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How to clean your aluminum screen door

Cleaning Aluminum Screen Doors

Cleaning Vinyl Siding

Dingy Vinyl Shutters

Spring Cleaning Home's Exterior

Cleaning Aluminum

I have several inexpensive white metal (I believe they are aluminum) screen doors that I have been unable to completely clean with ordinary household cleaners. I can remove some of the greasy grime, dirt, and scuff marks, but I can't seem to get the white metal on any of these screen doors totally clean. Can the readers recommend any specific products or methods to really clean up these doors?
Victoria

Diesel for Cleaning Aluminum

Diesel fuel works extremely well for applications like this (and the price is right at about $1.50/gallon). It's a powerful solvent. It's almost as good as regular gasoline, but much less flammable, so there's very little fire hazard. Be certain not to use it indoors or in poorly ventilated areas. Get a scrub pad, dip it in the diesel, and wipe down the areas you want to clean. You shouldn't have to scrub much, if at all. Rinse with plenty of water immediately. If left on for extended periods of time, it will begin to eat the white paint.

If you have an aversion to using diesel, mineral spirits will work too. However, you'll have to use a lot more elbow grease.
Andrew

Toothpaste Cleaner

Try using whitening toothpaste, such as Colgate Whitening with Baking Soda and Peroxide. It clings well, is mildly abrasive, and takes out stains. It worked wonders on an old white stove I had that was grease-stained and scuffed. Apply with a dry paper towel and rub in circles.
Connie

Automotive Aluminum Cleaner

We have found that black streak remover works quite well for cleaning aluminum. We use it on our eaves trough and on the aluminum siding on our travel trailer. I don't know the brand we use, but we purchased it at Canadian Tire. It is a little pricey, but a little goes a long way. Just spray and wipe.
Diane

Special Paste Cleans Aluminum

I learned this lesson when I had to try and get old shower enclosures clean at some apartments. It worked like a miracle! Mix baking soda with chlorine bleach, adding approximately equal amounts. You'll want a thick paste that is still somewhat wet. Use a plastic knife or your fingers, covered with a rubber glove, to totally cover the aluminum and caulk. Let it sit for several hours (overnight is fine). Spray off with clear water, and scrub with a toothbrush if needed.
Kamia

Greased Lightning for Clean Aluminum

I got this tip from The Dollar Stretcher. Go to Wal-Mart and buy some Grease Lightening. It's with the other cleaning products. This stuff is great! I use it everywhere. It can handle all the problems you mentioned.
Jamie

Awesome for Cleaning Aluminum!

I came upon a product at the dollar store that cleans everything! It is called "Awesome!" and it lives up to its name. I have not found anything it cannot clean. Try it if you can find it. I know you will love it!
Lori

Clean Aluminum With Bar Keeper's Friend

I use a product called Bar Keeper's Friend. I bought it originally to clean my stainless steel sinks. It works great on aluminum too.
Pat

Whitewall Cleaner

Bleach White brand whitewall cleaner for tires works very well. It's available at most auto parts stores and sometimes at Wal-Mart and K-Mart.
Jeanine

Truck Stop Aluminum Cleaner

Go to a truck stop and look for a cleaning compound that truckers use to polish the aluminum wheels and fuel tanks on their big rigs.
David

Take the Next Step:

Check home and garden product reviews at Cheapism.com before making a purchasing decision.
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"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.