With proper care and maintenance, your aluminum cookware can last a lifetime. One of the most important things to remember when cleaning your aluminum pots and pans is to let them cool completely before washing. Cleaning a pan straight off the stove can cause it to warp. Once you start cleaning your aluminum, it is best to use a cloth and liquid detergent. Automatic dishwashing detergents can cause discolorations on the surface.
Remember never to use an abrasive cleaning utensil on aluminum, especially if it has a non-stick coating. SOS pads can quickly damage non-stick coating, making the pan slightly less useful than before. There should rarely be a problem with food sticking to non-stick pans, but if something gets a little baked on, let the pan soak in a little water with dish soap for an hour or so. The debris should slide off easily when removed from the water.