After working hard all day, you want to relax. However, cleaning your toolbox is not a relaxing activity.
You can clean it yourself if you know how to do it correctly and safely or pay someone else for the job.
Cleaning the tool box by yourself takes time and effort while paying others means spending extra money that can be used in other ways.
The best way out of this situation is to use an effective cleaner that will remove dirt from the toolbox without damaging its surface or making it too slippery after applying any oil-based substance on its surface.
How To Clean Aluminum Toolbox
Such solution exists. Use soap, vinegar, cola and phosphoric acid.
These products are very effective for people like us who are looking for an easy, fast and safe way to clean their toolboxes without sacrificing quality of work done afterwards with these tools stored inside them as well as money spent on such products.
For over two decades, people are using the aluminum toolbox for lighter weight and rust-free conditions.
This toolbox often gets dirt and grease from road and construction sites and needs to be cleaned. You may find red dust inside the drawers also.
Our article will show you all the four methods of how to clean an aluminum toolbox. Please use hand gloves and glasses as a safety measurement.
Clean An Aluminum Toolbox With Liquid Dish Soap
Our first suggestion is dish soap. Dish soap works well to clean grease. It is an easily accessible cleaner that you find in every house.
You can easily clean your diamond plate box by hand at home. For this work, you need:
- Liquid dish soap
- Hot water
- Soft bristle brush
- Dry paper towel and Bucket, and
- Wax for coating
Step 1) Scrub the whole box with a brush using dish soap
First, wet your toolbox with clean water. Make a mixture of liquid dish soap and hot water. Scrub the box with this soap water mixture.
Scrub well in up and down direction, then left and right direction. Scrub in clockwise and anti-clock direction.
Make sure the edges of the diamond plates get wet, and the brushing reaches all the area.
Step 2) Rinse well and pat dry
After rubbing well with liquid soap, clean the box with normal temperature water. Wipe the chest with a dry paper towel and let it dry perfectly.
Use a coat of wax to complete the task. This waxing will shine the box and protect the chest from getting dirt very soon.
Clean An Aluminum Toolbox With White Vinegar
White vinegar can also be used as a cleaner of aluminum. It is very easy to clean a diamond plate box with vinegar. Now, You need:
- White vinegar
- An spray bottle
- A nylon Bristol soft brush
- Dry paper towel, and
- Wax for coating
Step 1) Apply White Vinegar And Scrub Well
Empty the box, spray white vinegar on section by section of the case. Scrub the wet area with a brush.
You have to scrub the part while it gets wet by the vinegar. So, spray on a small area and start brushing.
Step 2) Clean the dirt by using a dry paper towel
After brushing some time, you will see the grime come out. This time wipe the dull vinegar with a towel and dry the box.
Apply wax coating with a pad after completely dry the toolbox. Wax will work as an aluminum brightener. See, it is clean and shines.
Clean An Aluminum Toolbox With Cola
It’s not funny. Yes, I am telling you about the drinks cola that we drink every day. This cleaning method is so simple. For this cleaning task, you need:
- Coca-Cola
- Brush, and
- dry paper towel
Step 1) Pour the cola on the body of the box
Take a new cola and pour it on the body of the box. Wet the whole body of the aluminum and let it remain for five minutes.
Make sure the cola is spreading evenly to the box.
Step 2) Scrub The Box And Clean With Water
Scrub it well with a soft bristle brush and let the dirt reveal. Clean with water and dry with a towel.
Do not let any drop of cola after cleaning. You will be happy to see the shiny looks of your box but worried about your health for drinking cola.
Clean An Aluminum Toolbox With Phosphoric Acid
Cleaning with phosphoric acid is a kind of polishing. This chemical eradicates the dart and grease but fades the color of the box.
As a result, your toolbox needs a metal polish after cleaning. Now, you need:
- Phosphoric acid
- Metal polish
- Water
- Nylon pads
- Latex gloves
- Dry towel
- Soft cloth
Step 1) Clean the box with water
At first, wash the box well with water and dry it properly. Use a paper towel to dry it. This is a preliminary cleaning process.
Step 2) Scrub with phosphoric acid.
Now, the time is for phosphoric acid. Wear latex gloves and glasses to protect yourself from any chemical reactions.
Take a nylon pad for scrubbing and scrub the whole box with acid. After some time, it will turn white.
Scrub the acid until the box changes its color into white. Wash the entire box with water and dry well.
Step 3) Complete the cleaning with metal polish
If your box is dry enough, then use metal polish on it. Phosphoric acid dulls the looks of the aluminum.
Metal polish gets back its shiny-ness after applying polish wipes it with soft cloths.
Precautions You Should Take During the Cleaning Task
-Select an open space for cleaning where sun and air can pass through. It will help to dry the box perfectly.
-Please do not use other acids or chemicals without knowing their reactions with aluminum.
-Use eyeglasses and hand gloves. Always empty the box before washing.
-Remove the rust and dust inside the box after replacing the tools for washing. This step ensures complete cleaning.
-Use good quality metal polish and soft bristle. In the case of metal, polish buy the specific polish appropriate for aluminum.
-Try to complete the cleaning task within a short time. Do not let the box wet for a long time.
-Always apply a coat of wax after washing. Scrubbing can remove the slickness of the aluminum oxide.
So, proper waxing will make your box shiny and looks like a new one. It also prevents dust.
Final Words
Our four methods of how to clean an aluminum toolbox are verified and practical. These methods are less dangerous for health.
You can clean your toolbox by applying one of this way within a short time. You will astonish to see the result of cleaning and waxing on a toolbox.
Moreover, your tool safe will remain new and dart-free for a long time.