The Right Way to Clean an Aluminum Pan—Even One That's Been Blackened
Restore aluminum cookware to its original luster with these cleaning tips.
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While built-up grease and grime can wreak havoc on any pan, aluminum cookware can feel especially impossible to clean once it becomes dirty. If you have a pan that seems like it's permanently blackened, it's likely you just haven't found the right cleaning method yet. Certain cleaning supplies and techniques can actually make aluminum appear even more discolored. But luckily, the darkening usually isn't permanent. With the right cleaning materials, you'll be able to bring back your aluminum cookware's original luster in no time.
Meet the Expert
Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean
Jennie Varney, brand manager for Molly Maid
Related: How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans the Right Way
Why Aluminum Pans Become Blackened
Aluminum cookware can become blackened from misuse or if it's not cared for or cleaned properly.
Heat Exposure
Prolonged exposure to high heat can cause aluminum pans to discolor and blacken. "This can happen when cooking at very high temperatures (especially if the pan is empty or contains a small amount of oil or food)," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "The surface of the aluminum will oxidize and turn dark."
Burnt Food Residue
If food or oils are burned onto the pan's surface, they can create blackened areas. "This can be very problematic with nonstick aluminum pans, where burnt-on residues can be challenging, especially if you want to remove them without damaging the nonstick coating."
Cooking Certain Foods
Aluminum can react with certain acidic or alkaline ingredients, which will cause discoloration. "For example, cooking tomatoes or sour sauces in an aluminum pan can lead to a darkening of the aluminum surface," says Sokolowski.
Incorrect Cleaning Methods
Not drying a pan properly after cleaning it with hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up on the pan's surface and cause discoloration, says Sokolowski. Additionally, cleaning aluminum cookware in the dishwasher can also damage it. "The combination of alkaline dishwasher detergent, high heat, and minerals in your water can trigger a reaction that darkens the metal," says Jennie Varney, brand manager for Molly Maid.
Related: 8 Items You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher
Materials
Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning an aluminum pan.
Natural dish soap
Non-abrasive sponge
Baking soda
Water
Salt
A soft-bristle brush
Dish towel
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How to Clean an Aluminum Pan
Before cleaning your aluminum cookware, make sure it has completely cooled down. "Cleaning hot cookware can be dangerous and less effective," says Sokolowski.
Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any loose food particles or residue.
Fill your sink or basin with some warm water and add a few drops of natural dish soap.
Place your aluminum pan in the soapy water and let it soak for a while.
After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the interior and exterior of the pan.
Once the pan is clean, thoroughly rinse it with warm water.
Use a kitchen towel or allow it to air dry on a dish rack. It needs to be completely dry before you store it.
How to Remove Stains From an Aluminum Pan
If your aluminum pans have become blackened or accumulated with grime, you may need to use more abrasive cleaning materials beyond dish soap.
Removing Stains With Baking Soda
When mixed with water, baking soda forms a paste that effectively restores aluminum cookware to its former glory.
Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any loose food particles or residue.
Fill your sink or basin with some warm water and add a few drops of natural dish soap.
Place your aluminum pan in the soapy water and let it soak for a while.
After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the interior and exterior of the pan.
Make a paste with baking soda and water and clean the stained areas with a soft-bristle brush.
Once the pan is clean, thoroughly rinse it with warm water.
Use a kitchen towel or allow it to air dry on a dish rack. It needs to be completely dry before you store it.
Removing Stains With Salt
The coarseness of salt is effective at removing built-up food debris from aluminum cookware.
Fill the stained pan with water and add a few tablespoons of table salt.
Bring everything to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Remove from the heat and let the pan cool down.
Wipe the pan clean with a non-abrasive sponge.
Once the pan is clean, thoroughly rinse it with warm water.
Use a kitchen towel or allow it to air dry on a dish rack. It needs to be completely dry before you store it.
How to Maintain an Aluminum Pan
Ensure your aluminum cookware stays in peak condition by knowing how to care for it properly.
Avoid cooking at very high temperatures, as extreme heat can cause discoloration. "Instead, try to use medium heat settings when cooking with aluminum pans," says Sokolowski.
Use non-metallic utensils when cooking with an aluminum pan, such as silicone, wood, or plastic to avoid scratching its surface.
Avoid cooking acidic ingredients in an aluminum pan, which can lead to discoloration.
Hand wash your aluminum pans with a natural dishwashing detergent and a non-abrasive sponge whenever possible. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads or steel wool. And, of course, after washing, ensure the pan is completely dry before storing it.
Avoid burning foods when cooking, which can cause tough, stuck-on grime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I soak my aluminum pans?
Yes. Aluminum pans can be soaked overnight if there are sticky residues or burnt food. The following day, you can remove any stuck-on food with a soft-bristled scrub brush. Never utilize harsh sponges or metal utensils as these can scratch the surface.
How do I know if my aluminum pan is damaged?
If your aluminum pan is warped, severely scratched, and corroded—or food keeps sticking to the surface, despite any cleaning methods or oil usage—it's time to say goodbye. Dented pans won't distribute the heat evenly, causing food to burn and stick to the surface.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart.