Commercial aluminum brighteners and aluminum cleaners for fleets, trailer washouts and truck washes. Our acid brighteners cut oxidation, scale and road film on unpolished aluminum trailers, truck bodies, wheels and fuel tanks without sanding. Polished Aluminum Cleaner is the polish-safe option for polished and bare aluminum. Sold in 55 gallon drums and 275 gallon totes, with acid-resistant sprayers and triggers to apply them.
Which aluminum cleaner is right for your job?
| Product | Best for | Polish-safe? | How it's set up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alum-Brite | Heavy oxidation and scale on unpolished aluminum | No | Concentrate: pre-mix 9% Alum-Brite / 91% water |
| Alum-Brite Lite | Unpolished aluminum, ready to use | No | Ready to use, no pre-mix |
| Total Brite 1 | Step 1 presoak plus aluminum and wheel cleaner for non-polished aluminum | No | Pre-mix 50/50 with water |
| Polished Aluminum Cleaner | Oxidation and hard-water spots on polished and bare aluminum | Yes | Mix per the product Directions. Not for injectors or foam cannons. |
How to brighten aluminum the right way
- Confirm the surface. Alum-Brite, Alum-Brite Lite and Total Brite 1 are for unpolished aluminum only. Protect nearby glass and polished metals.
- Work on cool surfaces and apply from the bottom up for even coverage.
- Keep dwell time short and never let the product dry on the surface.
- Neutralize with a high-pH Step 2 such as Total Brite 2 or Total Brite 200.
- Rinse thoroughly, preferably with softened water, until all product and residue are gone.
Safety first
Alum-Brite, Alum-Brite Lite and Total Brite 1 contain hydrofluoric acid and are corrosive. Read the Safety Data Sheet before use, wear the protective equipment it lists, and apply them with acid-resistant equipment like the IK Multi Pro 9 acid-resistant pump sprayer or ST-2315 acid-resistant trigger. These products ship as DOT-regulated corrosives by LTL truck freight. Use the freight estimator on each product page for a live quote.
Aluminum brightener FAQs
Can I use aluminum brightener on polished aluminum?
No. Acid brighteners like Alum-Brite are made only for unpolished aluminum, not polished finishes. For polished aluminum, use Polished Aluminum Cleaner or a polish-safe 2-step wash.
Do I need to neutralize aluminum brightener?
Yes. Follow Alum-Brite, Alum-Brite Lite or Total Brite 1 with a high-pH Step 2 soap, then rinse thoroughly.
What's the difference between Alum-Brite and Alum-Brite Lite?
Alum-Brite is a concentrate you pre-mix with water. Alum-Brite Lite comes pre-diluted and ready to use straight from the drum.
Is Alum-Brite safe on glass or chrome?
Keep it off glass and polished metals, including chrome. Protect those areas before you spray.
