<p>The surface contamination of aluminium scraps—particularly from machining oils, oxides, and combustion residues—significantly impairs metal recovery and downstream alloy quality during recycling. In this study, a novel hybrid pre-treatment solution comprising acetone (70%), isopropyl alcohol (IPA, 20%), and potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃, 10%) was developed and investigated for its efficacy in cleaning both shredded (Trump) and machined (Telic) aluminium scrap. This hybrid solvent–aqueous alkali blend represents the first reported application of K₂CO₃ as a mild, eco-friendly alkaline agent for surface degreasing and oxide loosening in aluminium recycling. Comparative analysis with acetone-only and acetone–IPA treatments revealed that the hybrid solution resulted in superior removal of hydrocarbon residues and partial oxide thinning, as validated by FTIR, XPS, and EDS. Notably, the C 1&#xa0;s XPS intensity reduced by 64%, while Al 2p peak intensity increased by 150%, reflecting significant improvement in surface cleanliness. The mild alkalinity (pH ~ 8.2) of the solution was maintained post-treatment, confirming its buffering action and environmental compatibility. The proposed method presents a non-corrosive, cost-effective, and scalable alternative to conventional acid/alkali-based treatments and offers a sustainable approach for improving the quality of recycled aluminium alloys. </p>