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Aluminum shiny -finish destroyed in dishwasher
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I recently placed a new shinny aluminum meat-mallet (tenderizer) in our dishwasher. It came out almost black and looks terrible. Can I do anything to restore the original finish or at least a clean looking finish. What would have caused this? Was it anodized or something? Could anodizing be removed simply by washing in a dishwasher. Was there a chemical reaction or dissimilar metal issue? Any advice appreciated as my wife wants to kill me for damaging it. She may even use the meat tenderizer to do it! I would at least like to be killed with a clean, shiny object.
Gary CayPlastics - Sydney, Australia
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Metal polish, most likely you managed to oxidize the surface of the metal. Just use whatever metal polish you have handy to remove the surface oxidization, if you don't have any try toothpaste.
Marc BanksBlacksmith - Shawboro, North Carolina
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Take the easy way out. Sneak out and buy an identical one. Rub it a tiny bit with toothpaste, give it to the lovely lady and tell her that you "polished it" No lie, but not the whole truth either. PS, keep this one in the hand wash category.
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
February 15, 2011
Try making a paste of water and cream of tarter (available in the spice aisle at the grocery store, if not already in your kitchen cabinet). Use either a clean cotton cloth, or in this case, an old tooth brush, nail brush or sponge, and work the paste until the shine has been restored.
Kim Pace- Fort Worth, Texas