Restore Your Pans: Unstick And Clean For Perfect Cooking

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for home cooks due to their easy cleanup and stick-free cooking surface. However, even non-stick pans have their limits and can become sticky over time. This stickiness is often caused by a buildup of cooking sprays or oils, which can leave a residue that makes food more likely to stick. To restore your non-stick pan to its former glory, there are several cleaning methods you can try. One common method is to create a mixture of vinegar and water, bringing it to a simmer in the pan to loosen any burnt-on residue. Another approach is to use a mild abrasive such as baking soda and water to form a paste, which can help remove stubborn burnt food or oil residue. For maintenance, it is recommended to wash and season non-stick pans before use and avoid using metal utensils or high heat to prevent scratching and damage to the non-stick coating. With proper care and cleaning, your non-stick pans can last for years.

Use baking soda and water

To clean a sticky pan with baking soda and water, start by adding enough water to the pan to cover the bottom. Then, bring the water to a boil and transfer the pan to the sink. Next, add a cup of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. The mixture will start to bubble and fizz, which is normal. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes while the pan cools. Then, scrub the pan with the scouring side of a sponge. Finally, empty the pan, rinse with hot water, and wash with dish soap and a clean sponge.

If your pan still has some residue, you can try making a baking soda and water paste. Mix equal parts baking soda and hot water in the pan. If the paste is too runny, add more baking soda, and if it's too dry, add a splash of water. Use a scouring sponge to scrub the paste into the problem areas until the stains lift. Then, empty the pan, rinse with hot water, and wash with dish soap and a clean sponge.

Baking soda is a great option for cleaning pans because it is cheap, non-toxic, and safe for most types of cookware. It also works as a mild abrasive to help clean stubborn stains and scorched oil.

Try Bar Keepers Friend

If you're looking for a way to clean your pans and restore them to their former glory, Bar Keepers Friend could be your new best friend. It's an oxalic-acid-based powdered cleaning product that's ideal for stainless steel items but can be used on other surfaces, too. It's particularly good for removing tough grease and oil stains, and it can also be used to clean enameled cast iron.

Here's how to use it:

• Wet the surface of your pan.
• Sprinkle on some Bar Keepers Friend powder.
• Using a soft sponge or rag, scrub the surface in a circular motion. For very greasy or burnt-on stains, you can start scrubbing with steel wool and then switch to a softer sponge.
• Rinse the pan well. It's important not to let Bar Keepers Friend sit on the surface for longer than a minute, but you can scrub for longer.
• Repeat if necessary.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Always wear gloves when using Bar Keepers Friend, as it can be irritating to the skin.
• Don't use it on non-stick pans, as it can scratch off the coating.
• Don't mix Bar Keepers Friend with other cleaning products, especially bleach or ammonia, as this can create toxic fumes.

Try Bon Ami

If you're looking for a gentle yet effective solution to clean your stuck pans, Bon Ami Powder Cleanser is a great option. This classic household cleaner has been a favourite since 1886 and is known for its ability to tackle everything from dried-on food to scuff marks without the use of harsh chemicals.

Here's how you can use Bon Ami to clean your stuck pans:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Let the pan cool down completely before attempting to clean it. Running hot pans under cold water can cause thermal shock, leading to warping and an uneven cooking surface. Once the pan is cool, rinse it with warm water to remove any loose food particles or oil residue.

Step 2: Apply Bon Ami

Sprinkle Bon Ami Powder Cleanser generously onto the surface of the pan. You can also dampen a sponge or cloth with water and dip it into the powder to create a paste. This method is useful for cleaning delicate surfaces or for spot treatment.

Step 3: Scrub Gently

Using a wet sponge or soft cloth, gently scrub the pan's surface. Bon Ami is a gentle abrasive, so it will effectively remove stuck-on food without scratching the pan's surface. Pay extra attention to the stuck areas and scrub gently until the residue starts to loosen.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed the stuck-on food, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining powder. Dry the pan completely with a clean dish towel or paper towel before putting it away. Ensure the pan is entirely dry to prevent water spots and maintain its non-stick properties.

Bon Ami is a versatile and safe cleaner that can be used on various surfaces, including cookware. It is an excellent alternative to harsh chemical cleaners and will leave your pans clean and scratch-free. Remember always to test it on a small area first if you're using it on delicate surfaces.

Use vinegar and water

To clean your non-stick pans using vinegar and water, start by adding a mixture of vinegar and water to the pan. For the best results, use one part vinegar to two parts water. Then, put your pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once the residue appears to be gone, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool down. Finally, pour out the mixture, wash the pan with soap and warm water, rinse with warm water, and place the pan on a drying rack or towel to dry.

This method is particularly effective at removing sticky residue that has built up on the pan over time.

Use coarse salt and vegetable oil

To clean stuck-on gunk from pans, you can use coarse salt and vegetable oil. This method is especially good for messes of greasy origin.

Firstly, let the pan cool down before cleaning it. Running hot pans under cool water can cause thermal shock, which can warp your pan, create an uneven cooking surface, and potentially damage the non-stick coating.

Next, rinse the pan with warm water and wipe it with a soft, dry sponge or dish brush to remove as much food and oil residue as possible before scrubbing.

Then, sprinkle coarse salt onto the greasy areas of the pan. The salt will act as a mild abrasive to help lift the grease without damaging the pan's surface.

After that, add a few drops of vegetable oil to the pan. The oil will help to loosen the grease and create a protective barrier between the salt and the pan's surface.

Finally, scrub the pan gently with a soft sponge or dish brush. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it completely before putting it away.

This method is a natural, effective way to clean stuck-on grease from pans without causing damage to the pan's surface.

Frequently asked questions