Aluminum / Anodized Aluminum

The best way to maintain exterior aluminum hardware on your boat is to wash it regularly with soap and water, and be sure to coat it with a good liquid automobile wax at least twice a year. If you don't do this, oxidation will sooner or later dull and discolor the surface of the aluminum.

There are polish formulations available just for aluminum, but you should use these products with caution. Much aluminum marine hardware is anodized, and certain mag-wheel cleaning formulas can remove this protective anodized surface finish, leaving the aluminum unprotected. (Read the fine print: many polishes say "Do not use on anodized aluminum.") Instead of polish, try lightly rubbing the aluminum with a powdered cleanser (Ajax, Bar Keeper's Friend). Then rinse, dry, and give the surface a coat of liquid auto wax. This may not restore the aluminum to like-new luster, but it will clean it and retard future oxidation.