Cleaning Aluminum Pans: Tips For Sparkling Results

Aluminum cookware is a popular choice for home cooks due to its quick and even heating capabilities, but it can be a challenge to keep these pots and pans looking as good as new. The exterior of aluminum cookware is prone to staining and discolouration over time, which can be caused by misuse, improper cleaning, or a reaction with certain foods. Luckily, there are several effective methods for cleaning the outside of aluminum pans and restoring them to their original shine.

How to Clean the Outside of Aluminum Pans

Using baking soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove stubborn burnt-on food from your pans. It also has alkaline properties, which can neutralise acidic burnt foods. Additionally, when mixed with an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice, it creates a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

To clean the outside of an aluminium pan with baking soda, start by rinsing the pan with warm water to remove any loose food particles or residue. Next, fill your sink or basin with warm water and add a few drops of natural dish soap. Place your pan in the soapy water and let it soak for a while. After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the exterior of the pan.

Now, it's time to use the baking soda. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply this paste to the exterior of the pan and use a soft-bristle brush to clean the stained areas. Once you're happy with the results, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water. Finally, use a kitchen towel to dry the pan or let it air dry on a dish rack. Ensure the pan is completely dry before storing it away.

If you want to try a more heavy-duty cleaning method, you can combine baking soda with vinegar. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, add enough white vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch 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, so it's best to do this step in the sink. 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.

Using vinegar

To clean the outside of your aluminum pans with vinegar, start by washing off any existing grease or grime with warm water, dish soap, and a sponge. Use the rough side of the sponge to scrub any burnt food bits. You can also use a wooden spoon to dislodge stubborn food. Next, make a cleaning solution by filling your pot or pan with water and adding two tablespoons of white vinegar for every quart of water. Stir the mixture, then bring it to a boil and let it bubble away for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and pour out the mixture. Your aluminum should now be bright and shiny again!

Give the outside of the pan a final clean by using dish soap, warm water, and the rough side of a sponge to remove any remaining discoloration. Wipe the exterior dry with a microfiber cloth. If you're still noticing stains and discolouration, make a paste with baking soda and water by combining equal parts of each. Apply the paste to the discoloured area and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing away with soap and water.

You can also try a spot cleaning hack by mixing equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a spray container and spraying it onto the discoloured areas. Use a grade steel wool pad to tackle particularly stubborn spots, then wash and dry.

Using lemon and salt

Lemon and salt are great natural cleansers for cleaning the outside of aluminum pans. Lemon is a natural acid that helps to break down tough stains and remove discolouration, while salt has anti-bacterial properties and acts as a mild abrasive to help scrub away any stuck-on food or residue.

To clean the outside of an aluminum pan with lemon and salt, start by cutting a lemon in half and dipping it in table salt. Use a circular motion to gently scrub the exterior of the pan with the salty lemon until you notice the surface starting to brighten. Rinse the pan with warm water, then hand-dry it with a microfiber cloth.

Lemon and salt can also be used to clean the inside of an aluminum pan. Fill the pan with water and add a few tablespoons of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the pan to cool down. Wipe the pan clean with a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Lemon juice can also be used in combination with other ingredients to create a cleaning solution for aluminum pans. For each quart of water, mix 2 tablespoons of a cleaning agent such as white vinegar, cream of tartar, or lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Discard the solution and wash the pot with mild dish soap and water.

Lemon and salt are effective and inexpensive ways to clean aluminum pans and restore their shine.

Using ketchup

If you're looking to clean the outside of your aluminum pans, ketchup can be an effective solution. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Prepare the Ketchup: Squeeze out a generous amount of ketchup onto a cloth or rag. Make sure to use an old cloth or a disposable one, as the ketchup can stain the fabric.
• Wipe Down the Pan: Use the ketchup-covered cloth to wipe down the exterior of the pan. Spread the ketchup evenly and thoroughly across the surface, ensuring it comes into contact with all the dirty areas.
• Let it Sit: Allow the ketchup to remain on the pan for a short while. For more stubborn stains, you can apply the ketchup directly to the affected area and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The acids in the ketchup will help break down and loosen the dirt, grease, and stains.
• Rinse and Dry: After letting the ketchup do its work, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water. Make sure to get rid of all the ketchup residue. Once rinsed, dry the pan meticulously with a clean cloth or towel.

Using an onion

To clean the outside of an aluminium pan with an onion, start by filling the pan with water and leaving it to soak for a while. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food or residue.

Next, use a plastic spatula or a scraper to remove the softened pieces of food from the pan. Wash off any pieces that come loose with a dishwashing brush.

Now, add a finely chopped onion, a teaspoon of salt, and some fresh water to the pan. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about ten minutes. The onion and salt will help to remove any remaining residue and stains from the pan.

After boiling, pour off the water and rinse the pan with detergent while scrubbing with a dishwashing sponge or brush. This will ensure that any remaining onion or salt is removed from the pan.

Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Your aluminium pan should now be clean and stain-free!

Frequently asked questions