Cleaning Non-Stick Pans: Removing Stains, Restoring Shine

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for home cooks due to their ease of use and convenience. However, they do require special care to maintain their non-stick properties and avoid damage. Here are some tips to help you clean and maintain your non-stick pans:

- Always hand wash your non-stick pans with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid using a dishwasher, even if the pan is labelled as dishwasher-safe, as the high temperatures and harsh detergents can deteriorate the non-stick coating.

- For burnt-on food or stubborn residue, create a paste or slurry with baking soda and water. Apply it to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and wash the pan as usual.

- Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or scouring pads, as they can scratch and damage the non-stick surface. Opt for soft cloths, sponges, or non-abrasive brushes instead.

- When cooking, always add butter, oil, or fat to the pan before turning on the heat. This protects the non-stick coating and aids in the cooking process.

- Avoid using high heat when cooking with non-stick pans. Stick to low or medium heat to prevent warping and damaging the coating.

- Do not use non-stick cooking sprays as they can build up on the pan and cause food to stick. Instead, use oils or butter for better browning and cooking results.

- Use wooden, silicone, or other non-metal utensils with your non-stick pans to avoid scratching the surface.

- Allow your non-stick pan to cool down naturally after use and avoid sudden temperature changes, such as running cold water on a hot pan, as this can cause warping.

- Store your non-stick pans carefully by hanging them or stacking them away from sharp objects. You can also place a paper towel between the pans to prevent scratching during storage.

Wash by hand with mild soap and lukewarm water

To clean a non-stick pan by hand, start by rinsing the pan with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the non-stick coating. Use a mild, soft soap and a soft cloth or sponge to wash the pan. If there is burnt-on food, you can soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes to help loosen the residue.

After washing, dry the pan immediately with a soft dish rag or paper towels. It is important to ensure the pan is completely dry before storing it away to prevent rusting.

Avoid the dishwasher

While it may be tempting to put your non-stick pans in the dishwasher, it's best to avoid doing so. Here's why:

The high water temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can be too much for non-stick coatings to handle. Over time, this can lead to the coating becoming vulnerable to erosion, peeling, or flaking during cooking. Even if your pan is advertised as dishwasher-safe, it's still optimal to wash it by hand. This is because the dishwasher's high heat and detergents will eventually break down the non-stick surface, reducing the pan's performance and lifespan.

Additionally, the dishwasher environment itself can be a hazard to your non-stick pans. Metal utensils, for example, can break loose and damage the delicate non-stick surface. Even if the pans look fine after a cycle, there may have been some "shenanigans" behind closed doors that could lead to problems down the line.

To maintain the non-stick coating and extend the lifespan of your pans, it's recommended to hand wash them with hot soapy water. While it may take a few extra minutes, it's worth it to keep your pans in good condition. When handwashing, use a soft sponge or dishcloth, and avoid steel wool or coarse brushes, as these can scratch the non-stick surface.

If you're dealing with burnt-on food, you can try a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water. Bring this mixture to a boil in the pan, let it cool, then rinse and wash as usual. This will help loosen any stubborn residue without damaging the coating.

Soak in warm, soapy water to remove burnt-on food

Soaking your non-stick pan in warm, soapy water is a great way to remove burnt-on food and restore your pan to its former glory. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Soaking Solution

Fill your sink with warm water and add a squirt of mild dish soap. You can also add a teaspoon of dish soap directly to your non-stick pan before placing it in the sink. Ensure the water is warm, not hot, as high temperatures can damage the non-stick coating.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Submerge the pan in the warm, soapy water and let it soak for 10 to 20 minutes. This will help soften and loosen the burnt-on food, making it easier to remove.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, use a soft cloth, sponge, or non-abrasive brush to gently scrub the pan. Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff scrubbing brushes, as these can scratch and damage the non-stick coating. Gently scrub the pan until all the burnt-on food is removed.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once the pan is clean, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Dry the pan immediately with a soft dish towel or paper towel. Ensure the pan is completely dry before storing it to prevent rusting.

Tips for Soaking and Cleaning Non-Stick Pans:

• Always hand-wash non-stick pans instead of putting them in the dishwasher, even if they are labelled dishwasher-safe. The harsh detergents and high temperatures in dishwashers can damage the non-stick coating.
• If the burnt-on food is particularly stubborn, you can create a baking soda paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the affected areas of the pan and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing the pan.
• To maintain the non-stick coating, season your pan with oil occasionally. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for guidance on how often to season your pan. Typically, you'll rub a small amount of oil on the pan, heat it in the oven, and then wipe off the excess oil after it has cooled.
• Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays, as they can create a residue that builds up and ruins the non-stick surface. Instead, use oils or butter for better browning and easier cleanup.

Use a baking soda paste to remove stubborn residue

To clean a non-stick pan with a baking soda paste, start by creating a mixture of two tablespoons of white vinegar, baking soda, and a small amount of water directly in the pan. Use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda and add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Place the pan on the stove and heat the mixture until it boils, stirring it occasionally with a wooden or silicone spoon. Continue stirring for five minutes to encourage any burnt residue to loosen. After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Then, discard the vinegar solution and rinse the pan with warm water. Finish by washing the pan with soap and warm water, and then dry it with a clean towel.

For stubborn stains, a stronger baking soda paste can be used. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over a layer of water in the pan to create a thin paste. Let the pan sit for several hours, then rinse and wash it. For even tougher stains, boil a solution of four tablespoons of baking soda and half a cup of water in the pan. Once the pan has cooled, rinse the stain with straight baking soda and a non-stick-safe nylon scrubbing brush.

Dry by hand

After washing your non-stick pan, it's important to dry it by hand. This is because putting your pan away while it's still wet can cause it to rust. To dry your pan, use paper towels or a soft dish rag. If you're stacking your non-stick pan with other cookware, be sure to dry it completely and place a paper towel in between the pans to avoid scratching and surface damage.

Frequently asked questions