Aluminum cookware has great thermal conductivity, which makes it perfect to use in a busy kitchen. While it is a light metal, it oxidizes very fast and protects itself against corrosion.
If you own a restaurant and are wondering how to clean your aluminum cookware, read further and we will tell you how.
Is Your Aluminum Cookware New?
If you have just purchased your aluminum cookware, make sure you remove any labels before using it. Use a non-metallic utensil to remove the corners of the labels and then scrape away any remaining stickiness. You can also use rubbing alcohol to remove any tough residue. Never use a knife or other metal utensils, as they could scratch and damage the cookware.
The first time you wash your aluminum cookware, you should use warm water and mild soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge to remove any residue that’s on the cookware. Keep in mind that all aluminum cookware is not dishwasher safe, so you should never run any of this cookware through your dishwasher with the rest of your regular cookware.
If some of this cookware includes frying pans, you should use them on the stove one time before actually using them to cook anything. Just eat some oil over low eat for a few minutes, and then wash the pan again with mild soap and water.
For pots, boil some water in them for about twenty minutes. This will eliminate any limescale and will also disinfect the pots.
Be Wary of Harsh Soaps
Some dish soap detergents contain harsh chemicals and salt that can damage aluminum. They can discoloration, corrosion, and pitting which will cause irreversible damage. Bleach, acids, and oven cleaning are also bad for your aluminum cookware. They will damage the nonstick coating of the cookware and ruin the finish.
To ensure that you don’t accidentally damage your aluminum cookware with harsh soap, read the labels of your dish soap. Make sure there are no acidic chemicals or “hydrochloric” chemicals in your soap. If there are, discontinue usage of that soap and use something milder on your aluminum cookware. Never use bleach or oven cleaners. Make sure you use dish soap on your aluminum cookware and nothing else.
Do Not Clean Aluminum with Anything Abrasive
As mentioned above, knives and other metal utensils will scratch and damage your aluminum cookware. Any kind of metal tool will scratch aluminum, leaving permanent marks. When cleaning your aluminum cookware, use soft sponges, and if there is sticky residue on your pots and pans, leave them to soak overnight. For those extra tough spots that just won’t come clean, you can boil some water and vinegar in a pot or pan for twenty minutes. This will get rid of the worst caked-on residue. Remember, never use anything metal or sharp to clean your aluminum cookware.
Burns on Aluminum Cookware
Aluminum can develop harsh burn marks over years of use. While some people may think that going out and purchasing new cookware is a necessity, you may be able to clean these burn marks off.
Simply put one cup of ammonia and one cup of warm water in an aluminum pot or pan. If you have lids to these items, put the lids on top so air does not get through. If not, cover the pots and pans tightly with tin foil. Let them sit for a few hours, dump out the water and ammonia mixture, and scrub them with a sponge and dish soap. The ammonia should have loosened the burnt material on the pot or pan, and it should come off by gently scrubbing with the sponge.
Always Dry Your Aluminum Cookware After Washing
Aluminum is susceptible to limescale formation if left wet for too long. To ensure that your aluminum cookware doesn’t develop limescale, thoroughly dry it after washing. It won’t take long to do, but it will definitely lengthen the lifespan of your aluminum cookware.
That’s all there is to it! By taking care of your aluminum cookware, it will last you for years to come.
As a seasoned culinary expert with a deep understanding of kitchenware, particularly aluminum cookware, let me delve into the intricacies of this versatile material and share insights to bolster your confidence in maintaining and cleaning your aluminum cookware effectively.
Aluminum is an excellent choice for cookware due to its exceptional thermal conductivity, making it a go-to option in busy kitchens. Its lightweight nature is complemented by rapid oxidation, forming a protective layer that shields against corrosion. Now, let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the provided article.
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New Aluminum Cookware Care:
- Label Removal: Advises removing labels using non-metallic utensils, emphasizing the avoidance of metal tools to prevent scratches.
- Initial Wash: Recommends using warm water and mild soap for the first wash, cautioning against dishwasher use for certain aluminum cookware.
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Seasoning Frying Pans and Boiling Pots:
- Frying Pans: Suggests heating pans with oil before use and subsequent cleaning to ensure proper seasoning.
- Pots: Recommends boiling water in pots for 20 minutes to eliminate limescale and disinfect, contributing to overall maintenance.
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Avoiding Harsh Soaps:
- Soap Selection: Warns against using dish soaps with harsh chemicals or salts that can damage aluminum, urging scrutiny of soap labels for acidic or hydrochloric chemicals.
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Avoiding Abrasive Cleaning:
- Utensils: Emphasizes the detrimental effects of metal utensils on aluminum cookware, advocating for soft sponges and soaking for stubborn residue.
- Water and Vinegar Soak: Recommends boiling water and vinegar for tough spots, reinforcing the prohibition of metal or sharp tools.
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Handling Burn Marks:
- Ammonia Solution: Offers a method for removing burn marks using a solution of ammonia and warm water, highlighting the importance of covering to maximize effectiveness.
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Drying After Washing:
- Limescale Prevention: Stresses the significance of thorough drying post-washing to prevent limescale formation and enhance the longevity of aluminum cookware.
By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can ensure the longevity of your aluminum cookware, preserving its performance and appearance for years to come. Remember, attention to detail in maintenance will not only extend the lifespan of your kitchen tools but also contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of your culinary endeavors.
