Resurfacing Calphalon Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Calphalon pans are non-stick and easy to clean, but they can be damaged by overheating or abrasive cleaning methods. If the non-stick coating starts to peel, it can be dangerous to continue cooking with the pan as the coating may get into your food. To resurface a Calphalon pan, start by preheating your oven to 550 degrees. Then, clean the pan with warm water and a mild liquid dish soap, being careful not to use anything abrasive that could further damage the surface. Rinse and towel dry the pan. Next, spray the pan with a non-stick surface repair spray and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Place the pan in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes, then remove it with oven mitts and allow it to cool before rewashing.

How to hand wash Calphalon pans

Step 1: Let the pan cool down

Allow your Calphalon pan to cool down before you start cleaning it. Handling a hot pan can be dangerous, and it could also damage the pan.

Step 2: Rinse with warm water

Hold the pan under a stream of warm water and swish the water around inside. The heat and pressure of the water will help to dislodge food particles. Try to rinse away as much stuck-on food as possible before you begin scrubbing. Do not use cold water as this could cause the pan to warp or weaken.

Step 3: Wash by hand

Although some Calphalon products are dishwasher-safe, it is always preferable to hand wash non-stick surfaces to preserve their finish and luster. This will also allow you to spot clean the pan and give it a more delicate treatment.

Step 4: Use gentle soaps and scrubbers

Use a mild liquid detergent such as Dawn or Palmolive, which do not contain harsh chemicals or astringent agents that may cause scratches. Scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled dish brush. For an extra soft touch, a simple washcloth will also work. Do not use steel wool or metallic brushes as these could ruin the pan's finish.

Step 5: Soak stubborn food stains

If your pan is crusted with burnt or stuck-on residue, it may need some extra treatment. Soaking the pan will help to loosen hardened food particles without the need for forceful scouring. Use hot water and leave the pan to sit for 10-15 minutes, then hand wash as normal. For best results, add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the bottom of the pan before soaking.

Step 6: Rinse the pan thoroughly

After soaking and scrubbing the pan, be sure to wash away all traces of food and soap. Otherwise, these substances may dry on the cooking surface, creating an unsightly film. Shake off excess water and find a place to hang or lay out the pan to dry.

Step 7: Allow the pan to dry completely

Pat the pan dry with a clean, absorbent towel. You can also rest the pan upside down and leave it to air dry. Keep the pan in a well-ventilated, open area while it dries to speed up the process. Do not put the lid on a wet pan as this could cause it to smell.

How to use vinegar to resurface Calphalon pans

Calphalon pans are non-stick cooking utensils that are easy to clean and maintain. However, accidents like overheating or forgetfulness can cause damage to the pan. If your Calphalon pan is burnt, you can use vinegar to restore it. Here is how to use vinegar to resurface Calphalon pans:

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water. If you don't have white vinegar, you can use alternatives like apple cider vinegar or fresh or bottled lemon juice.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Fill the pan with the vinegar solution. You can either fill the pan and let it soak in the sink, or place it on the stove at medium-high heat for about 15 minutes. Soaking the pan will allow the acidic vinegar to react with the scorched layer, breaking it away from the surface.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, dump the dirty vinegar water into the sink. Then, gently scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge and a mild dishwashing liquid. Make sure to remove all the buildup and rinse the pan thoroughly.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed all the burnt residue, thoroughly rinse the pan with water and either let it air dry or pat it dry with a clean, absorbent cloth.

Additional Tips:

• If your pan is only mildly burnt, you can try using a mild dishwashing liquid first. Fill the pan with liquid soap and water, place it on the stove at medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, and then scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush.
• If your pan is severely burnt, you may need to repeat the vinegar process multiple times or try a different restoration method, such as using baking soda or a specialised cleaning product.
• Always use soft sponges or cloths to clean your Calphalon pans to avoid scratching the surface.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

How to use baking soda to resurface Calphalon pans

Calphalon pans are non-stick cooking utensils that are easy to clean and low-maintenance. However, cooking accidents can cause damage to your pans. If your pans are burnt, you can use a warm mixture of baking soda to restore them. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Create a Baking Soda Solution

Mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with warm water to create a solution. The baking soda is a mild alkali that will react with the burnt surface of your pan, causing the charcoal layer to break away.

Step 2: Pour the Solution into the Pan

Pour the baking soda solution onto the burnt surface of the pan. Make sure to cover the entire affected area.

