I need to clean some aluminum wire--will isopropyl alcohol damage it?

[Orrex]

I've made a number of chainmail items for sale at a fast-approaching convention, and I'd like to give them a quick bit of sanitizing before then, if possible.

Sure, I could soak a few scraps to see if there's any damage, but I'm more concerned about long-term effects, if any.



This question is probably stupidly simple, but my last chemistry class was 20 years ago, and I didn't do so well in it even then...

[kentauros]

1. I'd suggest denatured alcohol

since it has the lowest water content. I believe electronics stores carry it.

Alternately, try acetone. You can get that at art supply stores :)
(or it used to be available there...)

eta: Here's a link for cleaning aluminum coins that suggests hydrogen peroxide - http://metaldetectingworld.com/cleaning_coin_p18_aluminum.shtml

[Orrex]

3. Thanks very much!

There's no particular crud on any of it, but I'd like to wash it clean of basic grime, etc. Sounds like acetone is the way to go.

[Mopar151]

2. Alcahols tend to corrode aluminium

And alkaline detergents dull it and spot it. Look for some wheel cleaner at the auto parts store. The "etching" type will remove spme pretty nasty stains, and will leave a uniform color & finish.Acetone will work OK, and you can get it at the paint/hardware store.

[Orrex]

4. Thanks!

At the moment, the wire's a nicely uniform color, so the cleaning will mostly be to remove any oils that have accumulated from handling, etc.

Between your post and kentauros', I'm thinking acetone.


Thanks again!

[conscious evolution]

5. electrical contact cleaner.

Safe for alunimum and copper wire and it comes in a handy spray can.
Look for it at electrical supply houses.It is fairly cheap.

[Orrex]

8. A question, though...

The items in question are pieces of simple jewelry. Will the contact cleaner leave any sort of sticky residue or smell?

[conscious evolution]

9. To tell the truth

I have never noticed.
I know the cleaner has a smell when spraying but I have never noticed if it hangs around.

[ornotna]

6. Vinegar

Or a solution of 2 tbl spoons or cream of tartar to a quart of water

[Orrex]

7. Delicious!

I've heard that cream of tartar is a miracle cleaner when used on such things as drip-pans and the like. For what I have in mind it might be more than I need, but it's a great suggestion for next time.

Thanks!