Cleaning Aluminum Rails on Steps?

There is a product called "Bar Keeper's Friend" which would be perfect, but you probably don't have that in the house.

You can go to an automotive store and get the stuff they use to clean aluminum wheels - but you probably don't have that in the house.

Toothpaste works (but not baking soda based toothpaste - the abrasion is good but it is too alkaline and would promote corrosion), but would be too expensive for a large project.

You could try a mixture of 3-6 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 quart of water. Make sure the rails are not too hot when you clean them. You can use a ball of aluminum foil to scrub with.

I wouldn't use vinager as it can discolor aluminum or commercial bar products for this small job. Metal polish should work. Apply as you would to a chrome bumper and use a soft cloth to "polish" it. If you happen to have tarnex it should also work.