How to Clean Aluminum Cores and Cast Iron Pots

Copper pots and pans can be very useful for many reasons. However, they are also extremely easy to damage, stained, and ruined. Copper is a soft metal, so it should be handled with care. The following will help you maintain your copper pots, and pans, as well as show you how to properly clean and care for them.

Due to the fact that copper loses its heat slowly, you should use about eighty-five percent of the heat value that you would use for a similar-sized aluminum or stainless steel pot or pan made from the same material. Do not use copper pots and pans, when possible, to cook or store foods in an open fire, as the presence of carbon dioxide in the air can cause the pot to overheat quickly. When you do use the pot on an open fire, remember to place the rack at the bottom of the pan, to prevent the hot exhaust from cooking the food in the bottom of the pan.

If you own a copper pot, and wish to restore it to its former luster, cleaning is as simple as adding a few drops of water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Alternatively, you can purchase a solution made from copper lining and a few tablespoons of salt. Rub the mixture into the inside of the pot and then allow it to sit overnight, meanwhile doing a quick clean up with a stiff brush.

One way to care for your copper pot is to avoid dipping it in a bath of hot water. This is because hot water can cause the coating to become eroded, and the pan will lose its finished look. Instead, use a small amount of cold water to do the job. The same can be said for using steel wool on the exterior of the pan – steel wool will help remove any dirt or grit that has worked its way into the copper’s surface, so that it will look as good as new again.

If you wish to give your copper a polished look, a solution of some stainless steel oil and dishwashing detergent can be used to accomplish this. After soaking the pan, apply the solution, being careful to evenly cover the entire surface. Rinse off the solution after about thirty minutes so that the oil and solution do not drip onto the floor or onto your utensils. Use a scrub brush to gently remove the remaining grime and coatings. Now, if desired, you can bring the exterior back to its original gleam by adding a small amount of baking soda to the pot’s exterior. Just make sure that you do not overdo it, or your kitchen may become too shiny.

Copper pots and pans are come in all shapes and sizes. For example, there are some that are long and narrow, while others are more rectangular. You can also find ones made of a heavy copper core, such as an alloy core, or one made from a lighter grade of copper. Aluminum-core pots and pans are very inexpensive, compared to stainless-steel or cast iron. This is why they are perfect for individuals who want to change up their kitchen from time to time, without having to completely replace their pots and pans.