Non-stick cookware is a blessing because you don’t have to season it, which makes it easy to cook all types of food and also saves time. Non-stick anodized pans enable heat to be distributed equally across the whole surface of the pan, which results in evenly cooked food.
These anodized pans are also extremely durable and will last you a long time. While these pans are great, it is essential to know how to clean hard anodized cookware before you start using it.
Read further to learn about anodized cookware pans and how to clean them properly.
What are Anodized Pans?
While most of us are aware of what anodized pans are, some of us don’t know their uses and all the benefits they provide in the kitchen. These are metal pans that are made of aluminum and have gone through an electrochemical process.
Anodized pans are not cheap, but they are affordable. Perhaps, the best thing about anodized cookware pans is that they are quite easy to clean as compared to other kitchen essentials.
The anodizing process forms a seasoning or coating on the exterior of the pan, making it durable. The coating will not peel off, chip or get scratches unless it is subjected to extremely high temperatures.
Anodized aluminum is known to be twice as hard as stainless steel. One of the great things about anodized cookware pots is that there is no danger of the food migrating to the pan because of the protective coating, which makes them safe for use in the kitchen.
Many people are concerned that the metal might migrate to the food, but the seasoning will protect your food from transferring and sticking to the surface of the pan.
Pans are anodized without using any toxic fumes, which is another reason it is a good option to use in the house. A tip to keep in mind about non-stick anodized pans is that they are not dishwasher friendly.
You can always keep them in the dishwasher, but since they have a protective coating on top, it is best to gently hand wash them so the coating doesn’t get damaged. Washing it with hands simply gives them a longer lifespan.
How to Clean and Take Care of Your Anodized Pans
Here are a few tips on how to extend the life of your anodized pans.
Before first Use
When you first get your pan, make sure to remove the label stickers before using it. Label stickers can be easily removed by a non-metallic utensil. Use the utensil to lift one of the corners and gently scrape away the rest of the sticker.
If it still hasn’t disappeared completely, you can even rub a little alcohol to remove any residue left behind. Make certain to never use a knife, a fork or other metal utensils to scrape the sticker off because it can easily cause scratches on the exterior of your anodized pan.
In the case of frying pans, heat oil over low heat for a couple of minutes, remove the oil and wash the pan again. In the case of pots, fill the pot with water and boil it for 30 minutes.
Remove all the liquid and wash the pot again. Make sure to rinse the anodized pots thoroughly and wipe with a dry cloth. This will make your pot clean and shiny.
While Cooking
If you want your anodized pans to last a long time, you have to be careful while cooking, too.
It’s always a good idea to cook over medium or low heat. Make sure the heat isn’t too much because it can cause warping and damage the protective coating on the surface of your pan. Cooking in medium heat will also preserve your food’s nutritional value.
A good tip is to always choose the stovetop, which is smaller than the base of the pan. Not only will this give you better results while cooking, but it will also make cleaning easier. Avoid chopping food directly on the surface of your anodized pans to avoid scratches.
After you’re done the cooking, simply place the lids upside down when storing your pans in the cabinets because it will prevent odor.
How to Clean Hard Anodized Cooking Pans?
Here are a few tips on how to clean hard anodized cooking pans.
Clean the Exterior
Before washing your anodized pan, it is important to keep in mind that you have to wash the exterior and interior both. No one likes dirty cookware, and it doesn’t make sense to clean the interior while the exterior is still covered in oil and grease stains.
This is why always make sure to clean the exterior of your anodized cookware pans, too. Various people make common mistakes because they don’t want to lose the shine of their pan. Here are a few ways you can keep the shine and make sure your pot is clean.
Use the Right Cleaners
If you want your pot to stay shiny and stainless, try to avoid using abrasive and scratchy sponges. They can easily cause damage and even discoloration. Also, avoid using steel wool and chlorine bleaches on the exterior of your pans.
A good idea is to use warm water and dish soap. Make sure to scrub the anodized pans with a soft cloth gently.
Most people believe that a pot isn’t clean if there is no cleaning solution involved, but it is a good idea to avoid using liquid cleaners on your non-stick anodized cookware pans.
Use Baking Soda and Water
It is easy for anodized pans to get stains, which be caused by burnt food and leftover grease. These stains will only get stronger if you don’t wash your pans regularly and thoroughly.
If this is the case, baking soda is always a good option.
Get some baking soda, mix it with water and stir until it forms a mixture. Simply apply this mixture to the exterior of your anodized pan and let it soak for a while. After some time has passed, wash your pan with warm water and wipe it with a dry cloth. Keep it in a cool and clean place to dry.
