I realize you are not interested in buffing, but I can tell you try some Mothers Aluminum Polish and see how easy it is to get them clean and shinny. No buffing needed. Simple apply it with a clothe and rub it a little back and forth and then wipe it off. I think you will certainly be amaze for sure. JMHO
really good A/C cleaner is called Pink Stuff. its a fine-line between getting them clean and permanently etching the aluminum. you have to rinse at the right moment. however that is then chemically cleaned, and not shiny. to get it shiny you need a polishing abrasive.
as stated in your other thread on polishing the 'toon logs. way too much work to polish them and keep them polished. even sharkshide needs to be re-applied often.