Cleaning Aluminum Pans: Removing Oxidation The Right Way

Aluminum pans are popular among home chefs due to their lightweight, even heat distribution, and affordable price. However, they require careful maintenance as they are prone to staining and collecting gunk and oxidizing. Oxidation occurs when aluminum reacts with oxygen in the air or moisture, resulting in a grey, chalky cast on the pan's surface. While it is a natural and inevitable process, it can ruin the pan if left untreated. To prevent oxidation, it is recommended to store aluminum pans in a cabinet instead of leaving them outside, avoid cooking acidic foods, and refrain from washing them in the dishwasher. If oxidation does occur, there are several methods to remove it, including using a potato scrub, salt scrub, steel wool, or a vinegar soak. These methods can restore the pan to its original condition and prevent further damage.

How to get the oxidation from my aluminum pans

Avoid dishwashers and use natural cleaning products

Oxidation is a natural process that occurs when aluminium comes into contact with oxygen in the air or moisture. It results in a grey, chalky cast on the surface of the metal. While oxidation is not harmful, it can be unsightly and may cause your aluminium pans to discolour.

To avoid oxidation, it is best to store your aluminium pans in a cabinet rather than leaving them outside. You should also avoid putting your aluminium pans in the dishwasher, as the high heat, mineral content in the water, and harsh detergents can cause pitting, corrosion, and discolouration. Instead, wash your aluminium pans by hand using natural cleaning products.

Potato Scrub

For lighter oxidation, you can use a potato scrub. Cut a potato in half and dip it in baking soda. Then, rub the potato on the rust patches. You may need to repeat this process a few times, reapplying baking soda as needed. Finally, rinse the pan with water and wash it with soapy water.

Salt Scrub

For this method, you will need coarse sea salt or table salt. Sprinkle a generous layer of salt on the rusted area, at least 1 cm thick. Then, take a brown paper bag and fold it until you can easily hold it in your hand. Use it to gently scour the pan until the salt turns rusty. Dump out the salt, add more, and continue scouring until all the rust is removed. Finally, rinse the pan with warm soapy water.

Vinegar Soak

Fill your pan with vinegar, making sure it completely covers the bottom. Let the pan sit overnight, then scrub it with a cleaning sponge in the morning. For a faster method, bring the vinegar to a boil in the pan and let it simmer for 2 minutes before turning off the heat and letting it cool down. Then, scrub the pan and the rust should be gone.

Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar

Combine lemon juice (from one lemon) and 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar. Pour this mixture into the pan and let it sit overnight. Alternatively, you can boil the mixture in the pan for a faster result. After boiling, let the pan cool down, then scrub it well. Repeat the process if necessary until the pan is spotless. Finally, wash the pan with warm soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.

Use a potato scrub with baking soda

Aluminum pans are popular among home chefs as they allow for cooking restaurant-quality meals at home. However, they can be high maintenance and are prone to collecting gunk, grime, and stains. If proper care is not taken, they can also start to oxidize and collect rust on the surface. This can happen due to a reaction with the air, the preparation of acidic foods in the pan, or even from washing the pan in the dishwasher.

Oxidation can be difficult to remove, but it is possible with the right tools and methods. For lighter oxidation, a gentler method such as a potato scrub can be used. This method utilizes the natural juices in potatoes to help loosen and remove the rust. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a potato scrub with baking soda to clean oxidized aluminum pans:

Step 1: Prepare the Potato and Baking Soda

• Choose a potato of any kind, preferably a larger one.
• Cut the potato in half.
• Dip the cut side of the potato into a plate of baking soda. Make sure the cut side is well-coated.

Step 2: Scrub the Pan

• Place the potato half, cut side down, into the pan.
• Rub the potato and baking soda mixture onto the rusted patches in the pan.
• You may need to do this multiple times, re-dipping the potato into the baking soda and cutting a thin slice off the potato between repetitions.

Step 3: Rinse and Wash the Pan

• Once the rust appears to be removed, rinse the pan thoroughly with water.
• Wash the pan with soapy water as you normally would.

It is important to note that the potato scrub method is best suited for light rust issues. For heavier oxidation or rust, other methods such as a salt scrub, scouring the pan, or using specific cleansers may be more effective. Additionally, always exercise caution when handling oxidized pans, as the oxidized surface may come off on your hands and be transferred to other surfaces.

Use a salt scrub

Aluminium pans are prone to oxidation, which results in a grey, chalky cast on the surface of the metal. This happens when the metal reacts with oxygen in the air or with moisture. Oxidation can also be caused by washing the pan in the dishwasher or by cooking acidic foods in the pan.

To remove oxidation from your aluminium pans, you can try a salt scrub. Here's how:

• Take some coarse sea salt or table salt and add a generous layer to the rusted area of the pan. Make sure the salt is at least 1 cm thick.
• Take a brown paper bag and fold it until you can easily hold it in your hand.
• Use the paper bag to gently yet firmly scour the pan.
• Pay attention to the colour of the salt. If it turns rusty, dump it out, add more salt, and continue scouring.
• Once all the rust is removed, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm soapy water.
• Let the pan air dry completely before checking for any remaining signs of rust. If there is still rust, repeat the salt scrub process as needed.

This method is suitable for removing light to moderate oxidation. For heavier oxidation, you may need to try a different method, such as using a potato scrub, Barkeep's Friend, or a vinegar soak.

Scour the pan with steel wool

Steel wool is an effective way to scour oxidized aluminum pans. However, it is essential to use fine-grade steel wool and apply only gentle strokes with the grain to avoid scratching the pan. Before scouring, wash the pan with hot water, soap, and a soft-bristled brush or scratchy pad to remove any debris. Then, add a little dish soap to the steel wool to prevent it from being too harsh on the pan. After scouring, rinse the pan thoroughly, examining it to ensure all rust spots are gone. Finally, wash the pan again with a sponge and let it air dry before use and storage.

It is important to note that steel wool should not be used on stainless steel pans as it can permanently damage the surface. For stainless steel pans, it is recommended to use softer scouring pads, such as Scotch-Brite or Dobie pads, to remove tough stains.

Use a lemon juice and cream of tartar solution

Lemon juice and cream of tartar is a great solution to remove oxidation from your aluminium pans. Lemon juice is a natural cleanser that can remove stains from pans, while cream of tartar is similar to baking soda and is often used to clean stubborn stains.

To use this method, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create the Cleaning Solution

For this option, you will need the juice of one lemon and two tablespoons of cream of tartar. Combine the lemon juice with the cream of tartar and water.

Step 2: Apply the Solution to the Pan

Pour the mixture into the pan and let it sit overnight. This will give the solution enough time to work on the oxidation. If you're in a hurry, you can place the pan on the stovetop and bring it to a boil.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After letting the solution sit or boiling it, let the pan cool down. Then, use a scrubbing pad or sponge to scrub the pan gently. Be sure to scrub all the rust patches and pay attention to the colour of the solution. If it turns rusty, dump it out and repeat the process.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash the Pan

Once you're satisfied that all the rust has been removed, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water. Then, wash the pan with soapy water to remove any remaining solution and residue.

Step 5: Dry the Pan

After washing the pan, dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel. Ensure that you dry both the interior and exterior surfaces of the pan.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

If there are still signs of oxidation or rust after the first attempt, don't be discouraged. The process may need to be repeated to completely remove all traces of oxidation. Simply repeat the above steps until your pan is spotless and shiny!

Frequently asked questions