Aluminum is a great material for a toolbox since it's durable and easy to carry. The only problem with it is that it doesn't take much to make it look dirty. And, since the box holds tools, chances are it's subject to a frequent dousing in water, grease and all matter of other materials. This means you need to clean it at least once a month to keep it looking its best. It will need even more frequent cleaning if you store it outdoors instead of in the garage or a shed.
1、Remove all of your tools from the box and place them on an old towel. Wipe them with paper towels to take off any grease and dirt that could bleed onto your toolbox after you clean it.
2、Fill your bucket three quarters of the way with the hottest water you can run in the sink. You don't want it to be boiling, but you do want it close. Once you're done running the water, add 2 tsp. of unscented dish soap. Stir the mixture with a metal spoon. Put your gloves on first so you don't burn your hands.
3、Drop your cotton cloth into the bucket. Then pull it out, squeezing it tightly at the same time. Wipe the entire toolbox thoroughly. Dip the cloth back in the bucket as needed when you run out of soap. Rinse the box with cool water from the garden hose and dry it with additional cloths. Now all surface dust and dirt should be gone. If not, scrub any trouble spots with a soft bristled old toothbrush.
4、Get a new cloth and fold it into a square that is approximately 3 by 3 inches. Put a quarter sized drop of aluminum polish in the center of that square. Fold the square in half toward its center and rub the sides together gently so the polish is evenly distributed. Take out that last fold and rub the bottom of the box with the cloth, using a circular motion on any large flat areas.
5、Turn the toolbox upside down so you can polish the sides while the bottom dries. Finally, polish the interior of the toolbox. Don't forget the inside of the lid.
