure professional results.

For best results:

• Clean every 3 months (more often in harsh conditions).

• Use aluminum-safe products only.

• Seal your work after polishing for long-lasting protection.

Got a favorite aluminum polishing trick? Share it in the comments!