Expert-Approved Aluminium Ute Tray Cleaning & Maintenance
If you’re an off-road enthusiast like us, your aluminium ute tray will have seen it all. Mud, sand, cement dust, grease, salt, you name it.
All that grime does more than just dull the look. It traps moisture, invites corrosion, and chips away the longevity of your aluminium ute tray. After some time, this build-up turns into structural damage and costs you a day’s work at mechanic.
How to avoid that?
A simple but regular session of aluminium ute tray cleaning plus some upkeep habits. Yup, that’s all it takes to protect aluminium tray from corrosion & damage.
Here at Glennic Transport Equipment, we’ve spent over 30 years in Perth designing, building, and installing durable ute trays. And we know what abuse they’re facing on daily basis and what kind of care they need for longevity.
So, let’s start our expanded aluminium ute tray care guide to keep your tray shining and strong for years to come.
Why Regular Aluminium Ute Tray Cleaning is Required?
A regular scrub not only shine up your tray but also prevents grit from embedding, water from lurking, and corrosion from setting in.
If you deep clean aluminium ute tray regularly, you can get:
- Protection from elements: Grit, chemicals, and salt don’t just sit on your ute surface. They start corroding the metal & eat up your tray. Regular washing prevents buildup that wears the tray down.
- Damage detection: A clean surface makes dents and scratches easier to spot early, and saves you from big fixes later. Any Aussie tradie know this secret.
- Resale and pride: A well-maintained tray not only looks sharp. But it also reflects your attention to detail, and helps in resale or professional reputation.
Even if your ute is not exposed to any elements. The rounded edges and corners start collecting grime after some time, and cleaning is needed.
How to Clean Aluminium Ute Tray Without Scratching
Aluminium is strong, but it scratches easily if you’re not careful. Here’s the safest way to clean aluminium tray without scratching or leaving any marks.
1. Rinse Thoroughly First
Always start with a hose or gentle pressure washer to remove loose dirt and debris. Focus on edges and corners where grime loves to hide. This step will help make surface ready and reduce scratching during scrubbing later.
2. The Two-Bucket Wash Technique
Use one bucket of mild detergent mixed with water, and a second bucket of clean rinse water. After washing a section, rinse your mitt or sponge in the clean bucket to avoid dragging grit across the tray surface. A tried and trusted method of vehicle cleaning.
3. Use a Pressure Washer for Stubborn Build-Up
For dried mud, concrete or road grime, a pressure washer in the 1200–1500 psi is required. It will remove oxidation from aluminium tray. Keep it at least 30 cm from the surface and use a wide fan spray to avoid damaging the protective layer. Don’t apply too much pressure.
4. Apply an Aluminium-Safe Cleaner
When dish soap won’t cut it, reach for safe options like mild car wash or aluminium-specific cleaners. They’ll lift oil, grease, and grime and restore the shine without any surface damage. Some even leave a light protective layer, which makes future clean-ups easier.
Remember to dry quickly after cleaning to avoid water spots on aluminium tray.
Safe Cleaning Products for Aluminium Trays
Cleaning products play a key role in keeping surface of aluminium protected. Stay miles away from strong acids, bleach, or pre-soak agents. They strip protective coatings and dull the tray. Instead, use pH-neutral detergents, car wash soap, or special aluminium cleaners.
But remember, the best cleaner for aluminium ute tray is of no use if you scrub it harshly.
We recommend products like Bar Keeper’s Friend or WD-40 for a safe cleaning experience. For finishing touches, go for a cleaner that also provides a mild protective layer to keep dust at bay & reduce scrub frequency.
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Why You Should Avoid It |
Steel wool or wire brushes | Instantly scratch and damage aluminium surface. |
Cleaning under full sun | Soapy water dries too quickly & leave water spots and streaks. |
Letting mud/concrete harden | Once dried, removal becomes tough and likely injurious to the tray. |
Using overly aggressive degreasers | Harsh chemicals remove sheen and protective layers. |
Other than regular aluminium ute tray cleaning, occasional polishing is also needed to keep your tray in top shape. Let’s go into details.
How Often You Should Polish Aluminium Ute Tray
Most of our customers do the cleaning right, but still confused on how to restore shine on aluminium tray? The answer is simple, “Polishing”. It makes your aluminium tray shinier and adds a layer of defence.
Under normal conditions, polish every 2–3 months. In harsher or coastal environments, boost the frequency. Use non-abrasive metal polish and a soft cloth. Products like Mother’s Mag & Aluminium Polish or Chemical Guys Heavy Metal Polish do the job well.
Aluminium Ute Tray Preventative Maintenance
Make the following an essential part of your monthly upkeep aluminium tray and you can keep your tray for decades.
1. Damage Inspection
At every clean, check for dents, scratches, or loose fittings. Catching damage early means less risk of corrosion or structural issues.
2. Corrosion Prevention
Rinse off salt, fertilisers, or chemicals immediately and apply protective sprays or wax to protect aluminium tray from corrosion.
3. Seasonal Care
Care for your ute as per the climate of your area and weather conditions.
- Summer: UV can dull the tray. Drying well and waxing help.
- Winter/Coastal: Rinse frequently and check for moisture collection.
Keep your ute covered when not in use.
4. Repair Small Dents
Small dents can be pushed back manually. While larger damage will require professional attention. Left unattended, they can become corrosion hotspots.
5. Check Fasteners and Load Handling
Loose bolts or uneven loading can stress the tray. Tighten fasteners monthly and distribute weight evenly. A load mat can also protect the surface.
6. Apply Protective Coating
Wax, polymer sealants, or spray-on liners add protection against scratches, elements, and oxidation. Especially useful if you park under trees or transport abrasive gear.
Additional Care Tips to Keep Your Tray Looking Sharp
Need further guidance? Don’t worry. Following are some expert aluminium tray maintenance tips from our side.
- Dry thoroughly after washing using microfiber towels or a chamois to avoid water spots.
- Remove gear and clean underneath any accessories or racks for full access.
- If oxidation appears, consider a specialist aluminium deoxidiser like California Customs or use a gentle acid remover. But, try on a small hidden area to check first and carefully follow the instructions.
- Protect against UV fading and avoid oxidation by parking undercover or using climate shielding.
Keep your maintenance routine simple and consistent, and your tray will repay you every day on the job or the trail.
Bonus: DIY Insights from Real Users
Let’s see what the real-life users are saying.
As per an experienced customer’s remarks. “Bar Keepers Friend and a green pad will shine your ute tray like no other. But always test in a non-obvious area first.” A practical & really helpful tip for aluminium ute tray cleaning & removing tough stains.
Is Your Ute Tray Too Old or Damaged and it’s Time for an Upgrade?
Get Durable & Long-Lasting Ute Trays at Glennic Transport Equipment
We’re tradies and 4WD enthusiasts who understand durability inside out.
Every tray we build in our Maddington workshop combines purpose-built strength with precise craftsmanship. With over 30 years behind us, our steel and aluminium tray solutions deliver functionality that doesn’t quit.
Need guidance on aluminium ute tray maintenance tips? Or thinking about upgrading to a heavy-duty steel tray built to take a beating?
Or Contact Us Today for A Quote
Let’s get your ute set up to last.