Restore Metal Pans: Removing Oxidation And Reviving Shine

Oxidation in aluminium pans is a common problem, but it can be fixed. Oxidation occurs when the metal reacts with oxygen in the air or moisture, and it can be accelerated by exposure to acidic or alkaline substances, high temperatures, and prolonged contact with water. While oxidation doesn't pose any health risks, it can impact the pan's ability to conduct heat evenly. To clean oxidised aluminium pans, you can use natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon, baking soda, and cream of tartar, or commercial aluminium cleaners. The process involves scrubbing the pan with a soft sponge or cloth, rinsing it with warm water, and drying it thoroughly.

Baking soda and vinegar paste

To clean oxidized metal pans with a baking soda and vinegar paste, follow these steps:

Step 1: Make the Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

Mix one part baking soda with one part vinegar. For example, use 1/4 cup of each. The two ingredients will begin to react with each other, so you'll want to spread the paste onto the pan straight away.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Pan

Spread the paste evenly across the surface of the pan. You may need to use more of the mixture if your pan is large.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Let the paste sit on the pan for at least 30 minutes. You can leave it for longer if you like—up to eight hours or even overnight. Leaving the paste on the pan for longer may make it easier to scrub away the oxidation.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the paste has sat for a while, use a damp sponge to scrub away the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water. If any oxidation remains, repeat the process.

Tips

• This method works best on aluminum or aluminized steel pans.
• For lighter oxidation, you can try a gentler method, such as a potato scrub. Cut a potato in half, dip it in baking soda, and rub the oxidized areas of the pan.
• For tougher stains, you can try using a commercial cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend, instead of baking soda and vinegar.

Lemon and salt scrub

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon and Salt

Cut a lemon in half. Sprinkle some salt onto the cut side of the lemon. You can use coarse sea salt or table salt, whichever is easily available. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive when combined with the lemon juice, helping to remove the oxidized layer from the pan.

Step 2: Scrub the Pan

Take the lemon half with the salt and start scrubbing the oxidized areas of the pan. Apply moderate pressure and use circular motions to work the lemon and salt mixture into the surface. Ensure that you focus on the areas where the oxidation is most visible. Continue scrubbing for a few minutes, making sure that the lemon juice and salt cover the entire affected area.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you have thoroughly scrubbed the pan, rinse it with warm water to remove any remaining lemon juice and salt. Finally, dry the pan completely with a clean towel. Removing all moisture from the pan is crucial to prevent further oxidation and ensure a spotless finish.

Tips:

• It is important to exercise caution while scrubbing, especially if your pan has a non-stick coating. Avoid using excessive force or harsh abrasives that could damage the surface of the pan.
• Regular cleaning and maintenance of your aluminum pans will help prevent oxidation and maintain their appearance.
• To enhance the effectiveness of the cleaning process, ensure that your pan is clean and dry before starting the lemon and salt scrub method.

Boiling water and cream of tartar solution

Boiling water and cream of tartar is an effective method to remove oxidation from aluminum pans. This method utilizes the power of boiling water and the abrasive and acidic properties of cream of tartar to loosen and dissolve the oxidation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean oxidized aluminum pans using this method:

Step 1: Prepare the Oxidized Aluminum Pan

• Remove any leftover food particles or debris from the pan.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any loose residue.
• Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel to ensure it is completely dry before proceeding.

Step 2: Create the Boiling Water and Cream of Tartar Solution

• Fill a pot with enough water to submerge the oxidized aluminum pan.
• Place the pot on the stovetop and heat it up to bring the water to a boil.
• While the water is heating up, prepare the solution by adding one tablespoon of cream of tartar to the boiling water.
• Stir the solution well to ensure that the cream of tartar dissolves completely in the water.

Step 3: Boil the Oxidized Aluminum Pan

• Carefully place the oxidized aluminum pan into the boiling water and cream of tartar solution.
• Ensure that the pan is fully submerged in the solution.
• Allow the pan to simmer in the solution for approximately 10-15 minutes. The hot water, combined with the cream of tartar, will help to loosen and dissolve the oxidation from the pan’s surface.

Step 4: Remove the Pan and Scrub

• After the designated time, use tongs or oven mitts to carefully remove the pan from the boiling water, as it will be hot.
• Gently scrub the pan’s surface using a soft sponge or cloth. The oxidation should be loosened by the hot water and cream of tartar solution, making it easier to remove.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Pan

• Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining residue from the cleaning solution.
• Finally, dry the pan completely using a clean towel or let it air dry. Ensure that the pan is thoroughly dried to prevent any water spots or further oxidation.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove oxidation from aluminum pans and restore their shine. This method is particularly useful for removing stubborn oxidation and is a cost-effective and natural alternative to commercial cleaners.

Commercial aluminium cleaner

There are several commercial aluminium cleaners available on the market. Here is some information on a few of them:

BOSH CHEMICAL Aluma Bright, Aluminum Cleaner and Brightener

This product is a highly concentrated, non-fuming, acid detergent designed to tackle tough cleaning jobs by removing carbon, grease, oils, stains, and diesel smoke. It is safe to use on aluminium surfaces and will not cause discolouration. Aluma Bright is available in 1-gallon, 4 x 1-gallon, 55-gallon, and 275-gallon volumes. To use, simply spray the product onto the surface, let it sit and foam, and then rinse with cold pressurised water.

Heavy Duty Concentrated Aluminum Cleaner and Etch BC-7000

This is a super-heavy-duty, amber-coloured liquid cleaner for heavy-duty cleaning jobs. It can also be used in a diluted form to etch aluminium before priming or painting. BC-7000 contains sodium hydroxide as the active ingredient. To use for heavy cleaning, dilute 1 part BC-7000 with 5 parts water and apply with a pressure sprayer. Rinse with clean water. Always use protective clothing, rubber gloves, and a face shield when handling this product.

Corrosion Technologies ALuma Brite HD Aluminum Cleaner

This product is designed to clean, brighten, and remove oxidation from aluminium. It is available on Amazon and has received positive reviews for its effectiveness and ease of use.

California Custom Products – Aluminum Deoxidizer

This product is designed to clean and deoxidize metal surfaces, removing rust from aluminium, brass, copper, chrome, silver, stainless steel, and gold. It is available on Amazon and has received mixed reviews, with some customers reporting good results and others reporting that it left their items looking worse than before.

Potato scrub

If your aluminum pan has light oxidation or rusting, a potato scrub is a gentle, natural way to clean it. This method uses the natural juices found in potatoes to help loosen and remove rust from pans.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need the following:

• A potato – any kind, but a larger size is better
• Baking soda – as needed
• A plate for the baking soda

Step 2: Cut and Dip the Potato

Cut your chosen potato in half. Dip the exposed end of the potato in baking soda. Any kind of potato will work, and you can use as much or as little baking soda as you need.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Place the potato in the pan and rub it over the rust patches. You may need to do this several times, reapplying baking soda as needed. Use a thin slice of potato each time and cut off the used slice before repeating.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash the Pan

Once you are sure the rust has been removed, give the pan a good rinse with water and wash it as you usually would with soapy water.

Please note that this method is only suitable for light rust issues. For heavier oxidation or more serious problems, you may need to try a different cleaning method.

Frequently asked questions