Cleaning Rust Off Your Nonstick Pan: Easy Guide

Rust on non-stick pans can be tricky to remove as you can't scrub the non-stick layer as you would with cast iron or stainless steel. However, there are a few at-home methods you can try to clean rust off a non-stick pan. One method involves using a mix of baking soda and vinegar. First, wash the pan as you would normally, ensuring that you don't dry it afterward as the excess moisture will help the baking soda stick to the pan. Next, sprinkle baking soda all over the pan, focusing on the areas where rust occurs. Then, spray vinegar all over the pan until the baking soda is soaked. The solution should react and bubble, lifting out the rust spots. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then scrub away the rusted areas with a soft sponge. Finally, rinse out the cleaning solution and towel-dry your cookware.

Use baking soda and water

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

• Wet the pan with water and sprinkle baking soda on the rusty spots. You can also wet the pan and then coat it with baking soda. The water helps the baking soda stick to the pan and create a paste.
• Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes. This gives it time to cut through the rust.
• For extra cleaning power, add a bit of white vinegar to the baking soda. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and help dissolve the rust.
• Using a scrubbing sponge or scouring pad, scrub the baking soda and rust with circular motions. Apply firm pressure to remove tough rust. Do not use steel wool or other abrasive materials as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• Rinse the pan with water and wash it with dish soap. Dry the pan with a clean towel.
• If rust remains, repeat the process.

Baking soda is a natural, mildly abrasive cleaner that can safely remove rust from non-stick pans. The above method can also be used to clean stainless steel, cast iron, and other metal pots, pans, and cookware.

Use vinegar and water

Vinegar and water can be used to clean rust off a non-stick pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create a Mixture of Vinegar and Water

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water directly in your non-stick pan. The amount of liquid you use will depend on the size of your pan. You want to ensure that the bottom of the pan is covered with liquid.

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Allow the mixture to reach a boil. Continue boiling for up to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The heat and vinegar will help to loosen and remove any burnt residue.

Step 3: Cool the Mixture

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. This is an important step to ensure you don't burn yourself in the next step.

Step 4: Rinse the Pan

Once the mixture is cool, discard it and rinse the pan with warm water. This will help to remove any remaining residue and loosen food particles.

Step 5: Wash the Pan

After rinsing, wash the pan with dish soap and warm water. Use a sponge or washcloth to gently scrub the surface of the pan. Pay close attention to any areas with burnt-on food or rust.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you've scrubbed the pan, rinse it again to remove any remaining soap or food particles. Finally, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel.

Additional Tips:

• If your pan is only lightly rusted, you can try spraying it with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub the rust away with a sponge.
• For more heavily rusted pans, you may need to soak the pan in a mixture of vinegar and water for an hour or more. Check the pan regularly to ensure the rust is coming off, and remove the pan from the solution once the rust is gone.
• Always dry your non-stick pan thoroughly after washing to prevent rust from forming.

Use coarse salt and scrub with a potato or lemon

To clean rust off a non-stick pan using coarse salt, you'll first need to pour some coarse sea salt into the pan. The amount of salt you'll need will depend on the size of your pan and the extent of the rust, but generally, you'll want enough to cover the rusted spots inside the pan.

Once you have poured in the salt, it's time to scrub. Cut a potato or a lemon in half and start scrubbing the salt and rust with the cut end. The citric acid in lemons works similarly to vinegar in dissolving rust. Keep scrubbing until the rust is gone. If your salt starts turning red or orange from the rust, simply discard it and pour a new batch into your pan.

After you've removed the rust, clean the pan with soap and water, then dry it with a towel.

Use steel wool

Steel wool is an effective method for removing rust from anywhere on a pan, including the bottom of the pan, which can develop rust without you realising it. This method is more abrasive than others and should be used with caution on non-stick pans.

To use steel wool to remove rust, follow these steps:

• Using a circular motion, scrub at the rust with steel wool until it is removed.
• Rinse the pan with hot soapy water.
• Fully dry your pan with a dry cloth before storing it for your next meal.

It is important to note that steel wool is very abrasive and can scratch stainless steel or lift up the non-stick coating on non-stick cookware. Therefore, it is recommended to use a sponge or toothbrush instead of steel wool on non-stick pans.

Additionally, always let your cookware cool down before cleaning and avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners on stainless-steel pans, as these can permanently damage the surface.

Prevent rust by seasoning the pan

Next, add a thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface of the pan, including the inside and outside. Use a cloth or lint-free paper towel to apply the oil, and be sure to use just a thin layer—not enough to drip or run when you tilt the pan. Thin layers are important for baking seasoning into the pan.

After oiling the pan, preheat your oven to between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place aluminium foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any excess oil. Place your cookware upside down on the centre rack to prevent oil from pooling on the cooking surface. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool in the oven. This helps the seasoning further cure and adhere to the pan.

Repeat the complete seasoning process once or twice a year for regular upkeep. Additionally, always ensure your pan is completely dry before putting it away, and store it in a low-humidity area. If stacking multiple pans, line each one with paper towels or invest in breathable pan separators to prevent moisture buildup.

Frequently asked questions