Hard anodized is one of the commonly used cookware found in numerous households. Why? Well, for a few excellent reasons, that’s why. It is durable, lightweight, great for cooking, safe for health, and nonstick.
As the pans and pots are nonstick, cleaning hard anodized cookware is not a hassle. However, there are specific rules you should follow when it comes to cleaning this cookware.
First of all, hard anodized cookware is not dishwasher friendly. Putting it in the dishwasher may damage the protective layers that stop the harmful aluminum from leaching into the food. Secondly, as the dishwasher isn’t an option, you must clean the hard anodized pots and pans by hand. Of course, you can’t just throw it in the sink and start scrubbing. You need to use the recommended cleaning materials.
How To Clean Hard Anodized Cookware?
To get the best performance out of your cookware, you should clean it properly. Properly over here means carefully. The protective layer is crucial in the cooking process and should not be damaged. The coating makes it nonstick, so it is easy to clean the pots and pans, but be cautious.
By now, you must have realized that the Best hard anodized cookware requires special care, a woman’s touch, you may call it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean hard anodized cookware exterior and interior.
A word of advice. Be confident that the pots and pans are cool to the touch when you begin washing. Allow your cookware to cool completely to prevent warping. Warping is when the cookware becomes out of shape.
Many focus on washing the interior and only rinse the outside of the cookware. A method that doesn’t make sense at all. Cleaning the exterior should also be a priority.
What do you need?
Here is a basic overview of what you need.
1.) Non-abrasive sponge
2.) Dishwashing soap
3.) Dishtowel
If a deep cleaning of the cookware is needed, you will need some extra materials to help remove those stubborn stains.
Everyday Cleaning
Everyday cleaning is a process that does not require an extensive amount of effort to bring out the cookware’s shine and sparkle. Everyday cleaning doesn’t imply that you take the cookware from the kitchen cabinet and begin cleaning all the pots and pans. It means to clean the cookware properly after every use. Dumping the cookware in the kitchen sink will only encourage stubborn stains and discoloration.
1.) Remember, the cookware should be cool to the touch.
2.) Give your cookware a good rinse, interior, and exterior. Rinsing will remove all those loose food particles.
3.) Fill the sink with warm water and add a bit of dishwashing soap. You can fill the cookware with warm water if you don’t want to plunge it into the sink. Let it soak for a few minutes.
4.) Using a soft sponge, wipe the cookware in circular motions. Be gentle, don’t vigorously scrub the pots and pans.
5.) Rinse the cookware and remove all of the soapy water.
6.) Now, grab a dish towel and dry the cookware immediately.
Deep Cleaning
As time goes by, stubborn stains may appear on the cookware and will be difficult to remove; hence given the name stubborn stains. A natural reaction would be to grab the sponge, a dishwashing liquid, and scrub, scrub, scrub.
No matter how hard you try, your endeavors to shine your hard anodized cookware will go in vain. You may end up damaging the protective layer instead of wiping the stains away.
Here is a recommended way to remove them.
1.) Remember, the cookware should be cool to the touch.
2.) Fill the sink with warm water and pour in some dishwashing soap. Think of it as giving the cookware a nice, warm bubble bath.
3.) Plunge the cookware in the sink and leave it for at least 15 minutes. Doing so will soften the food particles, making them easy to wipe or brush away.
4.) Grab a soft sponge or a soft-bristled brush and wipe the cookware, focusing on those stains and food particles. Don’t scrub too hard. Hard anodized cookware is durable, but you need to be careful.
5.) Repeat the process if required.
6.) When finished, wipe the cookware dry with a dishtowel.
The above steps are the suggested way to deep clean hard anodized cookware, unfortunately, the results are almost not promising. Many unhappy home chefs resort to other tactics to clean their cookware. Some say that the results compared to the recommended steps are much better.
Here is one method you can try at home.
Lemon and baking soda
Lemon is a natural cleaning agent, and baking soda also clears away stains.
1.) In a bowl, add lemon juice and baking soda and mix these ingredients.
2.) Apply the mixture on the stains and burnt spots. Don’t scrub, just apply it using your hands.
3.) Leave it for some time, about 15 minutes.
4.) Scrub the cookware with warm water and a sponge. Use a light hand when scrubbing the pots and pans.
5.) Rinse well and dry with a dishtowel
Recommended scouring powders
There are plenty of manufactured products available in the market said to clean the cookware and make them shine like new. Whether they are true or not, you should only use the recommended scouring powders.
Before applying it to your cookware, it is best to perform a small test. Grab an old pan and pot, sprinkle the powder, scrub it and examine the result. If you’re satisfied, go ahead and clean your cookware.
1.) Rinse the cookware properly and remove the excess water. It should be wet but not filled with water.
2.) Scatter the powder on the entire cookware.
3.) Grab a sponge or soft bristle brush and scrub the entire cookware, focusing on the stains.
4.) Wash your cookware and wipe it dry.
5.) Make sure there is no powder remaining on your pots and pans
Note: The whole process should be done within minutes. Don’t leave the powder on the cookware for long. Rinse, sprinkle, scrub, wash and dry, all of this within a couple of minutes.
Things not to do
When cleaning your hard anodized cookware, avoid doing the following:
1.) Don’t scrub your pots and pans hard. Be gentle scrubbing in a circular motion.
2.) Hard anodized cookware is not dishwasher friendly because of the detergent. It may damage the protective layer, causing it to peel or chip off.
3.) Don’t put hot cookware in cold water unless you prefer to cook food in a bent pan or pot.
4.) If you want to use chemical dishwashing liquids or powders, make sure that you purchase the right cleaners.
Conclusion
Cleaning hard anodized cookware is not difficult. You just need a bit of patience to deal with the stains and discoloration. If you’re not bothered with it at all, then wash your cookware in warm soapy water, which will ensure that your hard anodized cookware will be safe.
