The Best Way To Clean Your Tefal Pan

Tefal pans are non-stick and scratch-resistant, making them easy to clean and maintain. Here are some tips to keep your Tefal pans in good condition: always hand wash with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge; avoid using abrasive cleaning pads or harsh cleansers; and, before first use, remove packaging, wash with warm, soapy water, dry, and heat the pan before rubbing with cooking oil.

How to Clean a Tefal Pan

Use a soft cloth, sponge and warm, soapy water

Tefal pans are non-stick and scratch-resistant, making them easy to clean and maintain. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your Tefal pan using a soft cloth, sponge, and warm, soapy water:

• Always allow your Tefal pan to cool down before cleaning. Although warm water is recommended, you don't want to risk burning yourself.
• Once the pan is cool to the touch, fill your sink with warm water and add some mild dish soap. You don't want to use harsh or abrasive cleansers as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Next, take your soft cloth or sponge and dip it into the warm, soapy water. Squeeze out any excess water—you don't want to be dripping water everywhere.
• Gently wipe down the entire inner coating of the pan with your soapy cloth or sponge. Be sure to cover all areas, including the sides and bottom of the pan.
• After you've wiped down the inner coating, rinse the pan with clean water to remove any soapy residue.
• Now, repeat the process for the outer coating of the pan. Wipe it down gently with your soft cloth or sponge, taking care not to miss any spots.
• Rinse the pan again with clean water to ensure all soap is removed.
• Finally, dry your Tefal pan thoroughly with a soft cloth or kitchen towel. Your pan is now ready to be stored away or used again!

Remember, never use abrasive scouring pads or steel wool on your Tefal pan as these can damage the non-stick surface. Always opt for soft cloths, sponges, or nylon scrubbing pads when cleaning your Tefal cookware.

Avoid harsh cleaning agents and steel wool pads

Tefal pans are known for their non-stick coating, which makes cleaning them a breeze. However, it's important to remember that harsh cleaning agents and steel wool pads can damage this coating, reducing the pan's performance and lifespan. Here are some reasons why you should avoid using them:

Abrasiveness

The non-stick coating on Tefal pans is designed to make food release and cleaning easier. Using harsh cleaning agents like scouring powder or oven cleaners can be too abrasive and damage the coating. Similarly, steel wool pads or scouring pads can scratch and dull the surface, impacting the pan's non-stick properties and making it more difficult to clean over time.

Chemical Damage

Harsh chemical cleaners can also break down the non-stick coating. The chemicals in these cleaners can react with the coating, causing it to deteriorate and become less effective. This can lead to food sticking to the pan, making it harder to clean and reducing the pan's overall performance.

Discoloration

Abrasive cleaning agents and steel wool pads can also cause discolouration on your Tefal pans. Over time, the surface may become dull, scratched, or discoloured, impacting the pan's appearance and potentially affecting how evenly it heats up during cooking.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

Instead of using harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, opt for gentle dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Warm, soapy water is usually enough to clean Tefal pans effectively. For stubborn food debris, you can use a cleaner labelled "safe for non-stick surfaces."

For Tefal's stainless steel cookware, a powder cleanser mixed with water to form a paste can be applied with a soft cloth or sponge in a circular motion. Rinse with soapy, hot water and hand dry. If you're dealing with burnt-on food, a mixture of baking soda and water or olive oil (similar to toothpaste consistency) can be very effective without causing damage.

Remember, proper care and maintenance of your Tefal pans will ensure they retain their performance and longevity for years to come.

Wash by hand, not in the dishwasher

Although it may be tempting to stick your Tefal pan in the dishwasher, especially after a long day, it is best to wash it by hand. The dishwasher's high temperatures and harsh detergents will break down the non-stick surface of your pan. This is true even if your Tefal pan is marketed as 'dishwasher-safe'. To keep your pan in the best condition, it is best to clean it manually.

To wash your Tefal pan by hand, first wait for it to cool down. Then, fill your sink with warm or hot water and use a soft nylon scrubber, sponge, or paper towel with a few drops of dishwashing soap to wipe the surface clean. Be sure to wipe all areas, including the inside, outside, bottom, and handle. Rinse off any soapy residue and dry with a paper towel, dishcloth, or on a drying rack.

If there is stubborn food residue, you can fill the pan with water and add vinegar before placing it on the stove and bringing the mixture to a boil. Let the mixture cool naturally, then wash with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse the pan and let it dry.

If there are burnt-on food marks, cover the affected areas with baking soda and add a small amount of water to create a paste. Let the pan sit overnight, then scrub off the residue with a soft, nylon scrubber or sponge. Wash the pan as normal, using warm to hot water, a soft scrubber or sponge, and a small amount of dishwashing soap. Rinse off any soap or food residue, then dry the pan.

Remove burnt-on food with baking soda

Tefal pans are non-stick and scratch-resistant, but burnt-on food can still be a problem. Here's how to remove burnt-on food with baking soda:

Firstly, make sure your pan is cool. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the burnt-on food. You want to cover the affected area entirely. Next, add a small amount of water to the baking soda. The water will react with the baking soda to form little bubbles, and this will help to loosen the burnt-on food. Leave the pan to sit for several hours or overnight. The longer you leave it, the easier it will be to remove the burnt-on food.

After leaving the pan to soak, use a soft sponge or nylon scrubber to wipe away the residue. You should find that the food comes away easily, but if there are any stubborn areas, apply a little more pressure. Once the burnt-on food has been removed, wash the pan as normal with warm to hot water, a small amount of dishwashing soap, and a soft scrubber or sponge. Rinse the pan with clean water to remove any remaining food or soap residue, then dry the pan with a dishtowel, paper towel, or drying rack.

Use plastic utensils and avoid stacking to store

Tefal pans are non-stick and scratch-resistant, but it's important to take good care of them to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing your Tefal pans to keep them in optimal condition:

Use plastic utensils: Metal utensils can scratch and remove the Teflon layer on your pots and pans. Plastic utensils, on the other hand, are much gentler and won't damage the non-stick coating. It's worth investing in a set of plastic heat-proof utensils like tongs to use with your Tefal pans.

Avoid stacking: Stacking pans can cause scratches on the non-stick surface. If possible, hang your pans on a pot hanger or assign each pan its own hook. If you must stack your pans, place a piece of kitchen towel, a napkin, or bubble wrap between each pan to prevent scratches. Alternatively, layer a dry, clean washcloth, dish towel, or reusable paper towel between each pan to avoid scratching and surface damage.

Other storage tips: Before storing your Tefal pan, coat it with some vegetable oil and remove any excess. This will help protect the surface and keep your pan in good condition. Additionally, always remember to read the instructions available in the manual before using the dishwasher. Even if the pan is dishwasher-safe, it's best to clean your Tefal pans manually to extend their life.

Frequently asked questions