Layers of petals and leaves, curls and swirls, ornate handles and pedestals enhanced their aluminum. Their Rodney Kent line - named after a street corner, not a person - was a game-changer not only aesthetically, but for the types of product that became available.
Ornately decorated casseroles, covered dishes, trays, coffee and tea serving sets, cruets, and other table accessories took aluminum beyond hammered and pressed and filled many more kitchen cabinets with aluminum.
1. Use it. Counterintuitively, using your aluminum tableware regularly prevents pitting, tarnishing, oxidation, and other 'injuries'. Why? Because you'll clean it after you use it. When it is on the highest shelf of your unused dishes cabinet, you won't.
2. Gently! Use mild detergent and a soft brush to remove food particles from crevices. Use a soft dish towel to dry. Don't let it air dry, water spots may occur.
3. Aluminum may be cleaned with a paste of baking soda and lemon juice. Use a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, dry it immediately.
4. To remove oxidation from vintage aluminum dishes, soak the dish in a pot, or sink, of VERY hot water with 2 - 3 tablespoons of white vinegar and 2 -3 teaspoons of cream of tartar. Allow the dish to soak for at least 30 minutes, repeating the process as layers of rust loosen.
5. Aluminum wheel polish (from the automotive care dept. at the big box stores) will polish clean dishes after debris and oxidation have been removed.
6. If you feel you MUST use steel wool, use 0000 grade from the furniture refinishing section of your hardware store. Use a very small and even, light touch, circular motion starting in the center of the dish, working your way to the edge. Rinse thoroughly, and dry immediately
- Never use abrasive materials such as soap-filled steel wool pads or cleaners intended for other metals.
- Never wash anything aluminum in the dishwasher - you won't wreck it but you will make it uglier.