PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

You might have a beloved cookware set that you use all the time. What happens when it starts getting brown or black marks on it? With some proper care, you can remove burned food from aluminum cookware.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

With Vinegar

PDF download Download Article
  1. Do not add more than necessary. Then boil the vinegar for about 10-15 minutes. Do not boil it more than 15 minutes. This will soften the burnt areas, so cleaning will be much easier.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    Grab a metal scraper and start scraping the surface very gently; you don't want to scratch it. Keep doing this until you have removed all the burned food.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    Pour the cleaner in a bowl and mix baking soda with it. This will enhance the ability of the cleaner. Next, take a soft rag or cloth and start cleaning the pan both on the surface and on the underside. [1]
  4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

With a Freezer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Let it freeze for about 2/3 hour. This will freeze the burned food. Frozen food is much easier to clean as it becomes less sticky to the surface.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    This time you might have to use a little force. Repeat this process until there’s nothing to clean. Be careful, though, as you might scratch the cookware. A 45-degree angle is suitable when using the scraper.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    Pour a good amount of the juice in the pan. Start cleaning with a soft cloth. You will notice that all the left over burned foods comes off the surface. Keep doing this until it’s clean and shines like a new pan. Then rinse.
  4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

With Salt

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    Then add the salt in the water and mix it well. The amount of salt that you need varies depending on the size of your pan. If you have a 10-inch pan, then 4 teaspoons of salt should be good enough. After you are done mixing the salt in the water, let the pan soak for about 8-10 hours.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    You will see that burned foods start lifting already, and the water will turn into a darkish brown color. After about 15-20 minutes, turn your burner off and wait until the pan cools down. This should not take too much time.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    You should see that almost all of the stains are gone. All that is left are some stubborn smudges. No worries!
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    Now start cleaning all the smudges. All the leftovers should clean off pretty easily.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    Now you should have a like-new aluminum pan.
  6. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

With Baking Soda

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    After you are done mixing them pour the mixture in pan. Then add some water to it and let the pan soak really well. [2]
  2. When you are done boiling the baking soda and water, throw the water away. Then wait for the pan to cool down a little bit, but do not cool it completely.
  3. Now pour some more baking soda on the surface of the pan.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Burned Food from Aluminum Cookware
    Start rubbing the surface. You will see that all the burned food comes off, and the shiny surface of the pan is now visible. After you are satisfied with the cleaning, wash the pan with clean water. [3]
  5. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I get rust stains out of a tin?
    Elias Weston
    Cleaning Specialist
    Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Scrub the rust with steel wool, sandpaper, or aluminum foil. Then, wet the tin and sprinkle baking soda over the rust. Wait one hour and then scrub the area with a scouring pad until the rust is gone. You can do this multiple times if you'd like!
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      References

      1. Elias Weston. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.
      2. Elias Weston. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.
      3. Elias Weston. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 70,970 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Oct 11, 2017

        "Way to clean aluminum pots."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement