Aluminum Cleaner 1/4 cup cream of tartar 1/4 cup vinegar 1/4 cup baking soda 2 tablespoons soap flakes Mix cream of tartar and baking soda together. Add vinegar and stir to make a paste. Stir in soap flakes. Store mixture in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Rub small amount of the cleaner onto aluminum and scour with fine steel wool.