Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500151
06/24/03

Aluminum Utensils-Care


Alkaline foods or water and some dishwasher detergents
may leave a dark film on the surface of aluminum pans.
This is harmless but not pleasing to the eye. Salty
foods allowed to stand in pans may pit the metal. Pitted
pans are safe to cook in, but hard to clean.

Water with iron, calcium, or magnesium discolors
aluminum pans. So does boiling eggs or unpeeled potatoes
from the iron and sulfur they contain.

Do not soak aluminum utensils for long periods, as
alkali in detergents will discolor the finish, sometimes
permanently.

Pans may become warped if water is added when they
are dry and overheated, or if very hot pans are placed in
cold water right after removing them from the burner, as
in cooling food. Wait a few minutes to do this.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus.

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