How to Clean Antique Pressed Aluminum Trays

How to Clean Antique Pressed Aluminum Trays
Written By
Marianne Luke
Marianne Luke
Published: Sep 9, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Uniquely designed antique pressed trays are perfect for serving desserts or appetizers to guests and can be restored to look like new inexpensively with homemade cleaning products. Most aluminum cleaners are acidic so be sure to protect your skin when restoring your trays.

Things You Will Need

  • Rubber gloves
  • Large pot
  • 8 tablespoons cream of tartar
  • 2 cups of vinegar or lemon juice
  • Mild dish soap
  • Sponge with scrubbing side
  • Dish towel
  • Metal polish
  • Polishing rag
  1. Put on rubber gloves. Fill a large pot with about 1 gallon of water, 8 tablespoons of cream of tartar, and 2 cups of vinegar or lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil.

  2. Plug your sink and pour the mixture into the sink. Soak your aluminum trays in this aluminum cleaner for about 10 minutes.

  3. Drain your sink and fill it with hot water. Add a mild dish soap.

  4. Soak your aluminum trays in hot soapy water for several minutes. Use the scrubbing side of a sponge to lightly brush and polish the trays.

  5. Dry your trays softly with a dish towel. Apply a metal polish to shine them up.

The Drip Cap

  • Antique pressed aluminum loses its shine and darkens with age.
  • Soak your aluminum trays in this aluminum cleaner for about 10 minutes.
  • Use the scrubbing side of a sponge to lightly brush and polish the trays.

Photo Credits

Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Marianne Luke

Marianne Luke has been writing professionally since 2005. She has experience writing instruction manuals, research, fiction, nonfiction and poetry, and she also reviews Orlando local music for "Orange Ave Lab" magazine. Luke earned a…

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