Step 3: Let the Pan Soak

Let the pan soak in the solution for a few hours, with a maximum time of 2 hours. This will allow the baking soda to react with the burnt residue and loosen its grip on the pan's surface.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the soaking period, use a soft sponge to gently scrub the affected area. Be cautious and avoid causing any scratches or scuff marks to the pan's surface.

Step 5: Drain and Refill the Pan

Drain the baking soda solution and refill the pan with a new batch of the solution (always use warm water). Repeat this process until you see burnt bits floating in the mixture or the solution turns brown. This indicates that the baking soda is reacting with the burnt layer.

Step 6: Clean and Dry the Pan

Once you are satisfied with the results, drain the baking soda solution and clean any remaining residue with a scrub and mild liquid soap. Finally, dry the pan with a non-abrasive washcloth before storing it away.

Important Tips:

• Avoid using excessive baking soda, as it is a caustic substance. Using too much can cause your Calphalon pan to corrode.
• Always use warm or hot water when cleaning your Calphalon pans, as it helps to remove stains more effectively.
• Be gentle when scrubbing the surface of the pan to avoid scratches and scuff marks.

How to repair a scratched Calphalon pan

Calphalon pans are non-stick and easy to clean. However, they can get damaged if you use abrasive restoration methods to salvage burnt cookware. If your pan is scratched, you can bring it back to its original condition by buffing the scratched surface. Here is how you can do it:

Step 1: Gather your supplies

You will need a heavy-duty scrub (e.g. Scotch-Brite) and a special cleanser for non-stick utensils.

Step 2: Prepare the scrub

Dab the non-abrasive scrub in the special cleanser.

Step 3: Buff the scratches

Rub the affected area in slow, gentle, circular motions. Continue rubbing the surface until the silvery scratch lines disappear.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Thoroughly rinse the pan to wash away the cleansing agent. Make sure that there is no residue left behind. Dry the pan with a soft washcloth before placing it back on the rack.

Other ways to restore Calphalon pans

If your pan is burnt rather than scratched, you can try one of these methods:

• Soak the pan in a mixture of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water for 15-20 minutes. Then, scrub the pan gently with a soft-bristled brush or scrubbing pad.
• Soak the pan in a mixture of distilled white vinegar and water for 10-15 minutes. The vinegar will react with the scorched layer and force it to break away from the surface of the pan. Then, rinse the pan and restore its shine.
• Mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with warm water and pour the solution into the pan. Let the pan soak for a few hours, then scrub the affected area with a soft sponge.

If the non-stick coating on your pan is peeling away, you can resurface the pan by cleaning it, spraying it with a non-stick surface repair spray, and then placing it in an oven preheated to 550 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes.

How to season a Calphalon pan

Calphalon pans are non-stick and require proper care to ensure they are long-lasting. Here is a detailed guide on how to season a Calphalon pan:

Step 1: Clean the Pan

Fill your sink with warm water and add a small amount of liquid dish soap. Using a sponge, gently clean the surface of the pan. Avoid using any abrasive materials, such as steel wool, as this can damage the pan's surface. Rinse the pan with cool water to remove any soap residue, then dry it with a towel.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important that the oven reaches the correct temperature before placing the pan inside.

Step 3: Apply Non-Stick Surface Repair Spray

Spray an even layer of non-stick surface repair spray over the entire cooking surface of the pan. Allow the spray to sit on the surface for at least 30 minutes. This will help to repair any damage and create a new non-stick coating.

Step 4: Place the Pan in the Oven

Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the pan inside and let it stay there for 30 to 45 minutes. Follow the instructions on the repair spray for the most accurate timing. This step is crucial, as it bakes the new non-stick coating onto the pan, ensuring a smooth and even surface.

Step 5: Remove the Pan and Allow to Cool

Using oven mitts, carefully remove the pan from the oven. It will be extremely hot, so allow it to cool down before handling it further. The pan needs to be completely cool before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6: Re-wash and Dry the Pan

Once the pan has cooled, you can re-wash it using a mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse away any soap residue and dry the pan thoroughly. Your Calphalon pan is now seasoned and ready to be used again!

Additional Tips:

• Always follow the care instructions provided by Calphalon for your specific pan.
• Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals when cleaning your Calphalon pans, as this can damage the non-stick coating.
• If your pan is severely scratched or the coating is peeling off, it is best to replace it.
• For minor burns or stains, you can try scrubbing with a mild dishwashing liquid or soaking the pan in vinegar or baking soda before scrubbing.

Frequently asked questions