How To Clean Aluminum Ice Cream Scoop

Any idea what is up with my ice cream scoop?

My ice cream scoop is leaving grey residue on my ice cream. It is newish and was bought from a high-end kitchen store and was well-reviewed online. The residue doesn't affect the taste of the ice cream and it happens with all types of ice cream (store-bought, home-made, and frozen yogurt). Does anyone have any idea what is going on? How can I stop it? Is it harmful? Thanks all for any help!!

level 1

Probably aluminum that's been put through the dishwasher. I would chuck it and get a new one, but it won't hurt you (assuming it's aluminum and not lead or something else completely crazy). If you want to keep it, clean off all the tarnish, keep it out of automatic dishwashers, and don't soak it in soap for too long either.

level 2

That science is wild. TIL that atomic hydrogen is a byproduct of the reaction between certain soaps and aluminum.

level 1

Its cast aluminum. Dont put it through the dishwasher. Also the paddle and hook attachments for most mixers shouldnt go through either

level 1

Is the finish rubbed off of it? Sometimes, scoops masquerading as high-end are actually only plated with food-safe metals; all it takes is a few trips through the dishwasher before the finish goes away.

Your health is more important than the price of an ice-cream scoop. I would buy a new one.

level 2

I supposed that is possible. I neglected to say this in the original post, but the whole thing is made of one material and the grey residue comes of on my hands too, so it is happening all over the scoop, not just in certain areas. I thought it might be due to some weird chemical process, so you might be right and it might be happening in the dishwasher.

level 1

High end kitchen store? Return it, and get another one. Higher end retailer would do just about anything so you don't say "I got a crappy product from ABC store, and won't shop there again."

level 1

Is it a tarnish like smear of grey? Does it wipe off on a damp cloth too?? Or does it dry and then wipe dirty again after washing and drying?? Personally- I would not use it - the thoughts of some chinese made cheap lead comes to my mind...but I doubt anyone is making lead utensils - it could be pewter or aluminum/zinc coated. I would call the maker of it and ask what the scoop material is made from and tell them your problem, they may want to see it or recall it. Then simply go get another scooper... With all the occasional sketchy crap coming from China and so on - I would not want to risk it.

level 2

It is like a tarnish. It is a European brand name, but I suppose it could be made in China or something. Perhaps I will take it back to the store or contact the manufacturer. Thanks for the advice!

level 1

chiming in with Bobitheus and cynikalAhole99; this is an unacceptable flaw.

a professional ice cream scoop will be made of stainless steel. the best kind of steel! :-)

level 1

Sounds like you used this at least twice after the initial discovery. In the future if something leaves a grey residue on your food, don't use it again, grey or metallic colours generally mean harmful when it comes to food.