Metal cleaning products

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Metal cleaners are used to remove dirt or to remove chemical changes on the metal surface. The metal surface regains its old shine.

Metal cleaning agents usually contain water-insoluble cleaning particles emulsified in surfactants . Since the cleaning particles are very small, they do not cause scratches on the metal surface. In addition to surfactants, fat-dissolving substances such as alkalis , phosphates and substances with a high adsorption capacity (clay minerals) are often present.

silver

Silver forms with sulfur-containing substances easily silver sulfide , which is visible as a dark coating of silver articles. Simple household remedies are often used to clean silver objects. You can put the silver cutlery in a water pot with aluminum foil, add a little soda or sodium hydrogen carbonate and heat the water pot. The silver sulfide is then reduced by an electrochemical reaction, the sulfur is deposited on the aluminum foil.

Silver objects can also be cleaned with a thiosulphate solution. However, you have to rinse the silver object well with water after removing it.

Iron, steel products

A layer of rust can sometimes form on iron . This can first be removed with a rust removal agent. Often it is an acidic agent that dissolves the rust layer. The acid must then be neutralized with a soda solution.

There is also the option of applying a rust converter directly to the slightly rusted surface. The rust converter often consists of phosphates , which convert the top layer into insoluble iron phosphate .

Black sheet, tinplate and tinned steel materials, e.g. B. Baking trays, cake tins, are cleaned with hot hand dishwashing detergent solution, rinsed thoroughly and dried. Black plate should not be stored greased as the decomposing fats damage the material.

Copper, brass, chrome

As a rule, products that can be bought in stores are used here.

Dark spots on brass, copper are made of copper oxide. These can be removed by cleaning with vinegar or diluted sulfuric acid.

aluminum

Materials made of non-anodized aluminum are, for example, saucepans, baking trays, baking tins and bowls. Aluminum should never be heated dry, aluminum is sensitive to acids and bases. A hand dishwashing detergent is recommended for cleaning, steel wool is recommended for burnt and encrusted areas. Then rinse and dry thoroughly.

literature