How to Care For and Clean Aluminum Pots & Pans

Aluminum pots and pans are the most popular choice for cookware because of their affordability and great heat conduction. Aluminum cookware has been in the news because of an association with Alzheimer's Disease, but there is no proven hard scientific link between the two. Aluminum cookware is a good choice for cooking because it gets the job done, but it does stain easily and the stains can transfer to food.

Instructions

1. 

   To care for Aluminum pots and pans always let it cool completely after you use it. Never run water into Aluminum pots or pans while they are still hot because they can warp.

2. 

   To clean Aluminum pots and pans use a grease cutting dishing detergent and water. Do not put in the dishwasher. Washing in the dishwasher can cause it to discolor and pit. Do not use any abrasive cleansers or steel wool because the aluminum cookware will scratch.

3. 

   To remove stains from you Aluminum pots and pans fill with hot water and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Cream of Tartar, place on stove, bring to a boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Dump out water, let the pot or pan cool and wash with grease cutting dishwashing detergent, rinse and dry thoroughly.

4. 

   To remove burnt on food stains from Aluminum cookware make a paste of baking soda and water, coat the stain with the paste and let sit overnight. Wash as usual.

5. 

   To remove discoloration from Aluminum pots and pans coat with a tomato product such as ketchup, sauce or tomato juice and let sit overnight. The acid in the tomatoes will remove the discoloration. Wash as usual.