Clean Nonstick Pans: Removing Gunk The Right Way

Non-stick pans are a great kitchen essential, but they can be a pain to clean when food gets stuck. To remove stubborn gunk from your non-stick pan, it's important to act quickly as the longer a pan sits out, the easier it will be for food to cling to it. Start by letting the pan cool down, then fill it with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Let the mixture soak for a while, then use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub away the residue. If you're dealing with burnt-on food, a paste made of baking soda and water can be very effective. Apply the paste to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly before storing. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your non-stick pans in top condition for years to come.

Use baking soda and water

To remove gunk from a non-stick pan using baking soda and water, start by sprinkling some baking soda onto the burnt-on food surface area. Then, pour a few tablespoons of water onto the baking soda and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to overnight. The longer you let the mixture sit, the more the baking soda will soften and absorb the gunk and grime.

After letting the mixture sit, use a gentle nylon scouring pad or sponge to scrub the pan clean. Rinse the pan with cold water. If there are still stains, make a paste of equal parts water and baking soda and apply it to the stained areas. Let the paste sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse the pan under cold water to remove all the residue.

For a deeper clean, place 4 to 6 tablespoons of water in the skillet and warm it to a boil on the stovetop. Once the water is hot, remove the skillet from the heat and place about 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the skillet. Using a mildly abrasive sponge, combine the water and baking soda into a paste and vigorously scrub the paste all along the surface of the pan, focusing on areas that are visibly stained or crusted with burnt food. Rinse the pan and repeat the process until a clean side of the sponge does not discolour when scrubbed against the surface. Finally, wash the pan with soap and water to remove any residue from the cleaning process.

Try baking soda and vinegar

If your non-stick pan is visibly charred, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar should help loosen and remove any black residue. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create the Mixture

Pour enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Stir the mixture occasionally as it boils for up to 5 minutes. The boiling water will help loosen the stuck-on food, making it easier to clean once it’s cool.

Step 3: Cool the Mixture

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. As the water boils, you may want to use a spatula to help the process along.

Step 4: Rinse the Pan

Once the mixture is cool, pour out the liquid and rinse the pan with warm water. Wash the pan using a sponge and dish soap.

Step 5: Dry the Pan

Finally, dry the pan completely before storing it away.

If the burnt food or residue still remains stuck to the surface of your pan, it may be time to replace it. Once the non-stick coating starts to break down, food will find it easier and easier to stick to the surface.

Use a soft sponge

Using a soft sponge is a great way to clean your non-stick pan without damaging the coating. Here are some tips on how to use a soft sponge to remove gunk from your non-stick pan:

Choose the Right Sponge

Select a soft, non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratching the non-stick coating. Avoid steel wool, rough-textured sponges, or abrasive cleaning pads, as they can permanently damage the pan's surface. Opt for a sponge with a gentle, soft texture.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Before scrubbing, prepare a cleaning solution to loosen the stuck-on gunk. You can use a mixture of warm water and dish soap, or create a paste with baking soda and water. If the gunk is particularly stubborn, you can also try a combination of vinegar, water, and baking soda.

Soak the Pan

Fill your non-stick pan with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Let the pan soak for about 10-20 minutes. This will help soften the gunk and make it easier to remove.

Gently Scrub the Pan

After soaking, gently scrub the pan with your soft sponge. Use gentle, circular motions and avoid applying excessive pressure. Focus on the areas with stubborn gunk, but be careful not to use too much force, as it can damage the non-stick coating. Rinse the pan with warm water after scrubbing.

Repeat if Necessary

If there is still gunk stuck to the pan, you can repeat the process. Apply the cleaning solution and gently scrub again with the soft sponge. You can also try using a non-metallic brush or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for more stubborn residue. Just be sure to test these tools on a small area first, as they may be too abrasive for some non-stick coatings.

Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed the gunk, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue. Dry the pan immediately with a soft cloth or paper towel to prevent water spots and ensure it's ready for its next use.

Remember to always allow your non-stick pan to cool down completely before cleaning and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. With regular maintenance and gentle cleaning, your non-stick pan will last longer and maintain its optimal performance.

Rinse and dry thoroughly

Rinsing and thoroughly drying your pan is the final step in most cleaning methods for non-stick pans. It is important to ensure that you have thoroughly rinsed away any cleaning agents used, such as vinegar, baking soda, or soap, to prevent any soapy residue or taste from remaining.

Rinsing with warm water is recommended by some sources, while others suggest rinsing with cold water to prevent the risk of burning yourself. Once rinsed, the pan should be dried with a towel or cloth, or left to air dry.

If you are stacking your non-stick pans, it is recommended to place a dry, clean washcloth, dish towel, or reusable paper towel between each pan to avoid scratching and surface damage.

Season the pan

Seasoning your non-stick pan will help fill in any scratches and reinforce the non-stick coating. It will also help the pan last longer and prevent food from burning and residue from building up.

To season your non-stick pan, start by ensuring your pan is clean and dry. Then, heat the pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Next, apply a thin layer of oil to the pan, using a folded paper towel or cloth to rub the oil across the entire surface, including the rim. Oils with a smoke point above 300°F (149°C) are best, such as vegetable, canola, coconut, peanut, grapeseed, or avocado oil.

After applying the oil, return the pan to the stove and heat until the oil begins to smoke. This means that the oil is getting hot and starting to bake into the pan. Take the pan off the heat and set it aside to cool. Once the pan is cool, use a paper towel to gently rub any remaining oil into the pan and absorb any excess.

You can also season your non-stick pan in the oven. Preheat the oven to between 300°F and 400°F (204°C). Coat the pan with a thin layer of oil, about half an inch high, and place it in the oven for about 1 to 2 hours or until the smoke disappears. Turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside overnight. In the morning, take the pan out and wipe away any excess oil.

To maintain the non-stick surface, it's recommended to season your pan before each use. Simply rub a small amount of oil or butter into the pan with a paper towel before cooking as usual.

Frequently asked questions