Clean And Scour Nonstick Pans: Tips And Tricks

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for home cooks due to their easy cleanup and stick-free cooking surface. However, even non-stick pans have their limits and can get burnt. To clean a burnt non-stick pan, you can use two methods: soap and water, or vinegar and baking soda. For the first method, simply wash the pan with dish soap, hot water, and a soft sponge or cloth. If there is burnt food stuck to the pan, soak it in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes before handwashing it again. For the second method, create a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda directly in the pan and bring it to a boil. Stir the mixture for 5 minutes to loosen any burnt residue, then allow it to cool and rinse the pan with warm water. It is important to avoid using abrasive tools such as steel wool or scouring pads when cleaning non-stick pans, as they can damage the surface. Additionally, non-stick pans should be washed by hand instead of in the dishwasher to prolong their lifespan.

Wash by hand with mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge

To clean a non-stick pan by hand, start by rinsing the pan with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as this can shorten the life of your pan. Next, hand wash the pan with mild, soft soap and a soft cloth or sponge. If there is burnt-on food, you can either let the pan soak in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes and then wash it again, or you can apply a paste made from baking soda and water to the affected area, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse it away. After washing, dry your pan immediately with paper towels or a soft dish rag to prevent rusting.

Rinse with lukewarm water

Rinsing your non-stick pan with lukewarm water is an important step in the cleaning process. Using hot water can shorten the life of your pan, so it's best to stick to lukewarm or warm water. After rinsing, you can scrub the pan with a sponge or washcloth to remove any remaining food particles. If there is burnt-on food, you may need to soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few hours before gently scrubbing it clean.

It's important to avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cleaning tools, such as steel wool or scouring pads, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for mild, soft soap and a soft cloth or sponge when cleaning your non-stick pan.

After scrubbing, be sure to rinse the pan again to remove any leftover soap or food particles. Finally, dry the pan with a clean towel or paper towels to prevent rusting and ensure it's completely dry before storing it away.

Soak in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes

Soaking your non-stick pan in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes is a great way to remove stuck-on residue and prevent staining. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing this effectively:

Step 1: Prepare the Soaking Solution

Squirt about a teaspoon of mild dish soap into the pan. You can also add a small amount of warm water to the pan first to prevent any soap buildup. The key is to use a gentle, grease-cutting soap. Avoid using harsh detergents, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Place the pan in a stopped-up sink or basin and fill it with warm water. Ensure the water level is high enough to cover any stuck-on residue. Let the pan soak for 10 to 20 minutes. The warm water and soap will help loosen and lift away any stubborn residue.

Step 3: Hand Wash the Pan

After soaking, use a soft cloth, sponge, or nylon scrubber to gently wash the pan. Rinse the pan with lukewarm water, avoiding very hot water, as this can shorten the life of your pan. If there is burnt-on food, you may need to use a soft-bristled brush or the rough side of a sponge to gently scrub away the residue. Remember to avoid using steel wool or metallic sponges, as these can scratch and damage the non-stick surface.

Tips for Effective Soaking and Cleaning:

• If you're dealing with particularly stubborn residue, you can create a baking soda paste by mixing equal parts water and baking soda. Apply this paste to the affected areas of the pan and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing and hand washing as usual. Baking soda is abrasive, so avoid vigorously rubbing or scrubbing the pan with it.
• Always hand wash your non-stick pans, even if they are labelled as dishwasher-safe. The high temperatures and harsh detergents in dishwashers can break down the non-stick coating.
• To prevent residue buildup, wash your non-stick pan by hand after each use. If you can't wash it immediately, fill the pan with soapy water until you're ready to clean it properly.

Remove stubborn residue with a baking soda paste

To remove stubborn residue, you can use a baking soda paste. Mix equal parts water and baking soda to form a paste. Dip a non-metallic brush or sponge into the paste and gently dab it onto the sides and interior of the pan. Allow the paste to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse the pan thoroughly to remove the paste.

Baking soda is abrasive, so don't rub or scrub the pan with it. Instead, let the paste do the work for you. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to remove stubborn residue. Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar, baking soda, and a small amount of water in the pan. Place the pan on the stove and heat it up. Let the mixture boil for up to five minutes, stirring occasionally. After five minutes, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool. Rinse the pan with warm water and wash it out using a sponge and dish soap. Allow the pan to dry.

Avoid scouring pads and steel wool

To keep your non-stick pans in good condition, it's important to avoid using scouring pads and steel wool when cleaning them. These abrasive materials can damage the non-stick coating, reducing the pan's effectiveness and lifespan.

The non-stick coating on a pan is what protects it and gives it its non-stick properties. Using abrasive materials like steel wool can scratch and damage this coating, leading to food sticking to the pan and making it more difficult to clean. Abrasive pads and steel wool can also cause unsightly scratches on the pan's surface, affecting its appearance.

Instead of using scouring pads or steel wool, it's recommended to clean non-stick pans with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, sponge, or nylon brush. For stubborn residue, you can soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a few hours before gently scrubbing it clean.

By avoiding scouring pads and steel wool, you can help maintain the condition of your non-stick pans and ensure they remain effective and long-lasting.

Frequently asked questions