Eliminating Lingering Scents From Your Non-Stick Pan

Non-stick pans are a handy tool in the kitchen, but they can sometimes retain odours from cooking, especially if you're cooking foods with a strong odour like garlic or onions. The non-stick coating is made from a plastic material called Teflon, which does retain taste and odour. If you've cooked at a high heat, this can also cause the coating to break down and emit a chemical odour. To remove smells from your non-stick pan, you can try a few different methods: boiling a mixture of water and vinegar, using baking soda and newspapers, or scrubbing with salt.

Boil a mixture of water, vinegar, and lemon juice

If your non-stick pan is retaining odours, it may be time to give it a good clean. Non-stick pans are made with a plastic coating called Teflon, which can break down when exposed to high heat, leading to odour retention.

To remove smells from your non-stick pan, you can try a mixture of water, vinegar, and lemon juice. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Mix three parts water with one part vinegar or lemon juice.
• Pour the mixture into your non-stick pan.
• Place the pan on your stove and turn the heat to medium.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
• After boiling, turn off the heat and let the pan cool down.
• Once cooled, wash the pan with warm water and soap, using a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub away any remaining residue.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth or let it air dry.

This method is safe for non-stick pans as vinegar does not affect Teflon when used properly. It is also suitable for other types of non-stick pans, such as anodized aluminium or ceramic.

Clean with a soft brush

To clean a non-stick pan with a soft brush, follow these steps:

• Allow the pan to cool completely before cleaning. Do not rinse with cold water as this can cause the pan to warp and become damaged.
• Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any large food particles.
• Using a soft brush or sponge, gently scrub the surface of the pan with warm water and a gentle dish soap. Avoid using anything metal or abrasive on non-stick surfaces, as this can scratch and damage the coating. You can also use a soft cloth if you don't have a brush.
• Rinse the pan again to remove any remaining food particles or soap residue.
• Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel or place it on a drying rack.

If your non-stick pan has a burnt-on mess or a strong odour, you can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to help loosen and remove any residue. Here's how:

• Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons of baking soda, and a small amount of water in the pan.
• Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and wash it out using a sponge and dish soap.
• Dry the pan thoroughly.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your specific non-stick pan, as they may vary depending on the materials used. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your non-stick pans will help extend their lifespan and maintain their non-stick properties.

Rinse and dry

Rinsing and drying your non-stick pans is an essential step in keeping them clean and prolonging their lifespan. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it properly:

Firstly, allow your pan to cool down completely before rinsing. Rinsing a hot pan can cause warping and damage. Once it has cooled, rinse it with warm water and mild soap to remove any leftover food particles. You can also use a sponge or washcloth to gently scrub away any remaining residue. Be sure to avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or scouring pads, as these can damage the non-stick surface.

After scrubbing, give the pan a final rinse to ensure all soap and food particles are removed. Then, use a clean towel to thoroughly dry the pan. This step is crucial, as it helps prevent water spots and keeps your pan looking new.

If your pan has any stubborn burnt-on food or residue, you can create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for several hours, then rinse, dry, and re-season the pan with a swipe of cooking oil.

It is also important to note that hand washing is the best option for non-stick pans. While some may be labelled dishwasher-safe, the high temperatures and detergents used in dishwashers can break down the non-stick coating over time.

Use baking soda and water paste

To get rid of smells from your non-stick pan, you can use a baking soda and water paste. This method is particularly useful for removing lingering food smells and flavours from your pan.

First, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of water. Then, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water to create a thin paste. Let the pan sit for several hours, then rinse and wash the pan.

If you need to remove stubborn stains, you can try a different method. Boil a solution of 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup of water in the pan. Let the pan cool, then rinse the stain with straight baking soda and a non-stick-safe nylon scrubbing brush.

You can also try boiling a mixture of two tablespoons of white vinegar, baking soda, and a small amount of water in the pan. Let the mixture boil for up to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool. Finally, rinse the pan with warm water and wash it out using a sponge and dish soap.

Baking soda is a non-toxic, inexpensive household ingredient with mild abrasive properties. It is also alkaline, meaning it reacts with mild acids like vinegar, lemon, and hydrogen peroxide to become a foaming cleaner. This chemical reaction gives baking soda more power to remove stains and burnt-on food.

Coat the pan with newspapers

If your non-stick pan is retaining odours, one way to remove them is to coat the pan with newspapers. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Ensure your pan is clean and dry. Scrub the interior and exterior of the pan, including the handle, with a sponge or scrubber.
• Create a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda with water.
• Coat the pan with the baking soda paste.
• Cover the pan with newspaper. Wad up or tear the newspaper into strips to ensure the pan is completely covered.
• Place the pan in a plastic bag and seal it.
• Leave the pan for a few hours or overnight.
• Remove the pan from the bag and wash it as normal.

This method works because, while stainless steel does not absorb or retain odours, the non-stick coating often does. By coating the pan with a baking soda paste and sealing it with newspaper, you can neutralise and absorb any lingering odours. This is a great, inexpensive way to freshen up your non-stick pans and remove any unwanted smells.

Frequently asked questions