Removing Tarnish From Aluminum: Easy Cleaning Tricks

Aluminum is a durable and affordable metal with good thermal conductivity, making it a popular choice for cookware. However, it is prone to tarnishing and discolouration over time, which can be challenging to remove. The good news is that there are several effective methods to restore your aluminum pans to their former glory using simple household products.

Vinegar, cream of tartar or lemon juice

Vinegar is one of the most effective general cleaners and is great for cleaning aluminum. To clean your aluminum pan with vinegar, mix one part white vinegar with one part water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and scrub away any discolouration. For caked-on residue, pour the solution into the pan and let it sit for 30 minutes before cleaning with a damp sponge.

Alternatively, make a paste from vinegar, salt and flour. Apply the paste to the pan and leave it for at least 15 minutes before wiping it off with a soft cloth. You can also simply pour vinegar directly onto a soft cloth and rub the surface of the pan.

Lemon juice is another great natural cleaner for aluminum. To use lemon juice to clean your aluminum pan, simply rub a slice of lemon over the surface of the pan until it looks clean. Then, rinse the pan with water and rub it dry. For more stubborn stains, stir lemon juice into salt so that the crystals stick, and then rub the mixture onto the affected areas.

You can also clean your pan with lemon juice by boiling water with lemon juice in the pan and letting it bubble for about ten minutes. Then, drain the water and dry the pan.

Cream of tartar is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to clean aluminum pans. To use cream of tartar, make a paste from equal parts cream of tartar and vinegar. Apply the paste to the affected areas of the pan and let it sit for at least an hour. Then, scrub the pan with a cloth and wash with soap and cold water.

For burnt food at the bottom of the pan, pour two cups of vinegar into the pan and add two tablespoons of cream of tartar. Bring the solution to a boil and leave it on the stove for ten minutes. Let the solution cool, and then discard it and scrub the pan with a cloth or sponge.

Baking soda

• Start by rinsing the pan with warm water to remove any loose food particles or residue.
• Fill your sink or basin with warm water and add a few drops of natural dish soap.
• Place your aluminium pan in the soapy water and let it soak for a while.
• After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush to clean the interior and exterior of the pan.
• Rinse the pan with warm water again.
• Now, make a paste with baking soda and water. Adjust the quantities as needed, but the paste should be thick and creamy.
• Apply the paste to the stained areas of the pan and use a soft-bristle brush to clean these areas gently.
• Once the stains are removed, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water.
• Use a kitchen towel to dry the pan, or let it air dry on a dish rack. Make sure the pan is completely dry before you store it.

Lemon and salt

Firstly, cut a lemon in half and dip the exposed side in table salt. Using a circular motion, 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 with a microfiber cloth.

Lemon juice is an acid-based solution that can remove the oxidation that causes aluminium to lose its shine. Salt is a coarse substance that is effective at removing built-up food debris from aluminium cookware.

If your pan has tough, stuck-on grime, you can also try using a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently rub the lemon and salt mixture into the stain.

Fruit acids

To clean an aluminum pan with fruit acids, start by bringing water to a boil in the pan. Add lemon juice, apple peels, or rhubarb stalks to the boiling water. Allow the mixture to bubble for about ten minutes. Then, drain the water and dry the pan. This method is effective even if limescale stains have already formed in the pan.

For smaller aluminum utensils, such as a garlic press, you can place them in a pan with lemon, apple peels, or rhubarb stalks and bring the water to a boil. Leave the items in the hot water for a while, and then remove and marvel at the cleaning effect.

Dish soap

To clean an aluminium pan, fill your sink or basin with some warm water and add a few drops of natural dish soap. Place your aluminium pan in the soapy water and let it soak for a while. After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the interior and exterior of the pan. Once the pan is clean, thoroughly rinse it with warm water. Use a kitchen towel or allow it to air dry on a dish rack. It needs to be completely dry before you store it.

If your aluminium pans have tough stains, you may need to use more abrasive cleaning materials beyond dish soap. For example, you can make a paste with baking soda and water, clean the stained areas with a soft-bristle brush, and then rinse and dry the pan.

It's important to note that aluminium pans are not usually dishwasher-safe. The intense heat and caustic dishwasher detergent can leave a grey residue on aluminium pans. The surfaces of aluminium pans are too delicate to withstand the environment of a dishwasher.

Frequently asked questions