Cleaning Non-Stick Pans: Necessary Or Not?

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for home cooks due to their convenience and ease of cleaning. However, special care is required to maintain their non-stick properties and prevent scratching or warping. While some non-stick pans are labelled dishwasher-safe, handwashing is recommended to prolong their lifespan. To clean a non-stick pan, let it cool, then rinse, scrub with a gentle dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth, and dry with a towel. For burnt-on food or grease, a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda can be used.

Should non-stick pans be put in the dishwasher?

Non-stick pans are popular because they make cooking and cleaning easier. However, they do require special care to prevent their surface from scratching, peeling, or warping.

Manufacturer's instructions

It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning or using your non-stick pans as they will have specific care directions, which can differ between brands. While some brands claim that their non-stick cookware is dishwasher-safe, many recommend hand-washing to prolong the life of the product.

Hand-washing non-stick pans

Hand-washing non-stick pans is generally recommended because the high temperatures and detergents used in dishwashers can break down the non-stick surface. When hand-washing, avoid using abrasive tools such as steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff scrubbing brushes, as these can damage the surface. Instead, use a soft cloth or sponge with mild dish soap and warm water. For stubborn residue, soak the pan in warm, soapy water before gently scrubbing it clean.

Removing burnt-on food

To remove burnt-on food or grease, create a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water and apply it to the pan. Lightly scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse, dry, and reseason the pan with a swipe of cooking oil. Alternatively, fill the pan with water, add two tablespoons of vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda, and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir for five minutes to loosen any burnt residue, then allow the mixture to cool, dump out the liquid, and wash the pan with warm, soapy water.

Other care tips for non-stick pans

• Wash and season non-stick pans before their first use.
• Use wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick surface.
• Avoid overheating non-stick pans, as this can damage the coating over time.
• Do not heat the pan while empty; there should always be oil, water, or food in the pan before turning on the burner.
• Avoid using non-stick cooking spray, as this can create a residue that builds up over time and ruins the non-stick surface.

How to scrub and soak with soapy water

To scrub and soak non-stick pans with soapy water, follow these steps:

Let the pan cool down: Before you begin cleaning your non-stick pan, it's important to let it cool completely. Running hot pans under cold water can cause thermal shock, leading to warping, an uneven cooking surface, and potential damage to the non-stick coating.

Rinse and wipe: Rinse your pan with warm water and use a soft sponge or dish brush to wipe away any remaining food or oil residue. This step helps remove most of the residue before scrubbing and reduces the risk of scratches during the scrubbing process.

Scrub gently: Apply a few drops of mild dish soap to your sponge or brush. Carefully scrub the inside of the pan with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff scrubbing brushes, as they can damage the non-stick surface.

Soak for stubborn residue: If you're dealing with stubborn residue, you may need to soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few hours before gently scrubbing it clean. The exact duration of the soak can vary, but it's generally recommended to leave it for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Rinse and dry: After scrubbing, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any soap residue. Dry your pan with a paper towel or a clean dish towel before putting it away. Ensure the pan is completely dry to prevent water spots and streaks.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your non-stick pans with soapy water, maintaining their performance and longevity.

How to remove burnt-on food

To remove burnt-on food from a non-stick pan, you can try the following methods:

Method One: Soap and Water

• Soak the pan in hot water. This will help to rehydrate dried-out food, making it easier to clean.
• Once the pan has soaked, add dish soap to the pan and scrub the burnt areas with the rough side of a dish sponge. Avoid using anything too abrasive, like steel wool or heavy-duty scrubbing brushes, as these can scratch and damage the coating on your pan.

Method Two: Vinegar and Baking Soda

• Create a mixture of two tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons of baking soda, and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and stir for about five minutes to loosen any burnt residue.
• Allow the mixture to cool completely, then discard it and rinse the pan with warm water.
• Continue with steps two and three of method one, scrubbing the pan with soap and water and then rinsing it clean.

If the burnt-on food still hasn't come off, it may be time to replace your pan, as the non-stick coating may have started to break down.

What utensils to use

To ensure your non-stick pans last as long as possible, it's important to use the right utensils when cooking. The non-stick coating on pans is delicate and can be scratched or chipped, so you should avoid using metal utensils. Instead, opt for wooden, nylon, or silicone utensils.

Wooden utensils are a great option as they are sturdy enough for stirring and mixing, but malleable enough that they won't scratch the coating. Just be sure to hand wash them and avoid putting them in the dishwasher, as this can cause the wood to warp or crack.

Silicone utensils are also a good choice for non-stick pans as they are super gentle and can withstand high temperatures. However, be cautious as they can melt if exposed to heat for too long, and sharp knives can damage them.

Nylon utensils are durable, flexible, and typically dishwasher-safe. They are safe to use on non-stick pans, but they can leave scuffs and superficial scratches. Like silicone, nylon utensils may melt if exposed to heat for too long, so be cautious.

In summary, when using non-stick pans, it's best to use wooden, nylon, or silicone utensils to protect the delicate coating. These materials are soft and scratch-free, which is essential for maintaining the non-stick surface.

How to clean a discoloured pan

Discolouration of non-stick pans can be caused by overheating or dry heating. To prevent this, always add cooking fat or other ingredients to your pan before turning the heat on and avoid leaving your non-stick cookware over very high heat for too long.

To clean a discoloured non-stick pan, follow these steps:

• Allow the pan to cool completely before cleaning.
• Rinse the pan with lukewarm water and mild, soft soap.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the surface of the pan and remove any remaining food particles.
• Rinse the pan again.
• Dry the pan with a clean towel or paper towels.

If your pan has burnt food stuck to it, you can try the following methods:

• Soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes, then hand wash it.
• Create a paste with equal parts water and baking soda. Apply the paste to the burnt areas of the pan and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse the pan thoroughly and wash with soap and warm water.
• Fill the pan with water and add 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Bring it to a boil, then remove it from the heat and let it cool. Skim away any residue, then pour out the liquid and wash the pan with soap and warm water.

Frequently asked questions