Removing corrosion from vintage S & P shaker tops?

[PrettySquareGal]

I've been looking to bid on some vintage salt and pepper shakers, but see that some have corrosion on the metal lids. Does anyone know if they were mostly made from chrome? Aluminum? Can it be removed?? If so, how???

 

[scotrace]

Simichrome is my standby. A very effective cleaner. I recently used it to clean up a Victorian iron and brass padlock.

Gentle, yet tough. Tastes great, less filling.

 

[PrettySquareGal]

Fantastic! Thanks!

 

[Sweet Leilani]

A polish will lessen the appearance of corrosion but it will never cure the problem. You may be able to remove some of the loose debris, but the surface will still have a slightly scarred look. But unless the corrosion is really severe, or the shakers are going for $$$, I don't think it would be too much of a deal-breaker. It's the salt that causes the problem for aluminum, just like water causes rust on steel- it's simply corrosive over time and is ultimately irreversible.

 

[PrettySquareGal]

This is also helpful! Thank you!

 

[RedPop4]

What about boiling them in vinegar?
I saw The Furniture Guys use that tactic once on something metal. It might not be good for aluminum, though. I don't remember. Haven't seen them in ten years.

 

[Sweet Leilani]

I'm thinking they might have been trying to stop the corrosive chemical reaction by boiling it in acid? Put that way, it seems like trying to fight fire with fire...

I would hesitate to do that here- the aluminum would probably get discolored and could lose some of its shape. Not to mention damaging any plastic or other material attached to the top, and your eyes and nose if you get too close to the pot.