Cleaning Aluminum

[NH/Pete]

What should I use to clean an aluminum pan?

[NH/Pete]

I know this is about as boring as a topic can be.

Can vinegar be used on aluminum or just water and elbow grease.

[BryanEx]

Depending on what type of cleaning I need to do I will use vinegar and water or just hot water and one of those scrubby type sponges. If syrup has been baked on (or burned :rolleyes: ) I will heat up vinegar and water and let it sit for 1/2 day or more before scrubbing it down with lots of rinsing. Stay away from detergents like dish soap. New aluminum needs a really good scrubbing to remove any oxidization (you will see the water turn black) but that's less of a problem once your pot is well seasoned.

[NH/Pete]

Thank you for the info.
I was concerned about any reaction I might get with the vinegar and aluminum. I should be fine. :)

[Darkhollow Sugar Bush]

Can you use aluminum for a flue pan?? if not why?

[stoweski]

Aluminum has an aluminum oxide layer to protect it from rust. Some online sites say it will not react to vinegar. Others say it will produce aluminum salts which are harmless.
I say you'd be fine using vinegar.

[elm creek guy]

I use napas alumabright to clean all my aluminum it has acid in it though works awesome rinse well is the key