Alkaline and Degreaser Cleaning of Aluminum

Question:
Can aluminum be safely cleaned with alkaline cleaners and degreasers?

Answer:
Typical alkaline cleaners and degreasers attack aluminum. Use of corrosion inhibited alkaline cleaners such as Alcojet or Detojet that contain proper ratios of silicates to form aluminosilicate at activated sites on the aluminum surface prevent aluminum oxide formation or corrosion during alkaline cleaning. It is always safer use lower temperatures to retard corrosion. Alternatively, cleaners that are below pH 9.5 such as Alconox or Liquinox can be used at temperatures (below 140 deg F) with limited contact time (under an hour) to reduce corrosion.

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