Baking Soda: Friend Or Foe Of Non-Stick Pans?

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for cooks due to their easy cleanup and stick-free cooking surface. However, they are not indestructible, and improper use or cleaning can ruin their non-stick coating. One common misconception is that non-stick pans are compatible with cooking sprays, but these can cause a buildup that is difficult to remove. Baking soda is often used as a cleaning agent for non-stick pans, and when mixed with water or vinegar, can effectively remove burnt-on food and grease without damaging the non-stick surface. However, it's important to note that non-stick pans should not be cleaned with abrasive materials or placed in the dishwasher, as this can also damage the coating.

Baking soda and water can scrub away residue

Baking soda and water can be used to scrub away residue from non-stick pans without damaging the non-stick surface.

To remove residue from the inside or outside of a non-stick pan, start by mixing water and baking soda to make a paste. Spread the paste on the residue and scrub the surface with a nylon scrubber. The baking soda acts as an abrasive to safely remove the residue without damaging the non-stick surface. Once the residue is removed, wash the pan with soap and water, rinse completely, and dry with a soft cloth.

For stubborn stains on non-stick pans, a solution of baking soda and water can be boiled in the pan. To do this, add 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Let the pan cool, then rinse the stain with straight baking soda and a non-stick-safe nylon scrubbing brush.

Baking soda and water can also be used to remove lingering food smells and flavours from non-stick pans. To do this, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of water and sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water to create a thin paste. Let the pan sit for several hours, then rinse and wash the pan.

It is important to note that while baking soda is a safe and effective cleaner for non-stick pans, harsh scrubbing materials such as steel wool or abrasive scrubbers should be avoided as they can damage the non-stick surface.

Avoid harsh detergents and hot temperatures when cleaning

To keep your non-stick pans in good condition, it's important to avoid harsh detergents and hot temperatures when cleaning. Here are some tips to help you:

• Always wash your non-stick pans by hand. Even if the manufacturer claims that the pan is dishwasher-safe, the high temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can break down the non-stick surface.
• Use mild, gentle dish soap and warm water to clean your pans. Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• For burnt-on food or tough residue, create a paste or slurry with baking soda and water. Spread this paste on the affected areas and let it sit for about 15 minutes to several hours, depending on how burnt the food is. Then, use a non-abrasive nylon scrubber to gently scrub the surface. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
• Another alternative for removing burnt-on food is to create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in your pan. Bring this mixture to a boil and stir it for about 5 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool, then wash the pan with warm, soapy water and a gentle sponge or brush.
• To prevent food from sticking to the pan, ensure you add cooking fat or other ingredients before turning on the heat. Overheating an empty pan can lead to dry heating, which can damage the non-stick coating.
• Avoid using metal utensils with your non-stick pans, as these can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for wooden or silicone utensils.
• To maintain the non-stick coating, rub a small amount of cooking oil or cooking spray onto the pan's surface before and after each use.
• Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your specific non-stick pan, as they may vary depending on the materials used.

Don't use metal utensils on non-stick pans

Non-stick pans are a great kitchen tool, but they do require careful handling to ensure they remain in good condition. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid using metal utensils on non-stick pans. While it may be tempting to reach for that clean metal spatula when you're in a hurry, using metal utensils can damage the non-stick coating on your pan.

The non-stick coating on most pans is delicate and can be easily scratched by metal utensils, such as spatulas, spoons, and knives. These scratches can cause the coating to peel, flake, and deteriorate over time, reducing the performance of your pan and potentially releasing particles of the coating into your food. Not only will this impact the non-stick properties of your pan, but it can also be harmful to your health.

So, what should you use instead? It's best to opt for utensils made from materials that are softer than metal, such as wood, silicone, or nylon. These materials are less likely to scratch the non-stick surface and will help prolong the life of your pan. Silicone utensils, in particular, are a great option as they are easy to use, dishwasher-safe, and suitable for all types of dishes.

If you're set on using metal utensils, it's worth considering investing in a pan with a ceramic coating. Ceramic coatings tend to be more durable than other types of non-stick coatings and can withstand the occasional metal utensil. However, even with a ceramic pan, it's best not to make a habit of using metal utensils as it may still cause cosmetic scratches and impact the performance of your pan over time.

To summarise, while it may be tempting to reach for a metal utensil when cooking with a non-stick pan, it's important to resist the urge. By opting for softer utensils and being mindful of the type of pan you're using, you can help prolong the life of your non-stick cookware and ensure safe and effective cooking.

Don't use cooking spray

While it may seem like a good idea to use a nonstick cooking spray on your nonstick pan, it can actually damage the nonstick coating and cause a sticky residue that is very hard to remove. This residue will build up over time and degrade the cooking surface, causing food to stick.

Nonstick cooking sprays contain lecithin, an emulsifier that sticks to the nonstick coating of your pan. The lecithin builds up over time and becomes incredibly difficult to remove. The more you use your cooking spray, the more the residue will build up, and the harder it will be to get rid of. This build-up will eventually cause your nonstick pan to lose its nonstick properties, rendering it useless.

To avoid this, skip the cooking spray and opt for a refillable manual oil mister, which can be filled with your preferred cooking oil. If you're looking to cut calories, invest in an oil mister, which allows you to coat your pan with a small amount of oil. You can also dip a paper towel or clean kitchen towel into your chosen oil and wipe it on the interior of your pan before cooking.

Additionally, always add oil or fat to a cold nonstick pan before heating. This helps the nonstick coating work better and cuts down on any potentially harmful fumes.

Avoid high heat

Non-stick pans are not designed for high heat. Higher temperatures will damage the coating over time, and high heat can also cause the release of harmful toxins, depending on the type of coating on your pan.

A single session at temperatures above 500° Fahrenheit or 260° Celsius is sufficient to ruin any PTFE-based non-stick pan, regardless of price or "quality". PTFE, also known as Teflon, undergoes "pyrolysis" at high temperatures, during which some of its fluorine compounds vaporize. These vapors are not good for your lungs and can outright kill birds. After pyrolysis, the coating loses many of its non-stick properties, even though it may appear undamaged.

Therefore, when you need to sear something, reach for a stainless steel or cast-iron pan instead. While non-stick is great for a lot of cooking tasks, it's best to know when to use and not use it.

To avoid damaging your non-stick pan, it's important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Even if your non-stick pan is labelled "dishwasher-safe", the high heat and harsh detergents used in dishwashers will cause the coating to degrade over time. Instead, take a little extra time to wash your non-stick pan by hand.

Frequently asked questions