Are you able to clean anodized cookware correctly? This type of cookware is durable and safe. It will also look great.
Here are some tips to clean anodized cookware.
- Select the right cleaning product
- Use a sponge that is non-abrasive to clean the interior.
- Use a cleaner made for non-anodized cookware to keep the exterior looking bright.
- Never place it in the dishwasher.
- Do not immerse hot pots into cold water.
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What are Hard Anodized Pans and How Do They Work?
The process through which the material used to make the pot is “hard anodized” (or “hard anodized”) is described. An electrical current is applied to the pot made of aluminum. It is submerged in a chemical bath.
The aluminum oxidizes and then hardens. This makes the pot both durable and anti-corrosive. The pot can be exposed to higher voltages at lower temperatures for a longer time in order to make it harder.
Hard anodized pans are coated with a nonstick layer. This is usually Teflon. However, Teflon-free options exist.
Benefits of Hard Anodized Pans
Here are some benefits to using anodized hard pans if you aren’t sure if it is worth the investment.
- These pots are durable enough to withstand daily kitchen use.
- When cooking, distribute heat evenly
- Pots are strong and won’t break or chip, but are light weight.
- Pots will last a lifetime if you take care of them.
- It is much easier to clean anodized cookware.
You should not use any plastic, silicone, or wooden utensils to preserve the pot’s nonstick coating.
How to clean hard anodized cookware
Anodized aluminum pans are a great way to keep your cookware clean for a long period of time. You can take several steps to make sure your cookware doesn’t get scratched.
Take Care of Your Products
As you cannot use abrasive products, it is important to carefully choose your cleaning products. Use a mild detergent to clean the surfaces. To clean the interior, use a non-abrasive sponge that is heavy-duty.
Baking-soda and alkaline cleaners should be avoided on the interior of the pot. These can cause damage to the hard anodized cookware. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to clean the pot’s interior if you need more elbow grease.
Interior Cleaning
You can soak the pot in warm water first before washing it. To remove any remaining contents, you can use a soft cloth or a sponge.
To clean the interior of the pot, you can use scouring powder. If you have more stubborn stains or food that is not cooked, you can simmer it. You would fill the pot with water and add detergent. Then, leave the pot on the stove for about 20-30 minutes.
Let the pot cool, then use a sponge or brush to remove any stubborn stains.
You’ll need to season your pot in order to restore the interior of hard anodized cookware.
This would involve heating the pot on the stove and then coating the pan with oil. Leave it to rest for the night.
Nonstick coatings are not easily restored. I recommend that you pin the pan if your nonstick coating has been damaged.
Exterior Cleaning
How to clean hard anodized cookingware exterior? It’s not that difficult as washing the interior. The exterior of the pot can be washed without affecting its color or shine.
Non-abrasive detergents, sponges, and steel wool are best for stubborn stains. A powder cleaner can be used with or oxalic acids–which work on a molecular basis to remove stubborn stains.
Use a dry sponge or scourerpad to remove any dullness or scratches. Rub in the same direction that the grain of your pan. You can then wash it with the Oxalate Acid Cleaner and dry it as normal.
Here are some things to avoid when cleaning hard anodized cookware
If you want to keep odors from building up, store your pot upside down. These are just a few tips to help you keep your pots looking great for many years. These are important because you may not be able restore your hard anodized cookware back to its original condition if you do these things wrong.
Put it in the Dishwasher
First, follow my guide properly loading the dishwasher. It is important that nothing touches the inside of the pans as this will cause the nonstick coating to wear off.
You might not want to wash your anodized cookware in a dishwasher. While some brands may claim they are dishwasher-safe, the consensus is that it would reduce their lifespan.
Dishwasher detergent can be very harsh. Add that to the dishwasher’s temperature and pressure, and you could cause damage to the nonstick coating.
Dishwasher use can also cause nonstick coatings to chip, peel, or become less effective. This could lead to lots of burned meals. You don’t want the warranty on hard-anodized pots to be void.
This is where I will admit that it is not about what I do but what I say. I have often placed all kinds of cookware, even hard anodized, in the dishwasher. Yes, I do! Although it’s a little naughty, I have two children.
Because it is so easy to clean, I try to make the dishwasher less often for nonstick cookware.
Make sure to verify that the cookware claims it is dishwasher-safe.
Use the wrong cleaner
You shouldn’t use oven cleaners, bleach or aluminum etching cleaners when cleaning hard anodized pots. These products may contain corrosive chemicals that can cause serious damage to your non-stick coating and the pot.
Pots and pans can also look dull if they are used with abrasive or corrosive products. Even reseasoning the pot may not be enough to reverse the damage.
Warm Pans in Cold Water
It is best to allow your pots to cool before washing them. This will prevent them from warping. You can cause your pots to warp if you place them in cold water.
If you don’t have time to wait and you need to quickly soak the pot, boil some water in a kettle and then add it to the pot. This will allow you to soak it without it being warmed and make it easier to clean when it cools down.
What’s next?
Pots can be costly, especially if you need to replace them every few years. While hard anodized cookware will require extra care when cleaning, they will last a lifetime if taken good care of.
You can cook delicious meals in hard anodized cookware now that you are familiar with how to clean it.
Check out my guide for hard anodized cookingware to find out if there are any new sets that you like.
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