How to Clean Hard Anodized Cookware : Simple Guide

Most people know that a good scrubbing with dish soap and a sponge is the best way to clean most cookware. When it comes to cleaning hard anodized cookware, it is a little different. Therefore, you are wondering how to clean hard anodized cookware easily.

The majority of cleaning experts recommend cleaning hard anodized cookware with powerful detergent and some abrasive pads or cloths. There are also other methods that also work well to clean. They also recommend not using the dishwasher if you want to clean your cookware and also you need to know what kind of hard anodized cookware sets you have.

In this article, you will find ways of cleaning hard-anodized aluminum cookware with the help of any one of these methods.

How To Clean Hard Anodized Cookware | Guide

Anodized cookware is a type of cookware that is made from aluminum and has an electrically-powered process called anodizing. The purpose of the process is to create a hard, non-stick surface on the inside and outside of the pot or pan. Therefore, you need to follow a few steps when cleaning it.

Using Soap and Water:

Anodized cookware must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of food residue and to maintain its appearance. Anodized aluminum is very resistant to corrosion, but daily use will still leave it dull looking after a period of time. You can clean anodized cookware using dish soap and water. The steps are as follows:

Step 01: Fill the anodized pot or pan with warm water and add a touch of mild dish soap.

Step 02: Using a washcloth, scrub the pot or pan using small, circular motions.

Step 03: Rinse the pot or pan with water to remove all traces of soap. You may also clean anodized cookware by filling it with hot water and adding a splash of vinegar for one minute before rinsing it out.

Using Powerful Detergent:

Anodized aluminum is resistant to corrosion, but every time you cook food in anodized pots and pans, a small amount of residue will build up. If allowed to stay for too long, the food particles can corrode the aluminum over time.

The best method for cleaning this type of cookware is using a powerful powder like laundry detergent. Steps to follow:

Step 01: Pour the rag with laundry detergent onto the cooking surface.

Step 02: Rub the powder into the dirty anodized aluminum using circular motions until it forms a thick, white foam.

Step 03: After one minute, use a warm rag to wipe away the soapy residue and rinse out the pan with water.

Using Bar Keepers Friend:

You can also clean anodized aluminum by using a cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend. Simply mix the mild scouring powder. Scrub the pot or pan using scrubby sponges or dishcloths or rags, and rinse it thoroughly with water.

Warning:

It is also important not to clean aluminum with steel wool. Steel wool will damage the surface of the aluminum and expose its soft, underlying metal. Aluminum also does not react well to high heat such as that produced by a stovetop or oven, so it’s important to clean cookware soon after use.

What Products Should Not Be Used to Clean Hard Anodized Cookware?

There are some cleaning products that may not be safe for use on anodized aluminum surfaces. These products include bleaching power, dishwasher detergent, and oven-cleaning spray. The details are as follows:

Bleaching Power:

You should not use bleaching powder to clean anodized cookware because it contains sodium hydroxide that may corrode the surface of aluminum.

Oven-Cleaning Spray:

Some oven-cleaning sprays include harsh chemicals like ammonia and burn-inducing hydrocarbons, which you should avoid at all costs.

Dishwasher:

Anodized aluminum is not dishwasher safe and should never be put in a dishwasher. The high heat from the drying cycle can wear and tear it.

Tips for Caring for Your Hard Anodized Cookware

You can protect your hard-anodized aluminum cookware by following a few simple steps for its proper care and use.

Store It in a Dry Place:

The main cause of corrosion is trapped moisture. It causes the anodizing process to stop. Therefore, you need to make sure that the aluminum pot or pan is completely dry before putting it away in storage.

Keep It Away from Acidic Foods:

You must never cook acidic food like tomato sauce in anodized cookware because its surface will be damaged by acids and can cause corrosion.

Wrap It with Fabric When Not in Use:

It is good to protect your hard anodized pot or pan from scratches and nicks. You can do it by placing a colorful fabric between the bottom of the pan and any surface you put it on.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. How Often Should You Clean Anodized Cookware?

Anodized cookware must be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of food residue and to maintain its appearance. The best way to do this is by washing it immediately after use.

02. How Do You Get Water Spots Out of Anodized Cookware?

Water spots on the inside of anodized cookware can be removed by using salt and lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to the water spot using a microfiber cloth or scrubby sponge, allow it to sit for half an hour, then rinse thoroughly with hot water.

03. How to Get Rid of Stubborn Stains on Hard Anodized Cookware?

Stubborn stains on hard anodized cookware can be removed using baking soda and water paste. Mix the baking soda with water to form a paste, then apply it to the stain using an old toothbrush. Once you have scrubbed out all the stain, you should rinse the pot or pan with water and wipe it down with a clean rag.

Conclusion:

Hard anodized cookware is one of the most popular item on the market. It can still get scratches if you’re not careful with your utensils or cooking methods. To avoid this problem and keep your hard anodized pots looking new for longer, you need to clean them carefully after every use.

Regular cleaning will keep the cooking surface free of food residue and prevent rust build-up. Most importantly, make sure you clean with products that are safe on anodized aluminum to prevent damage.  If you follow this guide, you won’t have to research how to clean hard anodized cookware in the future.