Yes, but at a much weaker dilution than you would use on steel. Mix 25 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean, which is 4 percent strength, and clean with a very soft non abrasive pad. Wipe the surface rather than soaking it, and rinse the solution off immediately so it does not sit and dry on the aluminum and leave water stains.
The Non Ferrous Procedure
From the KBS Klean directions, for non ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper and brass:
- Mix 25 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean, a 4 percent strength solution.
- Use a very soft non abrasive cleaning pad.
- Wipe the surface. Do not soak it.
- Rinse the KBS Klean solution off immediately, making sure you do not let it sit on the surface and dry, in a way that minimizes any water stains.
Wear protective rubber gloves and safety glasses at all times.
Why Aluminum Gets Different Treatment
Effective dilution rates vary according to the type and degree of contaminants as well as the surface material, and bare aluminum is the most sensitive surface material on the chart. A ratio that is right for a rusty steel frame is far too strong here, and the two things that go wrong are surface staining and water spotting, both of which show badly on bright bare metal.
Weaker mix, softer pad, shorter contact, faster rinse. That is the whole adjustment.
If You Are Coating the Aluminum Afterward
Cleaning is not the last step. Metal surfaces cleaned with KBS Klean should be treated with RustBlast before painting to ensure proper adhesion. RustBlast has its own non ferrous procedure: for removal of light corrosion or etching of non ferrous metals such as aluminum, brass and copper, prepare the surface as normal and apply RustBlast for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
That 10 to 20 minute window is shorter than the 30 minute minimum used on steel, so do not carry the steel timing over.
Frequently Asked Questions: KBS Klean on Aluminum
Still have questions about cleaning aluminum with KBS Klean? Contact us for help.
