How To Clean Aluminum Pan That Turned Black

How to Restore a Blackened Aluminum Pan

A deep scrub with an acidic cleaner can work wonders on this metal.

While built-up grease and grime or burnt-on food tin can wreak havoc on any pan, aluminum ones have another singled-out enemy: dishwashers. Like bandage-fe cookware, aluminum pans should avert the machine at all costs. "The combination of alkaline dishwasher detergent, high heat, and minerals in your water can trigger a reaction that darkens the metal," says Jennie Varney, make manager for Molly Maid. Non to mention, the force of the jets can knock your pan into other dishware, scratching or nicking its surface.

"Your best bet is to merely hand-wash the pan with warm water and balmy dish lather, using the rough side of a sponge or scrubber to dislodge whatever food remnants," says Rosa Nogales-Hernandez, head of the cleaning team at home-services company Valet Living, "and avoid taking a metallic utensil to it, every bit this can damage its surface, too." Merely if you've already subjected your pan to a dishwasher cycle, not to worry—the concealment isn't usually permanent. Just follow these steps from Varney and Nogales-Hernandez to bring back the shine.

stack of aluminum pans for cookies, muffins, and cupcakes

Credit: Valrey Rizzo/Getty Images

Soak It

If the pan is deep plenty, fill information technology with water, plus a few tablespoons of lemon juice or cream of tartar, says Varney. Boil 10 minutes and drain. This should lift the dark coating, which you tin can so sponge off with soap and water. (Such an acidic solution will also remove any white, chalky spots that have bloomed on your pan as the result of aluminum oxidation.) To steer clear of pitting, don't go out the pan moisture to air-dry out; instead, dry information technology fully with a clean cloth.

Scrub It

If the item is shallow or the exterior is also discolored, mix a paste of blistering soda and white vinegar, says Nogales-Hernandez. Spread it all over and let stand up a few minutes. Wipe information technology away with a steel-wool pad, then rinse and dry.

Spray It

If whatsoever dark spots remain, pour a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar into a spray canteen and spritz thoroughly, says Nogales-Hernandez. Tackle especially stubborn areas with a steel-wool pad, then rinse and dry out.