How To Clean Aluminum Trailers? Steps Guideline
Aluminum trailers are a classic. No wonder they were featured in movies back in the 90s. If you own one, you are one lucky human being. They are convenient, trusty, and take things from A to B or do whatever they are intended to do.
But apart from carrying stuff here and there, you have to maintain your aluminum trailer to keep the shine. So how to clean aluminum trailers? Well, it’s easy as cleaning anything aluminum.
You just remove the dirt and sand, give it a soapy wash and wax it, in the end, to protect and polish it like a mirror. We are going to walk you through the steps to make it more convenient for you.
Clean Your Aluminum Trailer In Just 7 Steps
Cleaning your aluminum trailer is almost easy as cake. It is like cleaning any other vehicle, but a bit more delicate. Here is the 7-step process of cleaning your aluminum trailer along with the list of things you will need.
Things you will need
- A long broom.
- Mild dish soap or aluminum-safe cleaner.
- A sponge.
- Microfiber cloths.
- Garden hose with a spray nozzle or pressure washer.
- Bucket (If you don’t have a garden hose).
- Aluminum polish or wax.
- Gloves and safety goggles.
Step 1: Brush Away The Dirt And Debris
Start by brushing away all the dirt and debris outside. A broom will come in handy at this point.
Step 2: Give The Trailer A Good Rinse
When you are satisfied with the dirt removal, give the aluminum trailer a good rinse. A garden hose does the job in a few minutes. If you don’t have one, then a bucket will also do.
Step 3: Spray On Some Aluminum Cleaning Solution
Put on some mild dish soap or aluminum-safe cleaner in a spray bottle. Spray onto your trailer. If you have a hose attachment, this job gets done a lot easier. But a bucket filled with water and cleaner can do the same thing with a bit of time. Make sure to cover all areas.
Step 4: Scrub Scrub
Give it 2 or 3 minutes. Then start scrubbing with the soft bristle or sponge. Scrub thoroughly all over your trailer.
Step 5: Clean Water Rinse Again
When all the scrubbing is done, rinse the trailer with clean water. Make sure to remove all the soap and foam.
Step 6: Dry Your Trailer
The aluminum trailer is like a clear glass, if you leave the water on it after washing, it will stain. So make sure you dry it out with a microfiber cloth.
Step 7: Wax, Polish, And Protect
Use an aluminum polish and wax to protect it from other damages. And you are done. Do not skip this step as leaving the trailer on its own will damage it. Also, it keeps oxidation at bay.
Safety Tips:
- Avoid using any harsh bristle brush. Never use steel wool or anything hard on aluminum. It’s a trailer, not a cooking pan.
- Pressure washers should have a slower setting or should be sprayed from afar as it might bend the aluminum.
- If there is previous oxidation or stains on the trailer, an aluminum oxidation cleaner will help remove the stains.
- Always read the levels of the cleaner or soap before using it on your aluminum trailer.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions and Answers)
What is the best soap for aluminum trailers?
Any mild soap is good for aluminum trailers. But if you are going to get a commercial one, we would suggest BritePlus MX as it is the best. Also, it is pre-mixed and inexpensive.
Does baking soda clean aluminum trailers?
Although baking soda is a good cleaning agent, it will oxidize the surface of your aluminum trailer. So we suggest you avoid it and use regular mild soap instead.
How do I protect my aluminum trailer?
To protect your aluminum trailer, regularly wash them from salt buildup and wax them afterward. Wax and polish help protect aluminum from oxidation, which also prolongs the trailer’s life.
Conclusion
Aluminum trailers are like cast iron pans. You take care of them, and they stay with you for a very long time. They also have a great resale value. Only if they are maintained correctly. So keep them in their top-notch shape with our cleaning guide and you will thank yourself.
