Cleaning Corroded Aluminum Pans: Simple Tips For Sparkling Results

Aluminum is a popular metal for cookware due to its affordability, lightweight, and durability. However, it is susceptible to corrosion and discolouration over time, which can be caused by misuse, improper care, or exposure to high heat. While it may seem like a challenging task, cleaning and restoring corroded aluminum pans is possible with the right methods and materials. In this article, we will explore effective techniques to clean and maintain aluminum pans, ensuring they remain in optimal condition for cooking.

How to Clean a Corroded Aluminum Pan

Soak in a homemade cleaning solution

To clean a corroded aluminum pan with a homemade cleaning solution, you'll need to soak it in a mixture of acidic ingredients and water. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Clean Away Dirt or Debris

First, remove any large pieces of dirt or debris that have accumulated on your pan. Simply fill the pan with water and boil it for a few minutes to loosen any food residue. Use a wooden spatula or a similar utensil to gently wipe away any excess food.

Step 2: Try Boiling with an Acid

If your pan still has stubborn stains, add an acidic ingredient to the boiling water. You can use white vinegar, cream of tartar, lemon juice, lime juice, tomato, or even chopped apples. Add one of these ingredients to the water for about 15 minutes, then try removing the food residue again.

Step 3: Prepare Your Soaking Solution

For this step, you'll need to mix an acidic ingredient with water to create your soaking solution. For each quart of water, add 2 tablespoons of either cream of tartar, white vinegar, or lemon juice. Stir the mixture together.

Step 4: Soak Your Pan

Now, it's time to soak your pan in the solution. Bring the mixture to a boil in your pan and let it bubble away for 10-15 minutes. The duration depends on the size of your pan; smaller pans will only need 10 minutes, while larger ones may need closer to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Discard the Solution and Cool the Pan

Once the soaking time is up, carefully pour out the cleaning solution. Allow your pan to cool down for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6: Finish with a Soapy Scrub

Give the inside of your pan another scrub with dish soap and warm water to ensure there's no residue left from the cleaning solution. Wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth or kitchen towel.

Optional Step: Baking Soda Paste for Stubborn Stains

If you still notice stains or discolouration, make a paste with baking soda and water. Combine equal parts of each and apply the paste to the stained areas. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then scrub it away with soap and water.

Your aluminum pan should now be sparkling clean and stain-free! Remember to always dry your pan thoroughly before storing it.

Use a soft-bristled brush

To clean a corroded aluminum pan, you can use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining residue or stains after soaking the pan in a cleaning solution. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Prepare the Pan:

Start by rinsing the pan with warm water to remove any loose food particles or residue. This step ensures that you're starting with a pan that is free of any excess food or grease, making the cleaning process more effective.

Create a Cleaning Solution:

Fill your sink or a basin with warm water and add a few drops of natural dish soap. You can also add an acidic ingredient like lemon juice, vinegar, or cream of tartar to boost the cleaning power of the solution. These acidic ingredients will help reduce discolouration and break down tough stains. Place your aluminum pan in this soapy water and let it soak for a while.

Scrub with a Soft-Bristled Brush:

After the pan has soaked for a sufficient amount of time, it's now time to use your soft-bristled brush. Dip the brush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the interior and exterior of the pan. Pay extra attention to any stained or discoloured areas. The soft bristles will help lift away the stains without damaging the surface of the pan. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush for more detailed scrubbing, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Rinse and Dry:

Once you've thoroughly scrubbed the pan, it's important to rinse it well with warm water to remove any remaining soap or cleaning solution. After rinsing, use a kitchen towel to dry the pan or simply allow it to air dry on a dish rack. Ensure that the pan is completely dry before storing it away.

Repeat as Needed:

Depending on the severity of the corrosion, you may need to repeat the above steps multiple times or try alternative cleaning methods. Remember to always treat your aluminum pans with care and avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as these can scratch the surface. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your aluminum pans will stay in great condition for years to come.

Boil with cream of tartar

If you have burnt food in your aluminum pan, you can try the boil method to clean it using cream of tartar. This method is also useful if you have stubborn gunk or stains at the bottom of your pan.

First, make the cleaning solution. For this, you will need vinegar and cream of tartar. Combine 2 cups of vinegar with 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in the pan. Mix the solution thoroughly with a spoon.

Next, place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Make sure there is enough solution to cover the affected area of the pan. Bring the solution to a boil and leave it on the stove for at least 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let the solution cool. The scorched food will loosen and become easier to scrub. Once the solution has cooled, carefully discard it and use a piece of cloth or a sponge to scrub the affected areas. The burnt food should come off easily.

If the burnt food is still stuck to the pan, repeat the process. For especially thick and stubborn buildup, let the solution boil for a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on the pan at all times. Once you have successfully removed all the burnt food, wash the pan thoroughly with soap and water. Your pan will look as good as new!

Clean with baking soda

If your aluminium pans have become corroded, there are several methods you can use to clean them with baking soda.

Firstly, you can make a paste from baking soda and water and clean the stained areas with a soft-bristle brush. Once the pan is clean, rinse it with warm water and dry it with a kitchen towel or let it air dry.

Another method is to sprinkle baking soda liberally across the surface of the pan and then spray a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide over the baking soda until all the powder is wet. Leave this mixture to sit overnight. The next day, use a plastic scraper to scrape the dried mixture into a pile and then dump it into the garbage. Finally, wash the pan in warm, soapy water with a scrubby sponge.

You can also clean your aluminium pans with a combination of baking soda and vinegar. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 0.5 inches of liquid. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction. Set the pot aside and wait until the fizzing stops. Then, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Finally, rinse and dry the pan.

If you have a potato to hand, you can also try a potato scrub. For this method, cut a potato in half and dip it in some baking soda. Then, rub the corroded patches with the potato and baking soda. You may need to do this more than once, cutting a thin slice off the potato and reapplying the baking soda each time. Once the rust has been removed, rinse the pan with water and wash it with soapy water.

Remember to always dry your aluminium pans properly after washing to avoid a build-up of bacteria and rusting.

Polish with metal polish

Once you have removed any stains and discolouration from your aluminium pan, you can polish it with a commercial metal polish to make it shine.

To do this, take a dry, clean cloth and dip it into the polish. Work the product in using small, circular motions to bring out the shine. You can also use a commercial silver polish to clean any discolouration on the exterior of your pan.

If you don't have any commercial metal polish to hand, you can make a natural alternative with baking soda and water. Mix one part of each to form a paste, then apply this to the discoloured area. Leave the paste to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing it away with soap and water.

Another natural alternative is to cut a lemon in half, dip it in table salt, and scrub the exterior of the pan with it using circular motions. Rinse the pan with warm water, then hand-dry with a microfiber cloth.

Polishing your aluminium pan will ensure it looks as good as new!

Frequently asked questions