What Not To Use On Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware To Wash It? 3 Things to Avoid in 2023

While it’s always nice to relax by tossing your used cooking equipment into the dishwasher, not all cookware is safe. Among these, hard anodized pots and pans stand out. You can count on your hard anodized cookware to be your most reliable appliance in the kitchen. Hard anodized cookware requires more care than regular cookware, but it lasts longer, can withstand higher temperatures, and heats up more evenly.

Are you ready to find out what not to use on your hard anodized aluminum cookware while washing?

You should never use wool, abrasive scouring pads, and harsh chemicals like bleach to clean hard-anodized cookware.

How to clean hard anodized cookware and what to avoid cleaning anodized aluminum cookware? Read the post to get your answers.

Protect Your Hard Anodized Cookware By Right Cleaning Methods

Proper cleaning of hard anodized cookware is essential to preserve the material’s superior performance in the kitchen. Here are some suggestions for accomplishing the goal.

• Avoid Alkaline Based Cleansers

Anodized cookware requires strong dishwashing soap for cleaning. Moreover, you can use detergents. Keep the inside of your anodized cookware free from alkaline cleaning solutions like baking soda.

• Never Put Hard Anodized Cookware In The Dishwasher

Dishwashers are unsafe for hard-anodized cookware because the detergent will etch the surface and possibly corrode the metal.

The hot water and the detergent used can be extremely harsh, and they’re enclosed in a cabinet with no ventilation. Chemicals at these concentrations can erode nonstick coatings and cause other issues, such as chip peeling or chipping. 

If you want to keep your anodized cookware in pristine condition:

• Wash it by hand in warm, soapy water and dry it entirely afterward.
• Use the gentle cycle and mild detergent to clean it in the dishwasher.
• After using the dishwasher, check your kitchenware carefully for any signs of damage.

• Avoid Harsh Cleansers

Try soft sponges or clothes. Use a gentle scouring powder, such as Barkeeper’s Friend or Comet, to scrub down your pots and pans after each use. Use rags, dishtowels, sponges, dish brushes with soft bristles, and other similar items to scrub. Never use steel wool; however, you can use abrasive cleaning pads with caution.

Avoid Wrong Cleansers

When cleaning T-Fal or any other hard anodized cookware, only use products made for that purpose. Never clean cookware with oven cleaner or any other acidic cleaner since they will dull the appearance of your pots. The same goes for liquid bathrooms and kitchen cleaners. Products like silver polish, grout cleaning, and porcelain cleanser also fall into this category. Never clean anodized aluminum cookware with bleach. 

In the case of aluminum, bleach is known to act as an etching agent; therefore, using bleach on these materials is likely to remove some significant stains, making them appear horrible at the moment, and will likely cause them to etch.

Metal utensils, even those with a seasoned coating, can have their protective layer worn away after even a single usage if cleaned with an abrasive cleaner.

Tips To Clean Hard Anodized Cookware 

• Wash your hard anodized cookware before every use.
• Never immerse hot cookware in cold water.
• Always prefer hand washing and mild dishwasher cleansers.
• To remove burnt residue, soak in soap and hot water.

Can vinegar harm anodized aluminum cookware?

Vinegar may indeed corrode aluminum. With an acidic pH, vinegar is a solid alkali base. Vinegar can accelerate corrosion and damage to aluminum if left on the material for long periods without being rinsed.

What is the recommended cleaning for anodized surfaces?

You can get good results with an abrasive cleaning sponge with gentle dish soap. Do not use alkaline or acidic cleaning products, which may damage the finish. Be cautious while using solvents, as they may leave a lasting mark on the surface.

How can you prevent damage to hard anodized aluminum cookware?

Mild soap is recommended. It will keep the coating in good shape and prevent discoloration problems. Tuck away the hard anodized pots and pans somewhere secure. You can also hang them in the kitchen for better protection.

Conclusion

You can use hard anodized cookware to have the advantages of nonstick surfaces without harmful chemicals. It’s more long-lasting than regular cookware, so you won’t have to buy new pans as frequently. However, cleaning can be challenging to the uninitiated due to the need for a protective coating. Remember the information presented here the next time you wonder what not to use on hard anodized aluminum cookware to wash it, and your cookware will retain its like-new appearance for years to come.

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