Disclosed herein is an aluminum oxide film remover for removing an oxide film on the surface of aluminum or aluminum alloy, which comprises silver ions and/or copper ions, a solubilizing agent for silver ions and/or copper ions, and a quaternary ammonium hydroxide compound, and has a pH value of 10 to 13.5. A method for surface treatment of aluminum or aluminum alloy is also disclosed, which comprises immersing a workpiece having aluminum or aluminum alloy at least on the surface thereof in the aluminum oxide film remover, and depositing the silver and/or copper contained in the remover on the surface of aluminum or aluminum alloy while removing the aluminum oxide film.