Caring for Kitchen Cookware: Guidelines for Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Cast Iron

High-quality cookware is an investment in comfort and safety in the kitchen. However, even the most expensive pot can lose its appearance and functionality if not properly maintained. It's especially important to consider the unique properties of different materials: aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron each require a different approach. Today, we’ll explore how to care for kitchen cookware and provide a detailed guide on proper maintenance. We’ll also recommend effective cleaning products to help keep your cookware in pristine condition with minimal effort.

What Is Considered Kitchen Cookware?

First, let's define what qualifies as kitchen cookware. This includes pots, pans, baking dishes, sauté pans, saucepans, as well as heat-resistant and metal containers used in food preparation.

Tableware and kitchen utensils—such as spatulas, knives, graters, skimmers, and more—can be categorized separately.Each type of item has specific cleaning instructions, which are especially important in professional kitchens or food service environments.

Aluminum Cookware: Lightweight with a Personality

Aluminum cookware is appreciated for being lightweight, highly conductive to heat, and affordable. However, aluminum is a soft and chemically reactive metal, which requires careful handling. Key care instructions for aluminum cookware:

• Do not wash in a dishwasher. Alkaline detergents and high temperatures can cause discoloration and surface damage.

• Avoid acidic and alkaline foods. Aluminum reacts with lemon juice, vinegar, tomatoes, and alkaline substances, potentially forming toxic compounds.

• Hand wash with warm water and a gentle detergent. Use a soft sponge—never a metal scrubber.

• Do not leave aluminum cookware wet. This helps prevent oxidation spots and corrosion.

For cleaning aluminum cookware, we recommend the universal product “DAST Lemon” — it effectively removes all kinds of dirt without damaging the metal's structure. Thanks to its gentle formula, this cleaner is safe for regular use and doesn't leave harsh residues on surfaces.

Stainless Steel: Hygiene and Durability

Stainless steel is the favorite in professional kitchens. It resists rust, doesn’t react with food, and is easy to care for. However, it does have some weaknesses. Here are some key cleaning guidelines:

• Avoid overheating empty cookware. This can cause heat stains (also known as "rainbow stains").

• Do not use abrasives. Metal scrubbers and powders can scratch the surface and damage the protective oxide layer.

• Use gentle detergents. They carefully remove scale, grease, and discoloration.

• Dry thoroughly after washing. This helps prevent water spots and limescale buildup.

For tough stains, some people use a paste of baking soda and water, but this can damage the surface. It’s better to rely on high-quality cleaning agents.

For stainless steel, “DAST Active Kitchen Foam” works especially well — it removes grease and grime without scratching. For deep cleaning after roasting or stewing, “Chistoline Anti-Grease Extra” is an excellent choice — it’s an alkaline formula that tackles even the most stubborn residue.

Cast Iron Cookware: Strength for the Ages

Cast iron is a time-tested material. It retains heat well and is perfect for frying and braising. With proper care, a cast iron skillet can be passed down for generations. Still, it requires consistent and careful maintenance. Here are some important tips:

• Never wash it in a dishwasher. Dishwashing detergents remove the protective oil layer, causing rust.

• Do not soak. Extended contact with water accelerates corrosion.

• Wash right after use while it’s still warm.

• Dry thoroughly and oil the surface after washing.

• If rust appears, don’t worry. The piece can be restored through re-seasoning.

To clean cast iron of heavy buildup and grease, “DAST Active Grill Foam” is ideal. It’s specially formulated to tackle burnt-on residue and grease on heat-resistant surfaces, while preserving the integrity and protective layer of the cast iron. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly and re-oil the cookware after cleaning.

What About Everyday Dishwashing?

If you're looking for a product for everyday dishwashing — plates, mugs, pots, and lightly used pans — try “DAST Lemon.” It’s a gentle yet effective dishwashing liquid with a pleasant scent that tackles grease with ease. It’s also safe for your hands and suitable for all types of cookware.

If disinfection is important — especially in households with small children or the elderly — “Chistoline Dishwashing Liquid” is an excellent choice. It combines effective cleaning with a disinfecting agent, offering extra protection.

Which Cook ware Is Safe for Health?

Safe kitchen cookware means items made without toxic coatings and that don’t react with food. This includes:

• Stainless steel (as long as there are no scratches or warping);

• Properly seasoned cast iron;

• Anodized aluminum;

• Heat-resistant glass and ceramic cookware.

Even the safest cookware can become a source of contamination if not cleaned properly or if aggressive cleaning agents are used.

Each type of kitchen cookware requires an individual approach. There is no universal product suitable for aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron — their physical and chemical properties are simply too different. The key to safe and long-lasting use is consistent and knowledgeable care tailored to the material.

MDM Group products enable safe and effective care for all types of cookware — from delicate aluminum to durable cast iron. Use professional cleaning agents as directed, and your kitchen will stay spotless while your cookware looks brand new.