Restore Your Non-Stick Pan: Tips For A Smooth Comeback

Non-stick pans are a popular kitchen tool, but they can get scratched and lose their non-stick properties over time. Luckily, there are several ways to restore your non-stick pan. One method is to create a mixture of vinegar and water, bring it to a boil in the pan, and then scrub the pan with baking soda. Another method is to heat the pan and pour in enough salt to cover the bottom, let it cook until it turns golden brown, and then wipe the pan clean. You can also re-season your pan by heating it with oil and letting it smoke.

Clean with vinegar and water

If your non-stick pan is losing its non-stick properties, a mixture of vinegar and water can help restore it to its former glory.

First, mix one part vinegar and two parts water in your pan. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The vinegar will react with the grime, helping to dissolve stuck-on particles for easier removal.

After simmering, pour out the mixture and wipe the pan clean with a cloth or paper towel. The majority of the buildup should be gone by now.

Next, scrub the inside of the pan with baking soda. Baking soda is a versatile base that can react with both acidic and alkaline foods, so it will remove any remaining residue. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in your pan and use a sponge to work it into every part of the pan's surface.

Finally, rinse the pan and wipe it clean. Use soapy water and a soft sponge or brush to clean your pan. Avoid using an abrasive scrubber or steel wool, as these can damage certain non-stick coatings.

Your non-stick pan should now be restored to its non-stick glory!

Re-season with oil

To re-season a non-stick pan with oil, start by cleaning the pan and heating it over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Next, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable, canola, or coconut oil to the pan, coating the bottom entirely. Heat the oil in the pan until it smokes, then let it cool completely and wipe out any remaining oil.

If you're using an oven, warm the pan over medium heat and preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Pour a non-salted vegetable oil into the pan, coating the entire bottom of the pan and about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) high. Place the pan in the oven and heat for about 2 hours. Turn off the oven and keep the pan inside overnight.

To season a pan before cooking, clean and dry the pan, then pour 2 teaspoons of a neutral-tasting oil onto a paper towel and rub it around the bottom of the pan.

Use salt to fix scratches

If your non-stick pan has scratches, there are some simple solutions you can try to fix it. Firstly, identify the scratched areas and assess the severity of the scratches. If the scratches are deep and the non-stick coating is significantly compromised, then repair methods may be limited, and it might be best to replace the pan. However, if the scratches are superficial and haven't penetrated the non-stick coating entirely, you can try the following hack using salt.

First, wash your pan with warm soapy water and a soft sponge, avoiding the use of a scourer. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly. Once it's dry, place the pan on the stove and turn the heat up high. Allow the pan to get very hot. Then, pour in enough table salt to cover the bottom of the pan and shake it so that the salt is evenly distributed. Let the salt cook for a few minutes until it turns a golden brown colour. Next, pour the salt down the sink and wipe away any excess with a damp kitchen towel.

This salt hack has gone viral on TikTok, with users reporting that it has helped restore their non-stick pans. It is important to note that this method may not work for every non-stick pan, but it is worth trying if your pan has mild to moderate scratches.

Avoid harsh chemicals

To restore your non-stick pan without using harsh chemicals, you can try a mixture of vinegar and water. This is a simple and affordable solution to remove stubborn oil and food buildup. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Mix one part vinegar and two parts water. For example, combine one cup of water and half a cup of white vinegar.
• Pour the mixture into the pan and place it on high heat. Let the water boil, and then simmer for about ten minutes. This allows the vinegar to bond with any oil residue.
• Pour out the mixture and wipe the pan clean with a cloth or paper towel.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the pan and scrub the inside with a sponge. Baking soda can absorb and remove both acidic and alkaline foods stuck or baked into the pan.
• Rinse the pan and wipe it clean. Use soapy water and a soft sponge or brush to clean the pan. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as they can damage certain non-stick coatings.

Another method to restore your non-stick pan without harsh chemicals is to use salt. Here's how:

• Clean your pan with dish soap and a soft sponge. Rinse and dry it thoroughly.
• Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the pan to get very hot.
• Pour in enough table salt to cover the bottom of the pan. Shake the pan to distribute the salt evenly.
• Let the salt cook for a few minutes until it turns golden brown, similar to the color of brown sugar.
• Dump the salt into the sink or trash. Be careful not to pour it down the drain if you have a garbage disposal, as it can cause corrosion.
• Wipe the pan with a damp paper towel. Be cautious to avoid burns if the pan is still hot.

By following these methods, you can effectively restore your non-stick pan without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Use non-stick-friendly utensils

To keep your non-stick pans in good condition, it's important to use utensils that won't scratch or damage the non-stick coating. Here are some tips for choosing and using non-stick-friendly utensils:

Wooden Utensils

Wooden utensils, such as spoons, are ideal for non-stick pans because they are naturally soft and won't scratch the surface. Look for well-crafted wooden utensils that are sturdy enough for stirring and mixing. However, wooden utensils may not be the best option for flipping food. To prolong the life of your wooden utensils, avoid putting them in the dishwasher.

Silicone Utensils

Silicone utensils are super gentle on non-stick pans and can withstand high temperatures. They are sturdy yet flexible and easy to clean. However, they may not be ideal for flipping large pieces of meat, and it's important to be cautious as they can be damaged by sharp knives.

Nylon Utensils

Nylon utensils are also non-stick-friendly and won't damage the coating. They are extremely durable and sturdy, making them suitable for a variety of tasks such as mixing and flipping. However, food can sometimes stick to nylon, making it harder to clean. Nylon utensils should also be kept away from direct heat to prevent melting.

Metal Utensils

Metal utensils should generally be avoided when cooking with non-stick pans as they can scratch and strip the coating. However, some pans, such as HexClad pans, are designed to be metal utensil-safe due to their durable aluminium layer.

Plastic Utensils

Plastic utensils won't scratch non-stick pans, but they may melt if exposed to high temperatures.

Frequently asked questions