If the stains still haven’t disappeared, no need to panic. Just apply some more mixture to your pan and leave them to soak overnight. Wash them in the morning and all the stains will disappear overnight.
Use a Scouring Agent
Scouring agents are reliable because they can remove even the greasiest of stains from your pots. Simply mix some scouring powder with water and stir it until it turns into a paste.
Apply this paste to the exterior of your pan and wash it with hot water after some time. After you’re done, gently wipe your pot with a soft cloth.
Cleaning the Interior
It is vital to keep the interior clean because that’s where the food goes. A clean pan will help you avoid several health issues and make your food taste and look better. Here are a few ways you can clean the interior of your anodized pans.
Wash Your Cookware before and After Use
When you first buy a new pan, the first thing you should always do is wash it. A good idea is to dip the hard-anodized non-stick pan in warm water with soap. Let it soak for a few minutes. After you’re done, wash it thoroughly and then dry it with a soft cloth afterward.
A common reason why grease and stains keep building up in pots is that the pots are not washed regularly. If they are washed regularly, they are not washed properly. Grease not only looks bad on your pots but can also affect the taste of your food.
This is why it is very important to wash your pots and pans after every use.
A good tip to keep in mind is to not keep your anodized cookware pans in cold water right after you’re done using them. Give them some time to cool before that to avoid warping. On the other hand, you can always put them in hot water right after using them because hot water does not cause warping.
Use Warm Water and Soap
One of the most common and easiest ways to keep your pans clean is by washing them with warm water and soap. Since non-stick anodized pans are extremely easy to clean, you don’t even need to use liquid cleaners on them.
Washing your cookware regularly will help them stay brand new for a much longer time.
Use Scouring Powders
The interior of your pan is covered in the coating, so make sure to be extra careful. It is okay to use some scouring powders on the interior of anodized cookware pots, but make sure that they are mild.
After you’re done, clean your pan with a cleaning brush, which can help get rid of grease stains and prevent damage.
Use Vinegar and Hot Water
Another quick and easy way is by immersing the pot in some vinegar. Vinegar is one of the strongest and most effective ways of getting rid of tough stains. After you’re done, let the pot soak in water for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
The next step is to take the pan out and leave it to cool for at least an hour. The stains will come off when you gently scrub the interior of the pan with a soft brush.
Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush; otherwise, you might end up damaging the coating. After you’re done cleaning, simply wash the anodized pan with water so all the dirt washes away.
Use Cream of Tartar and Water
An easy way to clean grease and grime stains is by making a mixture of cream of tartar and water.
Just apply the paste to the interior of your non-stick anodized pan and leave it for 10 minutes. The next step is to scrub the interior using a soft sponge. The final step is to wash your pan thoroughly and then dry it with a soft cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anodized Pans
Below are some frequently asked questions you may have if you’re using anodized cooking pans.
Is anodized cookware dangerous for my health?
While metal pans can be harmful because they don’t have a seasoning, which leads the chemicals from the pan to transfer to the food, anodized aluminum pans come with a protective coating, which ensures that your food and the ingredients of the pan never mix.
My pan has become greasy after use. What do I do?
It is normal for anodized pans to become greasy after use. Simply follow the steps mentioned above – don’t forget to wash the exterior and the interior for a shiny look.
Is my anodized pan oven-safe?
Your pan can be used in the oven but since anodized pans come with a protective coating, always make sure to check the temperature of the oven before placing them. If the temperature is above 500 degrees, it can easily damage the coating and cause warping.
Can I store food in my non-stick cookware?
You can use your anodized non-stick cookware pans to store food. Try to avoid smelly foods because they might leave a smell behind.
What do I do if the seasoning comes off?
This won’t happen if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but if the seasoning does come off, your food will start sticking to the surface of the pan.
This will make the pans harder to clean and also allow chemicals to migrate to your food. Fear not – you can easily add a protective coating yourself by following your manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion
Some people are apprehensive when buying hard anodized cookware pans because they think it’s harder to take care of them. Don’t worry anymore – make sure you have all the knowledge about cleaning and storing your pans after using them in the kitchen.
The cleaning methods mentioned above will keep the exterior and the interior of your pans clean, which will lead your pans to last longer.
Just keep in mind that since hard anodized cookware is different from ordinary cookware, it needs special attention. Try these effective cleaning methods on your anodized pans today and make them shiny and clean again.
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