There are different types of cookware, and hard anodized cookware is one of the most popular options among many professional chefs and home cooks. This cookware is mostly preferred because of its unmatched durability, easy cleaning, and nonstick properties.
If you have just added hard anodized cookware to your cookware collection, you need to know the right way to clean the cookware. Using the right cleaning techniques will make your cookware last longer. So, is hard anodized cookware dishwasher safe?
Many people are uncertain whether they should put hard anodized cookware in the dishwasher. It is not recommended to put hard anodized cookware without a nonstick coating in the dishwasher. Besides, the chlorine present in dishwashing products can damage any exposed aluminum and affect the nonstick coating porosity. Therefore, always clean your hard anodized cookware by hand, and it will last longer.
You should only wash hard anodized cookware in the dishwasher if the use and care instructions that come with the product indicate it is safe to do so.
What Is Hard Anodized Cookware?
Before we dig deeper, it is good to understand what exactly is hard anodized cookware. This is a type of cookware that has undergone a hard anodizing process to make it durable and stain and scratch resistant. After anodization, the cookware becomes harder and scratch resistant than normal aluminum. Other benefits of hard anodized cookware is it is non-reactive, has great nonstick properties, is heat-friendly, and works well with all cooktops.
Is it Safe To Put Anodized Cookware In The Dishwasher?
The answer is yes and no. While it is advised to only hand wash hard anodized cookware, some manufacturers indicate that their hard anodized cookware can go into the dishwasher. Some manufacturers claim that their hard anodized cookware is dishwasher safe since the anodized coating is resistant to the chlorine in dishwashing detergents.
However, it is good to know that most of the hard anodized cookware you find has a nonstick coating that requires care when cleaning. If you don’t treat the nonstick coating with caution, this will eventually damage the coating causing it to peel or chip.
Again, dishwashers use intense water pressure and cleaning detergents that can compromise the quality, look, and effectiveness of the nonstick surface with time. Putting your hard anodized cookware in the dishwasher can make it tear and wear easily. Eventually, the nonstick surface can get damaged. Therefore, always consider manual washing for your hard anodized cookware.
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What Happens When You Put Hard Anodized Cookware In The Dishwasher?
If you are worried about what will happen when you put your hard anodized cookware in the dishwasher, I will help you understand. First, it is good to understand that tossing your hard anodized cookware in the dishwasher might not damage it but it can worsen any damage present.
For example, if your hard anodized cookware has a scratch, chip, or nick, this means the aluminum below is exposed to further damage. This can also be risky to your health if you cook on exposed aluminum. If you cook acidic foods, aluminum can leach into your food.
Putting damaged hard anodized cookware in the dishwasher makes it get more damage. This is because of the harsh cleaning detergents and heat from the dishwasher that will damage the part of aluminum exposed. If you clean such cookware repeatedly in the dishwasher, the surface will chip and this exposes more aluminum. If you want to protect your hard anodized cookware, avoid putting it in the dishwasher.
How To Clean Hard Anodized Cookware
How best can you clean hard anodized cookware without a dishwasher? Hard anodized cookware requires careful hand washing, and you should not put it in the dishwasher. When cleaning the cookware, only use mild cleaning detergent and avoid harsh detergents and cleaning solutions with chlorine. You should also avoid using abrasive sponges to prevent damaging the interior.
The best way to clean hard anodized cookware is by hand with warm water and mild detergent. Get a soft sponge to remove any food sticking on the surface. If your cookware has some stains or discoloration, soak it with baking soda and water solution. You will find it easy to clean the cookware by hand because it has a nonstick surface.
Verdict
Hard anodized cookware is a perfect cookware choice if you need durable, easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and even distribution. Use the right cleaning process to clean your cookware, and it will serve you for many years. Avoid cleaning hard anodized cookware in the dishwasher and if you have to, ensure your care instructions say the cookware is dishwasher safe.
Other things you should avoid when cleaning hard anodized cookware is using the wrong cleaners like bleach, oven cleaners, and others that have corrosive ingredients. You should also let your cookware cool completely before cleaning to prevent warping.
Hello, This is Annie Walker, a 36-year-old blogger, founder, and editor of Cookware Guider from NY, USA. I am a cookware fanatic and passionate cooker. I love to cook with different types of cooking appliances (example: all types of cookware, rice cookers, slow cookers, etc) almost every day in my kitchen. I love to share my experience with my readers in my blog. Also, I enjoy helping people to solve their problems through my website. You can follow me on Twitter & Pinterest. To know details about my blog please check the about us page.