Which of the following is NOT an approved tool for cleaning anodized aluminum surfaces?

• A. Aluminum wool or fiber bristle brushes
• B. Steel wool
• C. Nylon scrubbing pads
• D. Cotton swabs

Answer: (B)

Cleaning anodized aluminum requires tools that won’t scratch or contaminate the protective oxide layer. The anodized surface is thin and delicate, so using materials that shed ferrous metal or are highly abrasive can cause damage and corrosion sites.

Steel wool is not approved because it is made of steel and can leave ferrous fibers behind. Those fibers can rust, trap moisture, and create corrosion sites, and the abrasive nature of steel wool can gouge or remove the anodized coating. In contrast, aluminum wool or fiber bristle brushes, nylon scrubbing pads, and cotton swabs are non-ferrous or non-metallic and gentler, reducing the risk of scratching or introducing contaminants. This makes them appropriate for cleaning anodized aluminum surfaces.