How to Clean Anodized Cookware

Last Updated: August 2, 2022 References

Thanks to the anodizing process, anodized cookware is durable and distributes heat evenly when you cook. To maintain its excellent cooking properties, it’s important to clean your anodized cookware properly. This means washing it by hand with appropriate, non-abrasive cleansers.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Right Cleaners

1
Clean your cookware with detergent. Use a powerful dishwashing detergent to clean your anodized cookware. You can also use more mild detergents. Avoid using baking soda or any other alkaline-based cleaning products on the inside of your anodized cookware.^{[1]
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2
Use gentle scrubbers. Clean your cookware with mild scouring powders, like Barkeeper’s Friend, Ajax, or Comet. Scrub with non-abrasive sponges, scrubby sponges, soft-bristled cleaning brushes, dish cloths or rags. Avoid using steel wool and only use abrasive scrubbing pads sparingly.

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3
Don’t use cleaning solutions that aren’t intended for cookware. Never use oven cleaner or other caustic cleaning agents on your cookware. Also avoid any liquid household cleaners. This includes floor cleaners, silver polish, grout cleaner, or porcelain cleaner. Don’t clean your anodized cookware with bleach.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Washing Your Cookware

1
Wash your cookware before you use it. When you first get your cookware, treat it like you would any other cookware. Wash it in warm water with a mild dish soap. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely. Season your cookware with oil to help prevent food from sticking to it.^{[2]
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2
Prevent warping while washing your pans. Never immerse hot cookware in cold water. Rather, allow your pans to cool completely before washing. Cold water can warp a hot pan.^{[3]
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- This is only relevant for hot pans and cold water. Putting hot pans in hot water or cold pans in hot water will not warp your cookware.
3
Wash with soap and hot water. Wash your cookware by hand. Use a mild dish washing liquid and hot or warm water. Clean your cookware as soon as possible after using it. This will help maintain it and make washing it easier.^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Removing Stains and Burnt Residue

1
Scour the outside of your cookware. If you have stains or burns on the outside of your cookware, you can use a scouring agent to clean them. Mix baking soda or a mild scouring powder with a little water to make a paste. Rub the paste on the stains with a dishcloth or soft-bristled cleaning brush and rinse with warm water.^{[5]
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Soak your pots and pans. To remove stains or burnt residue from the inside of your cookware, soak it with hot water and soap. Pour out most of the soap and water, then use a dishcloth, gentle scrubbing pad, or soft-bristled cleaning brush to scrub at the stain or burnt food residue. Rinse well.^{[6]
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- Never put your anodized cookware in the dishwasher. Putting your pan in the dishwasher might discolor or scratch your cookware and in many cases will also void your warranty.
3
Simmer dish soap in the pan to remove very stubborn stains and residue. Fill up the piece of cookware with water and add some dishwashing liquid. Simmer this for about 20 minutes. Give it at least 30 minutes to cool. Remove the residue or stain with a gentle scrubbing pad or soft-bristled cleaning brush. Rinse thoroughly.^{[7]
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4
Finish with a gentle scouring powder. Scour the stain with a gentle scouring powder like Barkeeper’s Friend and hot water. Use a gentle scrubbing pad or soft-bristled cleaning brush. Rinse out all of the scouring powder.

Community Q&A

Question

How do you remove water spots inside anodized cookware?

Community Answer

Scrub the surface with a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda then wash thoroughly and let dry.