Aluminum Oxidation Help

[CuddlyBurrito]

ok, so like a jackass i used an oxidizing cleaner on a Aluminum pot .. Its a 6 gallon pot that i like very much and don't want to spend the money to get a new one if there is someway to clean the bottom of it. it didn't pit that i can tell from my fingers. but it is discolored to a dark gray. any info appreciated



-Zak

 

[Suthrncomfrt1884]

I believe you can form a new coating on your aluminum by just boiling water in it for an hour or so.

 

[CuddlyBurrito]

yeah after searching the forums thats what i guessed as well just another thing to put on my lit of things to do

 

[shortyjacobs]

You're fine. The cleaner oxidized the aluminum to form dull gray aluminum oxide on the surface. This is GREAT. Aluminum oxide is almost as hard as diamonds, and will protect your wort from coming into contact with bare aluminum (which really is AlO2 anyways, just thinner), and getting aluminum-y flavors.