Cleaning Hard Anodized Pans: Tips For The Exterior

Hard anodized pans are a blessing for cooking enthusiasts. They are sturdy, highly effective, and long-lasting. However, to ensure their longevity, it is crucial to know how to clean and maintain them properly. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean the outside of your hard anodized pans to keep them in pristine condition.

How to Clean the Outside of Hard Anodized Pans

Soak the pan in warm water for 15-30 minutes

Soaking your hard anodized pan in warm water for 15-30 minutes is a crucial step in the cleaning process. This step will help to loosen and soften any burnt-on or stuck-on food, grease, or stains, making it easier to remove them in the subsequent cleaning steps.

Before soaking your pan, it is important to first remove any loose debris or large pieces of food that are stuck on. Be careful of sharp edges when doing this. Then, fill your sink with warm water, ensuring that the water level is high enough to completely submerge the pan. You can also add a small amount of liquid dish soap to the water as it fills up, which will help to further loosen any stuck-on food. Place your pan in the sink and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

If your pan is extremely crusty or burnt, you may want to let it soak for a longer period of time, such as overnight. This will help to ensure that the burnt-on food residue is thoroughly softened and loosened before you proceed with the next steps.

After soaking your pan, you can then move on to using other cleaning methods such as scrubbing with a soft sponge or cloth, or using a cleaning solution like baking soda or vinegar to remove any remaining stains or residue. Remember to always dry your pan thoroughly with a soft towel after cleaning to prevent water spots or stains from forming.

Use a gentle scrubber

To clean the outside of your hard anodized pans, it is important to use a gentle scrubber. This is because hard anodized pans have a non-stick coating, which can be damaged by harsh scrubbers.

Nylon scrubbers, cleaning brushes, or dishcloths are good options for gentle scrubbers. These will effectively remove any dirt or grease without causing scratches or damage to the pan's surface.

It is also important to be gentle when using a scrubber on hard anodized pans. Even with a soft scrubber, applying too much pressure can damage the pan's coating. Therefore, it is best to use a light touch when cleaning these pans.

Additionally, it is recommended to soak hard anodized pans in warm water before scrubbing. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food or grease, making it easier to remove without applying excessive force.

By using gentle scrubbers and being careful not to apply too much pressure, you can effectively clean the outside of hard anodized pans while also preserving the integrity of the non-stick coating.

Avoid using scrubbers with harsh surfaces

When cleaning hard anodized pans, it is important to avoid using scrubbers with harsh surfaces. This is because scrubbers with harsh surfaces can damage the outer hardened oxidized layer of the pan, leaving scratches and making the pan look old.

Furthermore, scratching the surface of the pan may expose you to health hazards as aluminum, which the pan is made of, is reactive to acidic food and hazardous when exposed to high heat. Scratches on the pan's surface may cause the aluminum to mix with your food while cooking.

So, it is best to be very careful and avoid using scrubbers with harsh surfaces when cleaning hard anodized pans. Instead, opt for a nylon scrubber, cleaning brush, or a dishcloth to gently scrub the pan's surface.

Use baking soda and water for burnt meals

Burnt pans are a common occurrence, and hard anodized pans are no exception. Luckily, with a little elbow grease and some baking soda, you can make your pan look good as new again. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use baking soda and water to clean the exterior of your hard anodized pan:

Step 1: Remove Loose Debris

Pick off any large pieces of food stuck to the pan. Soaking the pan first can help loosen everything up, but be careful of sharp edges!

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda Paste

In a small bowl, mix together baking soda and water until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. You want a consistency similar to toothpaste.

Step 3: Apply the Paste to Burnt Areas

Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently rub the baking soda paste onto any burnt or stained areas on the outside of the pan.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Let the paste sit on the burnt spots for around 15 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to dissolve the gunk.

Step 5: Gently Scrub

After letting the paste sit, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the burnt areas and remove any loosened food particles. Avoid using anything too abrasive, like steel wool pads, as they can damage the anodized surface.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once all the debris is scrubbed off, rinse the pan thoroughly under hot running water. Make sure to remove all the baking soda to avoid any gritty residue. Finally, thoroughly dry the outside of the pan with a soft towel to prevent water spots or stains from forming.

If some burnt-on stains persist, simply repeat the process until your pan is completely clean. With a bit of persistence, your pan will be back to its former glory!

Use the right detergents

When cleaning hard anodized pans, it is important to use the right detergents to avoid damaging the pan's surface and to effectively remove stains and residue.

Firstly, it is important to avoid using alkaline-based detergents, such as baking soda, on the interior of the pan. While baking soda is an effective cleaning agent for the exterior of the pan, it is too harsh for the interior and can leave a residue.

Instead, opt for mild, good-quality detergents, such as Dawn or Ajax. These detergents are gentle yet effective and will not damage the pan's non-stick surface.

When cleaning the exterior of the pan, it is also important to avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners. Abrasive cleaners can scratch and damage the exterior, dulling its appearance. Instead, choose gentle, non-abrasive cleaners that will effectively remove stains without damaging the surface.

Additionally, always test new detergents on a small, inconspicuous area of the pan before applying them to the entire surface. This will help you avoid any potential damage or discolouration.

By choosing the right detergents and cleaners, you can effectively clean your hard anodized pans while maintaining their durability and shine.

Frequently asked questions