Originally written by Racin In The Rain on 2010-02-15 5:12 PM
I have an 02 Platinum Horse Trailer that I absolutely love. However, I live in Washington where it is damp and cold from Fall to Spring, and the trailer is stored outdoors.
Also, a white "dust" or "film" appears on the dividers, which I am assuming is corrosion. How do I get this to stop?
Before I start hauling again I give everything a good scrub down with hot water and soap, but I am concerned about the long term damage this may be doing.
If the dust washes off and the base metal is not discoloured, it is not corrosion. If you see whitish, black or gray spots, then you may have some corrosion. Corrosion will usually not be found much above the floor line with an absence of urine.
If the divider has a dullish continuous film, this is oxidation. The film usually cannot be removed with mild soap and water. It is a natural process in which aluminum protects itself, by producing the film in the presence of oxygen. Many people will remove it with brighteners, which also removes the protection. Then the oxidation process starts again.
You will not hurt the aluminum by washing it with soap and water.