Aluminum, brass, copper, and silver are most susceptible to tarnish.
Most metal items can be safely washed in warm water and a mild detergent.
We’ll take a look at the best ways to clean andremove rustfrom different types of metal.
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
Untreated aluminum is highly susceptible to discoloration and pitting from acids.
Untreatedaluminum cookwarewill discolor in the dishwasher or when used to prepare acidic foods like tomato sauce.
It is nearly impossible to restore the original finish.
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However, anodized aluminum found in heavy-duty cookware has a coating that protects it from harm.
It is best to hand-wash aluminum cookware with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
Aluminum window frames and outdoor furniture can be washed with mild all-purpose soap and dried well to prevent streaking.
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
To keep the finish shiny, coat the frames with paste car wax.
Many modern brass items are coated with a lacquer to prevent tarnish.
Copper
How you care forcopperitems depends on the finish you prefer.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Gold
Cleaninggoldorgold-plated jewelryis simple because it does not tarnish easily.
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
Pewter
Pewteritems should have a warm, low-luster sheen.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the mixture if the pewter has a matte finish for added abrasive strength.
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
However, stainless steel can scratch, and water and food can leave streaks on some stainless steel finishes.
Although anodized aluminum is fine, avoid using vinegar on untreated aluminum as it can cause discoloration and pitting.
The gentlest way to clean metal is with liquid dish soap and warm water.
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
