TweetAluminum utensils are popular kitchen items because of their lightness, durability and ease of use and maintenance. The various patinas and finishes that can be given to aluminum also make it a common metal for decorative household and office items. Cleaning aluminum cookware is something that needs to be done as soon as the use of the utensil is over to prevent stains developing and the finish getting damaged. Besides the regular post use cleaning, a regular maintenance schedule that covers the following steps will help to keep your aluminum cookware looking good for years.

Begin by giving the utensil a normal wash with detergent and water to remove surface dirt. Make a solution of one tablespoon of vinegar, lemon juice or cream of tartar mixed in one quart of water. Using these proportions make enough of the solution to completely fill the utensil. Place the utensil on a stove and turn the heat to medium (do not try using a high heat setting to save time – the effect will not be as good). If you have any small aluminum utensils that need cleaning and can fit in the one on the stove, place them inside – they will be cleaned too.

Allow the water to come to a boil and turn down the heat to a simmer and allow the simmering to continue for about ten minutes or until the stains are gone. Now take the utensil off the stove and drain away the water. Wait till it has cooled and wearing rubber gloves gently scrub the inner surfaces with steel wool. Rub in a back and forth motion only and a circular rub will cause the finish to look uneven. And remember that steel wool can scratch aluminum so do not rub too hard.

That takes care of the cleaning to the inside of the utensil. If the outside also needs cleaning, use a mild non abrasive cleaner or polish. If you want to give a shine to the inside of the utensil, do not use a cleaner or polish. Just fill it with water, drop in some apple peels and boil the water for a few minutes. Drain off the water. The shine will have returned to the inner surfaces.

While this should take care of your regular maintenance, if you do have any specific problems you can consult your domestic cleaning agency for advice, even if this is not part of their work.