Cleaning satin finish aluminum

[jimbeckwith]

Is there a way to clean the satin aluminum finished castings on vintage Hoovers (the pre-1926 models)without polishing them? That is to say to restore their look to the "clean and "white" finish they had when they left the factory?

 

[truckerx]

Jim

I hate to tell you this, but I use 'Brillo' on my 541.

 

[truckerx]

Jim

Here's photo one of my 541's. As you can see, it has a shiny finish. The other is 541 is dull, pitted and not presentable. I've seen the satin finish you're talking about - recalling it's somewhere between a rough casting and a polished look.
You might try some Brasso for starters. I don't think it's strong enough to hurt anything. Good luck.
Sure would like to see some photos when you get the camera figured out.
--Bernie

 

[truckerx]

Forgot to attach the photo

Here is it:

 

[sanitaire]

I have lot of kirbys in my collection and on the very dirty ones I use power driven roto shaft tool powerd by a 70's kirby and some buffing compound. on the rest I use the Mothers brand polish that they use for mag and chrome car wheels. mega shine and not scratching at all. you can get the mothers polish at walmart....