Another percolator question

[justjunque]

I hope folks aren't getting tired of these questions. I apologize if you are.
I picked up yet another thrift store percolator. I couldn't resist. It's a 30 cup Regal, but the plastic version. Essentially, a huge Poly Perk.
I know, some have warned me in the past about hot liquids in vintage plastic. I don't plan on making this a daily driver. If anything, I might brew one small amount in it, just to be able to say I used it.
My question today has to do with cleaning it. On multiple suggestions, I cleaned my stainless steel perks with dishwasher detergent, and got very impressive results. Thank you again.
However; the only DW detergent I currently have on hand, is Cascade gel, which contains chlorine bleach. The metal parts inside this percolator are aluminum. Should I use a product with chlorine bleach on aluminum? If not, I'll hold off on the cleaning until I can get to the store and pick up a product without the bleach. Any recommendations?
Thank you!

 

[ea56]

Barry,
Is the percolator very dirty? If not try filling it up to max level with cold water and put a couple of tablespoons of Cream of Tartar in the basket and run it through a brewing cycle then unplug it and let it sit for about an hour. Pour out the water and then rinse it throughly. Cream of Tartar was a recommended cleaning product suggested by West Bend for their aluminum electric percolators in the 50’s.

Cream of Tartar can be expensive, I found it to be reasonably priced buying it at our local upscale market in their bulk section where they sell herbs and spices.

HTH,
Eddie

 

[justjunque]

Hi Eddie,

It's actually not super dirty. It has some coffee staining, and I was hoping to find something that would brighten up the aluminum parts the way that the Cascade brightened up the stainless.
Plus, the only way I've ever found cream of tartar is in a tiny little jar that might be two tablespoons. And, as you said, it's quite pricey!

 

[tomturbomatic]

Substitute for Cream of Tartar

For every 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar in the recipe, use 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar. The other substance that can be used to clean aluminum, depending on the amount of cleaning needed, is stainless steel cleaner like Twinkle or Cameo or Barkeeper's friend. Acid cleaners do not attack aluminum like alkaline cleaners do.[this post was last edited: 11/13/2023-20:09]

 

[reactor]

Cascade and aluminum

Hi Barry,

 

Don't apologize for asking questions, that's what we are all here for, to care and share.

 

Unfortunately, Cascade and many dishwasher detergents will do just the opposite of what you want.  They permanently tarnish uncoated aluminum.

 

If you have hard water stains, soak the interior with white vinegar, lemon or lime juice.  For coffee stains, a little elbow grease with a mildly abrasive cleaner, such as the ones Tom mentioned above, should get you the results you desire.

 

[polkanut]

You can use the Cascade if you don't mind the stem and basket getting slightly discolored. However, I would recommend taking the basket and stem out right after it's done perking, and just follow the same routine you used for your stainless-steel perks.