Aluminum Avant Roof Rails/Window Trim - how to clean? Time to get this straight!
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Aluminum Avant Roof Rails/Window Trim - how to clean? Time to get this straight!
I scoured the forum today, and read everything from "Don't use anything abrasive, it's got a plastic coating! Vinegar soak/rub for 15-20 minutes will clear it up" to "Very fine grit steel wool will polish it right up!"
Does anything ACTUALLY know how to polish up roof rails that have the oxidized/trapped moisture/water spot/staining/whatever the hell it's been called here. I'm ready to tackle the project - has anyone here actually cleaned their trim and rails sucessfully?
POST!
-Jeff
Does anything ACTUALLY know how to polish up roof rails that have the oxidized/trapped moisture/water spot/staining/whatever the hell it's been called here. I'm ready to tackle the project - has anyone here actually cleaned their trim and rails sucessfully?
POST!
-Jeff
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Re: Aluminum Avant Roof Rails/Window Trim - how to clean? Time to get this straight!
I agree with the non-abrasive approach. Why trash the finish?
Try the white vinegar treatment as a first option. The spots you see are likely mineral deposits left behind by evaporating water. The white vinegar will dissolve the minerals. Soak a clean cotton cloth in white vinegar (do not dilute) and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not rub. If this works, do the rest of the rail and wash afterwards.
If the aluminum is pitted there is not much you will be able to do.
Let us know if this works for you.
Try the white vinegar treatment as a first option. The spots you see are likely mineral deposits left behind by evaporating water. The white vinegar will dissolve the minerals. Soak a clean cotton cloth in white vinegar (do not dilute) and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not rub. If this works, do the rest of the rail and wash afterwards.
If the aluminum is pitted there is not much you will be able to do.
Let us know if this works for you.
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Re: Regardless...that didn't work, and I left it for more than 10...bah! Any other ideas?
If the aluminimum surface has been etched you'll need to level it with a polish,use the least abrasive first, try 2-3 times before moving to something more abrasive.
Vinegar will remove the acid and clay will remove any solidified mineral salts but they will not remove etching
JonM
Vinegar will remove the acid and clay will remove any solidified mineral salts but they will not remove etching
JonM
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