Restore Non-Stick Pans: Clean, Care, And Maintain

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for home cooks due to their easy cleanup and stick-free cooking surface. However, even non-stick cookware has its limits and is not entirely immune to burnt-on messes. To ensure your non-stick pans remain in good condition, it is important to clean and maintain them properly. This includes handwashing your pans with mild soap and lukewarm water, avoiding abrasive tools such as steel wool, and drying them immediately after washing. Additionally, it is recommended to season your non-stick pans with oil and to avoid overheating or using high heat during cooking.

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

To clean dirty non-stick pans, it is recommended that you wash them by hand with mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge. This is because the hot temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can break down the non-stick surface, shortening the lifespan of your pans.

Firstly, allow the pan to cool down completely. Then, using mild, soft soap and a soft cloth or sponge, scrub the surface of the pan to remove any remaining food particles. Be sure to use lukewarm water, as hot temperatures can also shorten the life of your pan. Rinse the pan with lukewarm water and scrub again. Finally, dry the pan with a clean towel or place it on a drying rack.

If there is burnt-on food or oil residue, you can remove this by creating a paste with baking soda and water and gently scrubbing the pan with a non-abrasive sponge. You can also soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes to help loosen the burnt-on food before scrubbing and rinsing.

Avoid the dishwasher, harsh detergents and high temperatures

To ensure your non-stick pans remain in good condition, it is best to avoid using a dishwasher, harsh detergents, and high temperatures.

Non-stick pans are designed for easy clean-up and a stick-free cooking surface. However, they require careful maintenance to preserve their non-stick coating. While some non-stick pans may be labelled as dishwasher-safe, it is best to wash them by hand. The high temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can break down the non-stick surface, causing it to deteriorate over time. Therefore, it is recommended to wash non-stick pans in the sink with mild, soft soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Lukewarm water is preferable to hot water, as high temperatures can also damage the non-stick coating.

When cleaning non-stick pans, avoid using abrasive tools such as steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff scrubbing brushes. These can scratch and damage the delicate coating. Instead, opt for nylon or microfiber cloths or sponges. For stubborn residue, you can soak the pan in warm, soapy water for ten to twenty minutes before gently hand-washing it.

Additionally, it is important to avoid overheating non-stick pans. High heat can ruin the surface and potentially emit toxic fumes. Always add cooking fat, oil, water, or food to the pan before turning on the heat. Cooking over medium heat is recommended, as it is gentler on the non-stick coating.

Remove burnt-on food with baking soda and water

Burnt-on food can be a real pain to remove from non-stick pans. Luckily, a simple paste made from baking soda and water can help shift even the most stubborn residue. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Create a Baking Soda and Water Paste

Mix equal parts water and baking soda in your non-stick pan. You don't need much—around two tablespoons of each should be enough. Keep mixing until you have a paste with a consistency that you're happy with.

Step 2: Apply the Paste

Take a non-metallic brush or sponge and dip it into the paste. Gently dab and spread the paste onto the sides and interior of the pan, ensuring that all burnt-on food areas are covered.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Leave the paste to sit in the pan for around fifteen minutes. During this time, the baking soda will work its magic, loosening the burnt-on food and making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Rinse the Pan

After the paste has been left to sit, it's time to rinse the pan. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm or lukewarm water to remove all traces of the paste. You can then hand wash the pan with mild, soft soap and a soft cloth or sponge, and dry it with a towel or soft dish rag.

Tips:

• Avoid using anything metallic or abrasive to apply the paste, such as steel wool or a metal brush, as these can scratch and damage the non-stick coating.
• Baking soda is abrasive, so don't rub or scrub the pan with it. Simply let the paste sit and do its work, then rinse.
• If the burnt-on food is particularly stubborn, you can try a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda instead. Bring this mixture to a boil in the pan, then allow it to cool before discarding the solution and rinsing the pan.
• Always hand wash your non-stick pans after each use, and dry them straight away. Don't put them in the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer says it's safe to do so.

Protect the non-stick surface with oil

To protect the non-stick surface of your pan, you should season it with oil. This process will help to fill in any pores or imperfections in the coating, enhancing the non-stick effect and prolonging the life of your pan.

To season your non-stick pan, start by rinsing and drying the pan completely. Then, take a paper towel and rub a teaspoon of oil on the inside of the pan. Place the pan in an oven preheated to 300°F (149°C) for one hour. Once the pan has cooled, wipe off the excess oil with paper towels.

You can also season your non-stick pan by heating oil and salt in the pan. Simply pour two tablespoons of vegetable-based oil into the pan and heat it over medium heat. Add three tablespoons of salt and lift the pan from the heat. Shake the pan until the oil and salt are evenly distributed. Once the pan has cooled, wash it by hand.

In addition to seasoning, there are a few other things to keep in mind when using and maintaining non-stick pans:

• Always add oil to the pan before heating it. This enhances the non-stick effect and prevents the release of potentially unhealthy fumes.
• Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays, as they contain additives that build up on the pan and are difficult to remove.
• Don't use metal utensils with non-stick pans, as they can scratch and damage the coating. Opt for wooden or silicone utensils instead.
• Avoid heating an empty non-stick pan, as this can damage the surface and its non-stick properties.
• Don't cook over high heat, as it can damage the coating and cause the release of potentially dangerous fumes.

Avoid metal utensils

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for their ease of use and cleaning. However, they do require careful maintenance to ensure their longevity. One of the most important things to remember when using non-stick pans is to avoid metal utensils.

Metal utensils, such as spatulas, whisks, and spoons, can have sharp edges that can scratch and damage the non-stick coating. Even a small scratch can impact the performance of your pan and make it more susceptible to sticking. While a ceramic coating may be more durable and less prone to damage from metal utensils, it is still best to avoid them to maintain the integrity of your pan.

So, what should you use instead? There are a few alternatives that are safe for non-stick pans:

• Wooden utensils: Wooden spoons and spatulas are a great option as they won't scratch your pans. Quality wooden utensils can last for decades if properly cared for (avoid putting them in the dishwasher). However, they may not be the best for flipping food.
• Silicone utensils: Silicone is super gentle on non-stick pans and can withstand high temperatures. However, they may not be ideal for flipping large pieces of food and can be damaged by sharp knives.
• Nylon utensils: Nylon is also gentle on non-stick coatings and very durable. However, food can sometimes stick to nylon, making it harder to clean, and you must be cautious as nylon can melt at high temperatures.

Remember, it's best to keep metal utensils away from your non-stick pans altogether to avoid any temptation. If you prefer using metal utensils, consider switching to cookware without a non-stick coating.

Frequently asked questions