Aluminium trailer cleaning

[artie]

I think it's Hydrochloric acid Ive been using to clean the concrete yard and driveway,

I splashed a little on the aluminium checkerplate floor of my trailer and it came up like new.

But before I do the rest of it, I thought it prudent to ask if anyone else has done it and were there any long term ill effects?

 

[ChaiLatte]

Unless the entire trailer is aluminium, hydrochloric acid is not good for any steel parts of it.

Most aluminium cleaners are phosphoric acid, which will be OK if it contacts any steel parts.

 

[Inspector]

If there are laps, parts bolted or stitch welded etc the acid can get in between and they may corrode over time.

Pete

 

[Noel]

I think it's Hydrochloric acid Ive been using to clean the concrete yard and driveway,

I splashed a little on the aluminium checkerplate floor of my trailer and it came up like new.

But before I do the rest of it, I thought it prudent to ask if anyone else has done it and were there any long term ill effects?

Was it not Sodium Hypochlorite (popular on farms for cleaning milking parlours) you were using to clean the concrete? That’s what’s normally used, usually referred to as Hypo. It’s generally somewhere around 10/12% strength. Basically strong bleach.
Assuming it is Hypo, do some testing, starting off with a well diluted sample and see.
I would add that anything too strong or left on for extended periods will damage aluminium and create fumes so be careful.

 

[artie]

Was it not Sodium Hypochlorite

I bought it in a farm supply, so you're likely right.