Aluminum Cleaner

I picked up some cool vintage aluminum "pitchers" for pouring oil or coolant, from an auction of an old filling station. I'd like to soak them in something for cleaning prior to the "elbow grease" phase of polishing them up. Aside from hot soapy water, any suggestions on a cleaning agent for these??

Thanks!

Shoebox

 

id spray wheel acid on them let them sit for just about 30 seconds then rinse

 

An old timer told me that marvle mystery oil on a rag does wonders to clean aluminum... never tried it tho

 

Carmarc1,
"Wheel acid".......not familiar, would you have a product name ?

Shoebox

 

Its muriatic acid, "aluminum wheel cleaner" on the shelf at the auto store. It works well but as stated don't leave it on too long, it leaves black stains if it dries.

 

He's talking the spray Aluminum wheel cleaners that you get at the parts houses. They usually have an acid in them that cleans the aluminum but will eat it if left on.

I'd just scrub them down with some household cleanser like Ajax or Comet and then use what ever mag/aluminum wheel cleaner/polish you favor.

 

Purple Stuff is good for a non-agressive cleaning of aluminum.

 

White scotchbrite pad and some Bon Ami, or Barkeepers friend.