Washing bare aluminum trailer to shine?

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by istumped, Apr 30, 2024.

  1. istumped

    istumped Medium Load Member

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    What are you guys using for soap to wash a bare aluminum trailer to make it shine! Trying to get the streaks out and not having any luck? Looks great when it's wet but when it says looks like crap What is the secret to no streaks? What is your procedure? Thanks
     
  2. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Hate to break it to you but the only way to get rid of those streaks is to polish it. And don't use anything stronger than a mild soap to wash it with when you get rid of them. Now you understand why most people just flash aluminum and forget it?
     
  3. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    There are some ‘citrus’ based degreasers and cleaners to work pretty darn good. Won’t be quite as shiny as polished or buffed, but for road trucks………….
     
  4. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Citrashine is decent for cleaning without ruining the shine. But for it to really shine. Better break out the buffer and the wax.
     
  5. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    That’s why last trailer i ordered had white rear instead of shiny, looks good unless you haul nasty product and when it’s washed it streaks down and looks horrid.
     
  6. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    Most of the streaking is due to the standard industrial truck wash’s hard soap and water along with hi pressure hot water rinsing
    I have managed to beat a lot of it by
    Spraying doors down later with simple green….let it soak….rinse gently with cold water…then use a better dish soap and brush again gently cold water rinse works best
    But chances are ifn you tea want it right…,gonna hafta polish