
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
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Cleaning an Anodized Part in an Alkaline Cleaner
October 2, 2008
I have a customer who is cleaning anodized parts in a mild alkaline base cleaner. I do not know what it is, But wouldn't the cleaner break the seal and stain the black anodize ? It looks blueish purplish like it is beginning to strip. They said they do this all of the time and it never attacked the anodize.
Thanks Joe A.
L.M.P Ma.
- Waltham, Massachusetts
October 8, 2008
Any alkali, the stronger the worse, will attack aluminum oxide, hydrated aluminum oxide, and aluminum. weaker is slower, stronger is faster. Dishwashing compounds will slowly degrade anodized finishes.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

