Cleaning Non-Stick Pans: Salt As A Natural Cleaner

Non-stick pans are a convenient kitchen staple, but they can lose their non-stick powers over time. A viral TikTok hack by user Sophie Louise claims to restore non-stick pans to their former glory using just table salt. In the video, which has garnered millions of views, Louise begins by cleaning the pan with washing-up liquid and a soft sponge before drying it and placing it on the hob on high heat. Next, she covers the base of the pan with an even layer of table salt, which she heats until it turns golden brown. After removing the salt, she wipes the pan with a damp kitchen towel before demonstrating that the pan is once again non-stick by frying an egg.

Wash the pan with dish soap and a soft sponge, then dry it

To clean a non-stick pan with salt, you'll first need to wash the pan with dish soap and a soft sponge, and then dry it. This is an important first step to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Start by filling your sink with warm, soapy water. Use a mild, soft dish soap for this, and avoid harsh detergents or abrasive sponges, which can damage the non-stick coating. Use a soft cloth or sponge, such as a nylon or microfiber cloth, to wash the pan gently. Once you've washed it, be sure to rinse the pan with lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as this can shorten the life of your pan.

After rinsing, dry the pan thoroughly by hand. It's important to ensure the pan is completely dry before storing it away. Use paper towels or a soft dishcloth to absorb any remaining water.

Now that your pan is clean and dry, it's time to move on to the next step of the salt-cleaning process. Place the pan on the stovetop and turn the heat up high. You want the pan to get very hot. Once it's heated up, you can proceed to cover the base of the pan with an even layer of table salt.

The salt will help to restore the non-stick properties of your pan. It acts as an "exfoliant," loosening any residue from cooking sprays or oils that may have built up over time. This residue can interfere with the non-stick coating, causing food to stick. By heating the pan and using salt, you're effectively removing this buildup and refreshing the surface.

As the pan heats up, you'll notice the salt starting to brown. This is exactly what you want. Once the salt has turned a golden brown colour, similar to the hue of brown sugar, it's time to remove the pan from the heat. Carefully tilt the pan to discard the salt. You can simply tip it down the sink, as suggested by TikTok user Sophie Louise, or pour it into a trash bin. Just be cautious, as the salt and pan will be extremely hot.

Now, all that's left is to wipe away any remaining salt residue with a damp kitchen towel or paper towel. Your pan should now be ready for use, with its non-stick properties restored. You can test it out by frying an egg, just like Sophie Louise did in her viral video.

Heat the pan on high heat

To clean a non-stick pan with salt, you'll need to heat the pan on high heat. This is a crucial step in the process, as it will ensure that the salt cooks properly and does its job in removing any stuck-on food or residue.

Start by placing the pan on the stove and turning the heat up to high. Let it heat up for a minute or two—you want it to get very hot. A good way to test if the pan is hot enough is to sprinkle a few drops of water into it. If the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, you know the pan is ready.

At this point, you'll want to add the salt. Pour in enough table salt to cover the bottom of the pan evenly. You can shake the pan gently to distribute the salt evenly across the surface. The salt will now begin to cook in the pan, and this is what will help lift away any stubborn residue and restore the non-stick properties of the pan.

As the salt cooks, it will start to turn a golden brown colour. This usually takes a couple of minutes, depending on how long you've had the pan on the heat. The colour you're looking for, as described by TikTok user Sophie Louise, is "a bit like brown sugar".

Once the salt has reached this colour, it's time to remove it. Carefully pour the hot salt into the sink or into a trash bin. Just be cautious as the salt will be very hot. Now your pan is ready to be wiped out with a damp paper towel or cloth. Your non-stick pan should now be clean and ready to use!

Cover the base with an even layer of salt

Once your pan is clean and dry, it's time to add the salt. Cover the base of the pan with an even layer of table salt. You will need enough salt to cover the bottom of the pan. Shake the pan to ensure the salt is evenly distributed and no part of the pan is left uncovered.

The salt will help to season the pan and make it non-stick. It is important to use an even layer so that the whole surface of the pan is seasoned. This will ensure that food doesn't stick to the pan.

After you have added the salt, put the pan on the heat. The salt will begin to brown as it heats up. It will take a few minutes for the salt to turn a golden brown colour. Keep an eye on the salt as it cooks, as you don't want it to burn.

Once the salt is browned, carefully remove it from the pan. You can tip the salt down the sink, which will also help to clean your sink. The salt will be very hot, so be careful not to burn yourself.

Cook until the salt turns golden brown

Once your pan is clean and dry, place it on the stove and let it heat up. You want the pan to get very hot, so turn the heat up high and wait a few minutes.

Now, you'll need to cover the base of the pan with an even layer of table salt. You'll need enough salt to cover the bottom of the pan. Spread the salt around so that it is evenly distributed.

Let the salt cook in the pan. It will take a few minutes for the salt to turn a golden brown. You'll know it's ready when it resembles light brown sugar in colour.

Once the salt has turned a golden brown, remove the pan from the heat. You can dispose of the salt by tipping it down the sink, which will also help clean your sink. Alternatively, pour the salt into the trash.

Wipe the pan with a damp cloth to remove excess salt

Once the salt has been heated and turned golden brown, it's time to remove it from the pan. You can pour the salt down the sink—this can also help clean your sink—or dispose of it in the trash. Be careful, as the salt will be very hot.

After removing the salt, take a damp cloth and wipe the inside of the pan to remove any excess salt. Be cautious of any remaining heat to avoid burns.

This salt hack is a great way to restore a non-stick pan that has lost its non-stick properties due to scratches. It's a simple and inexpensive method that can help you avoid throwing away a pan that is only mildly damaged.

After wiping the pan with a damp cloth, you'll be ready to cook in it again. You can test the non-stick properties by cooking an egg, as TikTok creator Sophie Louise did in her viral video demonstrating this cleaning method.

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