How to Clean Architectural Aluminum

Determine if your architectural aluminum has a finish on it. Depending on the application, there may be a paint or other coating on top. If this is the case, you must find out how to best clean the finish -- not the aluminum.

Consider the weather and location before cleaning. Mild weather and working when the item is in the shade is recommended by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA).

Wipe away any dirt or debris from the aluminum with a soft, clean cloth or rinse it away with a forceful water spray, depending on the size and location of the object. If the object to be cleaned is on your barn roof, for example, using a sprayer from the ground or scaffolding is preferable and safer to wiping it down by hand.

Wash the aluminum with a mixture of mild dish soap in water on a soft sponge. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a towel. Any mild soap deemed safe for bare hands should be safe for coated aluminum, according to the AAMA.

Use a rag dipped in a mixture of 4 tablespoons of white vinegar in a gallon of water to remove any oxidation on the aluminum. Avoid using abrasives such as steel wool or scratch pads. Aluminum is a soft metal and will scratch easily.