Restore Non-Stick Pan With Oil: Easy Steps For Quick Fix

Non-stick pans are a popular choice for home cooks due to their convenience and easy cleanup. However, over time, non-stick pans can lose their non-stick properties, leading to food sticking to the pan. This can be caused by several factors such as age, improper use of metal utensils, abrasive cleaning, and overheating. While some damage may be irreversible, there are ways to restore your non-stick pan and prevent food from sticking.

One method is to create a mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar, boil it in the pan, and then wash the pan with gentle dish soap. Another approach is to use a non-stick pan repair spray, which can be purchased online or from home improvement stores. Additionally, you can try a viral TikTok hack that involves cleaning the pan, heating it, and then coating the bottom with table salt until it turns golden brown.

To prevent future sticking, it is important to use wooden or silicone utensils, avoid high heat, and properly clean and season the pan. By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your non-stick pan and enjoy its benefits for longer.

Clean the pan with dish soap, hot water, and a soft sponge

To fix a non-stick pan with oil, you must first clean the pan thoroughly with dish soap, hot water, and a soft sponge. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

First, let the pan cool down completely before cleaning it. Do not put a hot pan under running water or submerge it in cold water, as this can cause the pan to warp due to thermal shock. Once the pan has cooled, fill it with hot water and let it soak. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food or residue.

After soaking, dump out the water and add some dish soap to the pan. Use a soft sponge or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the pan in a circular motion. Be sure to use a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratching the non-stick coating. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any soap residue.

If there are still stubborn spots or burnt-on food, create a paste with a bit of kosher salt and water and use the sponge to gently scrub these areas. Again, be careful not to scrub too hard to avoid scratching the coating. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Once the pan is completely dry, you can then begin the process of re-seasoning the pan with oil to restore its non-stick properties.

Use a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda

To fix a non-stick pan with a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda, follow these steps:

Firstly, mix one cup of water, two tablespoons of baking soda, and half a cup of white vinegar in the pan. Place the pan on the stove and heat the mixture until it boils. Allow it to boil for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the baking soda and encourage any burnt residue to loosen. After ten minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool down completely.

Once the mixture has cooled, discard it and rinse the pan with warm water. Then, wash the pan with dish soap and a sponge or soft cloth. Make sure to avoid using steel wool or other abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Finally, dry the pan with a clean towel or soft cloth.

This method can help remove burnt or stuck-on food from your non-stick pan and restore its non-stick properties.

Dry the pan with a soft cloth

Drying your non-stick pan with a soft cloth is an important step in the pan's maintenance. After washing your pan with soap and warm water, it is crucial to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel. This step ensures that your pan is completely dry before you season it with oil, as a dry surface will allow the oil to stick better.

Leaving your pan to air-dry is not recommended, as it can lead to water spots. Instead, use a clean, soft cloth or towel to gently wipe down the pan's surface. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the pan to avoid any residual water spots.

Additionally, if you plan on storing your non-stick pan, ensure it is entirely dry before putting it away. Leaving your pan damp can lead to the formation of rust, especially if your pan is made of metal. To prevent this, always dry your pan with a soft cloth after washing and before storing.

Heat the pan on medium heat

Heating a non-stick pan on medium heat is a crucial step in the pan's seasoning process. This process involves cleaning the pan, heating it, coating it with oil, and then heating the oil until it smokes. This fills in the scratches and reinforces the non-stick coating, making the pan as good as new.

Firstly, heat the pan on medium heat for about three minutes. The exact duration may vary depending on your stove, but it should be enough to get the pan nice and hot. This is an important step because if the pan isn't hot enough, the food will soak up the oil instead of sizzling in it, and it won't taste as good.

Adding oil to a hot pan is also a safety precaution. If you add oil to a cold pan and then heat both together, you won't have a warning system if the pan gets too hot. Oil will start to smoke when it gets too hot, so adding it to a preheated pan reduces the risk of overheating.

When heating a non-stick pan, it's best to use oils with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or coconut oil. Olive oil, a popular choice for its flavour, is better suited for lower-heat cooking methods like sautéing. Delicate or flavoured oils should be avoided altogether.

Add oil and swirl to coat the pan

To fix a non-stick pan with oil, you will need to "season" it. This involves cleaning the pan, heating it, adding oil, and then heating the oil until it smokes.

After cleaning the pan, heat it over medium heat for 3 minutes. Then, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable, canola, coconut, or olive oil to the pan, coating the bottom entirely. To do this, pick the pan up off the stove and roll your wrist to tilt the pan in a circular motion. Continue moving the pan until the bottom is completely coated in oil.

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