The Right Way to Clean an Aluminum Pan—Even One That's Been Blackened

While built-up grease and grime can wreak havoc on any pan, aluminum cookware can feel especially impossible to clean once it becomes dirty. If you have a pan that seems like it's permanently blackened, it's likely you just haven't found the right cleaning method yet. Certain cleaning supplies and techniques can actually make aluminum appear even more discolored. But luckily, the darkening usually isn't permanent. With the right cleaning materials, you'll be able to bring back your aluminum cookware's original luster in no time.

Why Aluminum Pans Become Blackened

Aluminum cookware can become blackened from misuse, or if it's not cared for or cleaned properly.

Heat Exposure

Prolonged exposure to high heat can cause aluminum pans to discolor and blacken. "This can happen when cooking at very high temperatures (especially if the pan is empty or contains a small amount of oil or food)," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "The surface of the aluminum will oxidize and turn dark."

Burnt Food Residue

If food or oils are burned onto the pan's surface, they can create blackened areas. "This can be very problematic with nonstick aluminum pans, where burnt-on residues can be challenging, especially if you want to remove them without damaging the nonstick coating."

Cooking Certain Foods

Aluminum can react with certain acidic or alkaline ingredients, which will cause discoloration. "For example, cooking tomatoes or sour sauces in an aluminum pan can lead to a darkening of the aluminum surface," says Sokolowski.

Incorrect Cleaning Methods

Not drying a pan properly after cleaning it with hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up on the pan's surface and cause discoloration, says Sokolowski. Additionally, cleaning aluminum cookware in the dishwasher can also damage it. "The combination of alkaline dishwasher detergent, high heat, and minerals in your water can trigger a reaction that darkens the metal," says Jennie Varney, brand manager for Molly Maid.

Materials

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning an aluminum pan.

• Natural dish soap
• Non-abrasive sponge 
• Baking soda 
• Water
• Salt
• A soft-bristle brush 
  
• Dish towel

How to Clean an Aluminum Pan

Before cleaning your aluminum cookware, make sure it has completely cooled down. "Cleaning hot cookware can be dangerous and less effective," says Sokolowski.

1. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any loose food particles or residue.
2. Fill your sink or basin with some warm water and add a few drops of natural dish soap.
3. Place your aluminum pan in the soapy water and let it soak for a while.
4. After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the interior and exterior of the pan.
5. Once the pan is clean, thoroughly rinse it with warm water.
6. Use a kitchen towel or allow it to air dry on a dish rack. It needs to be completely dry before you store it.
   

How to Remove Stains From an Aluminum Pan

If your aluminum pans have become blackened or accumulated with grime, you may need to use more abrasive cleaning materials beyond dish soap.

Removing Stains With Baking Soda

When mixed with water, baking soda forms a paste that effectively restores aluminum cookware to its former glory.

1. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any loose food particles or residue.
2. Fill your sink or basin with some warm water and add a few drops of natural dish soap.
3. Place your aluminum pan in the soapy water and let it soak for a while.
4. After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the interior and exterior of the pan.
5. Make a paste with baking soda and water and clean the stained areas with a soft-bristle brush.
6. Once the pan is clean, thoroughly rinse it with warm water.
7. Use a kitchen towel or allow it to air dry on a dish rack. It needs to be completely dry before you store it.

Removing Stains With Salt

The coarseness of salt is effective at removing built-up food debris from aluminum cookware.

1. Fill the stained pan with water and add a few tablespoons of table salt.
2. Bring everything to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and let the pan cool down.
4. Wipe the pan clean with a non-abrasive sponge.
5. Once the pan is clean, thoroughly rinse it with warm water.
6. Use a kitchen towel or allow it to air dry on a dish rack. It needs to be completely dry before you store it.

How to Maintain an Aluminum Pan

Ensure your aluminum cookware stays in peak condition by knowing how to care for it properly.

• Avoid cooking at very high temperatures, as extreme heat can cause discoloration." Instead, try to use medium heat settings when cooking with aluminum pans," says Sokolowski.
• Use non-metallic utensils when cooking with an aluminum pan, such as silicone, wood, or plastic to avoid scratching its surface. 
• Avoid cooking acidic ingredients in an aluminum pan, which can lead to discoloration.
• Handwash your aluminum pans with a natural dishwashing detergent and a non-abrasive sponge whenever possible. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads or steel wool. And, of course, after washing, ensure the pan is completely dry before storing it. 
• Avoid burning foods when cooking, which can cause tough, stuck-on grime.