Effective Ways To Degrease Non-Stick Pans At Home

Non-stick pans are a kitchen essential, but they can be a little finicky to take care of. While they cut down on the oil needed to cook, they are not exactly known for being long-lasting. To make your non-stick pan last longer, it's important to wash it by hand after each use with mild, soft soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh detergents and high temperatures, as these can cause the non-stick coating to deteriorate. Instead, use warm water and a brush or sponge to gently scrub your pan. It's also important to avoid using steel wool or other abrasive cleaning materials, as these can scratch and damage the non-stick surface. To remove stubborn residue, you can create a paste using equal parts water and baking soda, gently applying it to the pan and allowing it to sit for fifteen minutes before rinsing.

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

To degrease a non-stick pan by hand, start by filling your sink with warm water and adding a small amount of mild dish soap. Place the pan in the sink and allow it to soak for 10-20 minutes. This will help loosen any stuck-on food or grease. After soaking, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wash the pan, being careful not to use any abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, which can damage the non-stick coating. If you don't have time for a full soak, simply squirt some mild dish soap onto the pan and use your soft cloth or sponge to wash it with warm water. Be sure to rinse the pan thoroughly with lukewarm water after washing, as any residue from the soap can cook onto the pan and cause staining the next time you use it. Finally, dry the pan immediately with a soft dish towel or paper towel to prevent rusting and extend the life of your pan.

Avoid using metal utensils

Non-stick pans are a great addition to your kitchen. They are easy to use, require less oil and butter, and are a breeze to clean. However, they do require a certain level of care to ensure their longevity. One of the top rules of using non-stick pans is to avoid using metal utensils. But why is that?

Metal utensils, such as spatulas, spoons, forks, and knives, have sharp edges that can scratch or chip the non-stick coating. This coating, usually made of Teflon, creates a non-reactive and nearly frictionless surface for cooking. When you use metal utensils on a non-stick pan, you risk scratching and chipping this coating. This can result in small fragments of the coating ending up in your food, which is not only unpleasant but can also be unsafe.

Additionally, the non-stick coating can be gradually destroyed by metal utensils, causing food to start sticking to the pan. This defeats the purpose of using a non-stick pan in the first place. Once the coating has been compromised, it is recommended to replace the pan rather than continue using it. To avoid this issue, always use wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils with your non-stick pans.

While it may be tempting to reach for a metal utensil when your wooden or silicone tools are dirty, it's best to resist the urge. If you absolutely must use a metal utensil in a pinch, be extremely careful and ensure it doesn't come into direct contact with the surface of the pan. It's also important to note that even if your pan has a more durable coating, such as ceramic, it's still best to avoid metal utensils as they can cause cosmetic scratches.

Don't use high heat

Nonstick pans are convenient for cooking sticky foods such as eggs and fish without needing to use much oil. However, they are not designed to withstand high temperatures. Using high heat on a nonstick pan can cause irreversible damage to the pan's coating, which will affect its nonstick properties and overall lifespan.

When a nonstick pan is heated, its metal surface expands, causing the coating to break down and flake off. This not only diminishes the nonstick quality of the pan but also releases harmful toxins, which can be hazardous to your health. The vapours released from the nonstick coating contain fluorocarbons, which, when inhaled, are linked to respiratory illnesses.

To prevent damage to your nonstick pan and potential health risks, always use low to medium heat during cooking. Nonstick pans are ideal for cooking foods that require gentler heat settings, such as eggs and vegetables. For cooking techniques that require high heat, such as searing meat, it is recommended to use a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet instead. These types of pans can withstand higher temperatures without the risk of releasing toxic vapours.

By following these guidelines and using the appropriate heat settings, you can effectively degrease your nonstick pans and extend their lifespan.

Dry by hand

Drying your non-stick pan by hand is an important step in keeping your pan in good condition. After washing your pan, use a clean towel to dry the surface of the pan. If you leave your pan to air-dry, it may develop rust. Therefore, it is important to dry your pan immediately by hand. Use paper towels or a soft dish rag to dry your pan.

If you are storing your pan, it is important to ensure that it is completely dry before putting it away. If you are stacking your pans, place a paper towel between each pan to avoid scratching and surface damage.

Use baking soda to remove stubborn residue

To remove stubborn residue from your non-stick pan, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water, or baking soda and olive oil. This natural, non-toxic, and inexpensive household staple is mildly abrasive and can remove burnt-on grease without damaging the non-stick coating.

Step 1: Create the Mixture

Mix baking soda with water or olive oil until a toothpaste-like consistency is achieved. The amount of baking soda you'll need depends on the size of your pan, but generally, 4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with 1/2 cup of water should be enough.

Step 2: Apply the Mixture

Cover the bottom of your non-stick pan with the baking soda mixture, ensuring all the stubborn residue is covered.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the mixture sit for several hours. This will give the baking soda time to react with the residue and loosen its grip on the pan.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

After the waiting period, rinse the pan with warm water and wash it as you normally would, using mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or metal pads, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

If the stubborn residue is particularly challenging to remove, you can try a different method using vinegar and baking soda.

Alternative Method:

• Pour water into your non-stick pan, covering the bottom of the pan.
• Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes.
• Allow the mixture to cool completely, then discard it and rinse the pan with warm water.
• Wash the pan with mild soap and warm water, using a soft sponge or cloth.
• Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel or cloth.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your non-stick pan and avoid using high heat or placing it in the dishwasher. With proper care and cleaning, your non-stick pan can last for many years.

Frequently asked questions