How To Clean an Aluminum Coated Mirror

Q: We are looking to clean an aluminum coated mirror with a neutral, mild effective cleaner.  What can Alconox Inc. recommend?

A:  We would recommend Liquinox® Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent over Luminox for mild detergent cleaning applications.   While both are considered neutral and mild detergents, the Liquinox cleaner is going to be a better emulsifier of organic, oily and particulate residues.  Typical residues found in laboratory, aerospace and optics industry mirror applications are adhered dust, dirt and water spots.  Occasionally oil spots and coolant residues will be found as well.  We would recommend applying a small amount (~1%) of the liquid detergent mixture in small sections with  sponges or small manual spray bottles, followed by sponge dabbing or rinsing with DI water. This will allow for a thoroughly cleaned surface.

To request an Alconox Inc. detergent for free, please complete the questionnaire at Get Sample. For more information about any one of our Alconox Inc. detergents, consult the technical bulletin for each product. Or click here to access each of our detergent’s Safety Data Sheets.

Do you have a critical cleaning question for the experts at Alconox Inc.?  Search TechNotes to see if it’s been answered before or Ask Alconox.

Contact us any time: cleaning@alconox.com

The photo is from NASA / Public domain