Removing mineral deposits on exterior

[utahredrock]

Any tips or dos and dont's for removing minderal deposits from the area of my water heater? They've slowly built up over time, overflow I guess.

Thx.

[utahredrock]

These are on the exterior/aluminum . . .

[Lumatic]

I have never had the problem but CLR comes to mind. Here in NM we have hard water and use CLR a lot. I don't think it would hurt aluminum, but do a test.

[overlander64]

Something that I have had success with is plain white vinegar -- it can be used straight or mixed with water. For heavier deposits straight white vinegar heated slightly and rubbed on with a sponge should dissolve most water deposits without harming the aluminum -- as with moth cleaners, rinsing after application is always a good idea.

Kevin

[AIR-Quarius]

CLR in hot water, delute with some water but make a strong mixture...sponge it on and it will take the rough off but will probably leave a watermark in the metal, which you will have to polish out with a strong compound first (we use 3M super duty (gravel in a bottle) rubbing compound) will remove the stains with hardly any rubbing, but you will see it disappear. then polish with mothers. 3M super duty is about 15.00 a quart and its a squeeze out cream...your gonna love it forever.