Anodized Pan Care: Clean And Maintain For Longevity

Anodized pans are a great addition to your kitchen, with their sleek design and impressive durability. They are made from aluminium that has undergone an electrochemical process to form a protective coating, making them twice as hard as stainless steel. This protective layer prevents food from migrating to the pan and ensures even heat distribution. However, to maintain their excellent cooking properties, it's crucial to know how to clean and care for your anodized pans properly.

Wash before first use

When you first get your anodized pan, the first thing you should do is wash it. Wash your new pan in warm water with mild dish soap. Let it soak for a few minutes. Then, wash it thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth. You can also season your cookware with oil to help prevent food from sticking to it.

It is important to note that anodized pans are not dishwasher-friendly. They should be hand-washed and washed with warm water and mild dish soap.

Use mild dish soap

Anodized pans are durable and long-lasting, but they do require some care and attention when it comes to cleaning. To keep your anodized pans in top condition, it's important to use the right cleaning methods and products. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your anodized pans using mild dish soap:

Step 1: Choose the Right Dish Soap

Select a mild dishwashing liquid that is suitable for anodized cookware. Avoid using harsh detergents, especially those with alkaline or baking soda bases, as these can damage the non-stick coating. A gentle, non-abrasive dish soap is the best choice.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Before cleaning, always allow your anodized pan to cool down completely. Never immerse a hot pan in cold water, as this can cause warping and damage the pan. Once the pan has cooled, fill it with warm to hot water, ensuring that the water level covers any stained or burnt areas.

Step 3: Add Dish Soap

Add a few drops of the mild dish soap to the water in the pan. You don't need to create a lot of suds, just enough to help lift away any grease or food residue. Use your hand or a soft cloth to gently mix the soap and water, being careful not to create too many bubbles.

Step 4: Soak the Pan

Allow the pan to soak for several minutes. The exact time will depend on the severity of the stains and how long they have been left untreated. For best results, let the pan soak for at least 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen any stubborn residue and make it easier to clean.

Step 5: Scrub Gently

After soaking, use a soft-bristled cleaning brush, a non-abrasive sponge, or a soft dishcloth to gently scrub the pan. Focus on any stained or burnt areas, scrubbing in a circular motion to lift away any remaining residue. Be careful not to use too much force, as this could damage the pan's coating.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once you have finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water to remove any soap residue. Dry the pan completely with a soft towel or cloth. Ensure that all moisture is removed before storing the pan to prevent water spots and maintain its shine.

Additional Tips:

• Always clean your anodized pans by hand. Never put them in the dishwasher, as this can discolour and scratch the surface, and may void your warranty.
• For very stubborn stains, try simmering dish soap in the pan. Fill the pan with water and add dish soap, then simmer for about 20 minutes. Allow the pan to cool for at least 30 minutes before removing the residue with a gentle scrubbing pad or soft-bristled brush.
• To maintain the shine of your anodized pans, avoid using abrasive scrubbers and harsh cleaning solutions. Instead, opt for soft cloths, sponges, or nylon scrub pads.

Avoid abrasive sponges

When cleaning anodized pans, it is important to avoid using abrasive sponges. Anodized pans have a protective coating on their surface, which can be damaged by harsh scrubbers. This coating is what makes anodized pans non-stick, durable, and resistant to scratches and chipping.

Abrasive sponges, such as steel wool, can scratch and damage the coating. This will not only affect the pan's non-stick properties but can also lead to discolouration. It is best to use mild or soft scrubbers like soft-bristled cleaning brushes, soft sponges, dishcloths, or rags.

Even when using mild scrubbers, it is important to be gentle and not apply too much pressure. This is because the coating can still be susceptible to scratches if harsh scrubbing occurs.

In addition to avoiding abrasive sponges, it is also recommended to avoid using liquid cleaners, especially those that are not intended for cookware. This includes floor cleaners, silver polish, grout cleaner, and porcelain cleaner. Instead, a mild dishwashing detergent or mild dish soap can be used.

By avoiding abrasive sponges and harsh chemicals, you can effectively clean your anodized pans while maintaining their protective coating, ensuring a longer lifespan for your cookware.

Don't use steel wool

When cleaning anodized pans, it is important to avoid using steel wool. This is because the anodizing process forms a protective coating on the exterior of the pan, which can be damaged by abrasive scouring tools like steel wool. This coating is what makes anodized pans so durable, but it can be scratched or chipped if the wrong cleaning tools are used.

Steel wool can also cause discoloration of the pan's surface. This is because it is too harsh for the soft metal of the anodized pan, which is twice as hard as stainless steel but still requires gentle handling. Using steel wool can remove the protective coating, leaving the pan vulnerable to further damage and discolouration.

In addition to steel wool, there are other cleaning tools and products that should be avoided when cleaning anodized pans. These include chlorine bleach, abrasive sponges, and any type of liquid household cleaner, such as floor cleaners, silver polish, grout cleaner, or porcelain cleaner. Instead, a mild dish soap and warm water should be used for cleaning, along with a soft cloth, sponge, or nylon pad for gentle scrubbing.

By avoiding steel wool and other harsh cleaning tools, you can maintain the durability and longevity of your anodized pans, ensuring that they remain in good condition for a long time.

Wash after each use

It is recommended to clean anodized pans after every use to avoid any unexpected mess and greasy buildup. Here are some tips for washing your anodized pan after each use:

Wash by hand

Anodized pans should be washed by hand using a mild dishwashing liquid and hot or warm water. Avoid using the dishwasher, as this can discolour or scratch the pan and may void your warranty.

Allow the pan to cool

Before washing, always allow your pan to cool completely. Putting hot pans in cold water can cause warping or twisting. If you need to put your pan in water immediately after use, use hot water.

Use the right cleaning tools

To wash your anodized pan, use a soft-bristled cleaning brush, a non-abrasive sponge, a scrubby sponge, a dishcloth, or a rag. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads, as these can scratch the pan's surface.

Choose the right cleaning products

When washing your anodized pan, use a mild dish soap. Avoid using any harsh detergents, alkaline-based cleaning products, or baking soda on the inside of the pan, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Do not use oven cleaner, caustic cleaner, or liquid household cleaners such as floor cleaners, grout cleaner, silver polish, or porcelain cleaner.

Soak the pan

If there is burnt-on food or difficult stains, fill the pan with water and add some dish soap. Bring this to a simmer for about 20 minutes, then allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. Use a gentle scrubbing pad or soft-bristled brush to remove the residue or stain, then rinse thoroughly.

Frequently asked questions