waterwitch
Well-known member
Hello all! I was wondering what the best way to clean an aluminum agitator would be... I've searched online and have found that using Cream of Tarter works, but this would require boiling... Any ideas?
Cleaning Aluminum Agitators
- Thread starter waterwitch
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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.
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.
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.
bradross
Well-known member
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.
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.
waterwitch
Well-known member
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.
waterwitch
Well-known member
This is it, still not finished yet.
You are
a bit like I when it comes to collecting agitators. I have collected an extra of each type Maytag made. My aluminum one was not corroded but rather tarnished. It is a bit rough so I used a very stiff bristle brush and Mothers Mag to clean it up. I am happy with the results. I found it was easier to clean than the bakelite ones are. I had a NOS gray ghost agitator but gave it to another collector who has a gray ghost. I didn't know Brad then :-(. Living in an apartment you can't have a lot of collectibles around LOL.
Best, Jim
a bit like I when it comes to collecting agitators. I have collected an extra of each type Maytag made. My aluminum one was not corroded but rather tarnished. It is a bit rough so I used a very stiff bristle brush and Mothers Mag to clean it up. I am happy with the results. I found it was easier to clean than the bakelite ones are. I had a NOS gray ghost agitator but gave it to another collector who has a gray ghost. I didn't know Brad then :-(. Living in an apartment you can't have a lot of collectibles around LOL.
Best, Jim
bradross
Well-known member
Pic of the other?
Hello Anthony,
wondering if you were planning on posting a pic of the other agitator? Did you find out the model to which the first belonged? In the pic, it looks to have a rather low water level indicator line.
Hello Anthony,
wondering if you were planning on posting a pic of the other agitator? Did you find out the model to which the first belonged? In the pic, it looks to have a rather low water level indicator line.
everythingold
Well-known member
Acid bath, then sand paper with 200, 400, then 1000 grit.
everythingold
Well-known member
Oh
And use a respirator when sanding.
And use a respirator when sanding.
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