Natural acids such as vinegar and lemon juice can be used to clean or polish aluminum. Never use baking soda on aluminum, as it will pit the surface.
Aluminum cookware: Fill with hot water and add 2 tablespoons cream of tartar for each quart of water. Bring solution to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. Wash as usual and dry.
Aluminum coffee pots: To clean and remove lime deposits, boil equal parts of water and white distilled vinegar. Boiling time depends upon how heavy deposits are.