Erase Burn Marks From Nonstick Pans Easily

Burnt non-stick pans are a common problem with a variety of solutions. Non-stick pans are popular for their easy cleanup, but even they have limits. To clean a burnt non-stick pan, you can use soap and water, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. It's important to avoid harsh scrubbing tools and metal utensils, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use a sponge or washcloth, and scrub gently. Hand-washing is also recommended over using a dishwasher, as the high heat and harsh detergents can break down the non-stick surface.

Use soap and water

If your non-stick pan is burnt, don't panic! It can be restored to its former glory by following these simple steps:

Firstly, fill your pan with hot water and leave it to soak. This will help to rehydrate any dried-out food that has burnt onto the surface of the pan, making it easier to clean. Once the burnt spot has been rehydrated, dump the water out of the pan.

Next, add some dish soap to your dish sponge or cloth, as well as directly into the pan. The soap will help to break down any oil, grease, and burnt food particles. Using the rough side of the sponge, scrub the burnt areas of the pan until they are clean. Be sure to avoid anything more abrasive, like steel wool or heavy-duty scrubbing brushes, as these can scratch and damage the delicate non-stick coating.

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan again to remove any leftover soap or food particles. Finally, dry the pan with a clean towel.

And that's it! Your burnt non-stick pan should now be restored to its former glory.

Avoid abrasive pads

To clean a burn on a non-stick pan, it's important to avoid using abrasive pads. While scouring pads are the preferred scrubbing solution in commercial kitchens, they can leave ugly scratches on your non-stick pan.

Non-stick pans are coated with a delicate material that can be damaged by abrasive pads. This coating is what gives non-stick pans their non-stick properties, so it's important to preserve it. If the coating is damaged, food will begin to stick to the pan, and the pan will need to be replaced.

Instead of using an abrasive pad, opt for a non-abrasive alternative. Light-duty, non-abrasive scouring pads are less likely to scratch your pan. You can also try using sponges, soft brushes, or microfiber cloths. If you're using a sponge, make sure to choose a non-abrasive option, as some sponges can be too harsh for non-stick pans.

When cleaning a burnt non-stick pan, it's also important to avoid using metal utensils. Metal can scratch the coating of the pan, so it's best to stick with wooden or silicone utensils.

By avoiding abrasive pads and other harsh cleaning tools, you can help extend the life of your non-stick pan.

Try a cleaning cocktail of vinegar and water

If your non-stick pan is visibly charred, a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda should help loosen and remove any black residue. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Create the Mixture

Create a slurry of white vinegar, water, and baking soda directly in your non-stick pan. Pour enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, along with a 1:1 ratio each of white vinegar and baking soda (2 tablespoons each is a good amount to use).

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

Place the pan on your stove and turn on the heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously with a wooden or silicone spoon to dissolve and prevent it from burning. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes to encourage any burnt residue to loosen.

Step 3: Cool the Mixture

After boiling and stirring the mixture, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool completely. This step is important, as rinsing a hot non-stick pan with cold water can cause the pan to warp and ruin its shape.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash the Pan

Once the mixture has cooled, discard it and rinse the pan with warm water. Then, wash the pan with soap and warm water, using a sponge or washcloth to scrub away any remaining residue. Ensure that you use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.

Step 5: Dry the Pan

After rinsing and washing the pan, dry it thoroughly using a clean towel or by placing it on a drying rack.

This cleaning method should help remove burnt residue from your non-stick pan and restore it to its former glory. Remember to always hand-wash your non-stick pan with mild soap and water after each use and avoid using metal utensils or high heat to prolong its lifespan.

Hand-wash, don't use a dishwasher

Even if your non-stick pan's manufacturer claims that it is dishwasher-safe, it is best to hand-wash your non-stick pan. The high heat and harsh conditions of a dishwasher can cause the pan's non-stick coating to deteriorate. Colleen Weeden, a senior brand manager, says that non-stick pans "last much longer when cleaned by hand".

Leslie Reichert, a cleaning coach and author, agrees, stating that "hot temperatures and harsh detergents will break down the surface".

To hand-wash your non-stick pan, use warm water and a brush or sponge to gently scrub your pan. Avoid scouring pads and steel wool, which will scratch and damage the non-stick coating.

Use baking soda and water

To clean a burn on a non-stick pan with baking soda and water, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste with baking soda and water. You will need three parts baking soda to one part water. Apply this paste liberally to the burnt sections of the pan. You can also try covering the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water, and then adding baking soda to create a paste.

Let the mixture sit for a few hours or even overnight. Then, add more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, you can add a quarter to a half cup of water to the paste, and then place the pan on the stove. Bring it to a boil, remove it from the heat, and let it cool before wiping or scrubbing the pan.

You can also use this method to wash your non-stick pans regularly, which will help to prevent scorched stains or burnt-on residue.

Frequently asked questions