Asked on Nov 20, 2018
Why does my aluminum pot turn black when I boil water?
by
Jim
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Ah! A science question! Good one! I don't know the exact answer but do have remedies for you to clean.
http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=223351
https://www.hunker.com/13420926/how-to-get-the-black-out-of-an-aluminum-pot
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/appliances/q-how-do-i-clean-an-aluminum-pan-that-turned-black-from-boiling-water-in-29192268
How do I clean an aluminum pan that turned black from boiling water in
???
Aluminum will react with the chemicals in water, most often alkaline water. I've heard of pots turning black after boiling potatoes. But I don't know if the potatoes had anything to do with the blackening. Automatic dishwasher detergent is apparently highly reactive with aluminum and is the usual culprit turning aluminum dark.
It probably has to do with either minerals or the pH of your water.
To brighten it back up again, use an acidic something. One can use a couple of glugs of white vinegar or bottled lemon juice or cook a pot of spaghetti sauce.
Unless anodized, aluminum will turn black if washed in a dishwasher, if used to contain or cook acidic foods, and when cooking potatoes. Clean by placing 5 cups water with 5 Tablespoons distilled white vinegar. Bring to boil, then pour off black substance.