Revive Non-Stick Pans: Simple Tricks To Make Them Good As New

Non-stick pans are a great time-saver in the kitchen, but they can lose their non-stick quality over time. Luckily, there are several ways to refresh your non-stick pan and make it good as new. You can use a special mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar, a non-stick coating spray, or simply season the pan with oil. It's important to clean and dry your pan thoroughly before attempting any of these methods, and to avoid using harsh cleaning agents like steel wool, which can damage the non-stick surface. With a bit of care and maintenance, your non-stick pan can be restored to its former glory!

Clean with vinegar, water and baking soda

To refresh your non-stick pan with vinegar, water, and baking soda, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create the Mixture

Create a mixture of two tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons of baking soda, and a small amount of water directly in your non-stick pan. The water should be enough to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally for about five minutes. The boiling and stirring will help to loosen any burnt residue.

Step 3: Cool the Mixture

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool completely. It is important to let the pan cool down before handling and discarding the mixture.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash the Pan

Once the mixture is cooled, discard it down the sink and rinse the pan with warm water. You can then wash the pan with a gentle dish soap and a sponge or washcloth. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive tools that can scratch the non-stick surface.

Step 5: Dry the Pan

After washing the pan, use a clean towel to dry the surface thoroughly. It is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry before using it again or storing it away.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean and refresh your non-stick pan using vinegar, water, and baking soda. This method will help remove burnt-on food and restore the non-stick properties of your pan.

Re-season with coconut oil

To re-season a non-stick pan with coconut oil, start by cleaning the pan and heating it on the stovetop over medium heat for 3 minutes. Next, add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the pan, ensuring the bottom is entirely coated. Heat the oil in the pan until it starts to smoke, then set the pan aside to cool completely. Once the pan is cool, use a paper towel to rub the remaining oil into the pan.

Coconut oil is a great option for re-seasoning non-stick pans, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil.

Use a non-stick coating spray

If you're looking to refresh your non-stick pan, you can use a non-stick coating spray. This is a common and time-saving process that doesn't require much time or effort. Simply apply the non-stick coating spray to the surface of your pan and let it dry for a few hours before using it again.

You can purchase a non-stick coating spray online or from a home improvement store. Before applying the spray, make sure to thoroughly wash your pan and ensure there is no remaining food residue on the surface. Give it some time to dry before applying the repair spray.

Spray an adequate amount of the repair spray on your pan, ensuring that you have a thick and even coat on the inside. Allow your pan to sit for about 30 minutes. After that, preheat your oven to 500°F for 10 minutes. Put the pan in the oven and let it sit for 45 minutes, then turn the oven off and let the pan cool down inside. Once it's cooled off, wash the pan again with dishwashing soap and a soft sponge.

Your pan will now be ready to use and will look almost new. When storing your pans, use a separator to ensure nothing scratches the surface.

Contact the manufacturer

If you are not interested in attempting to re-coat your non-stick pan yourself, you can always contact the manufacturer. Reliable companies with top-quality pans often offer a warranty, which can help with the re-coating and repair. Some firms might offer to refinish your pan without you making any payments. Others might ask you to pay for the service.

Ensure you compare the costs involved in restoring the nonstick cookware with what it would cost you to purchase a new set, including any shipping costs to and from the manufacturer. If the costs are almost the same or if the cost and hassle of restoring your pan are more than that of buying a new one, it might be better to discard the old pan and invest in a new set.

If your warranty is still valid, you can get a free repair or replacement from the manufacturer. If not, you will have to pay for the services of a coating professional, which will cost you more.

Season with peanut oil

To season a non-stick pan with peanut oil, start by washing the pan with warm water and dish soap to remove any dirt or residue. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Then, rub about a teaspoon of peanut oil onto the surface of the pan and up to the rim. Place the pan on the stove and heat it over medium heat for 30 to 60 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down completely. Finally, use a paper towel to wipe out any excess oil, and your pan is ready for cooking!

You can also season a non-stick pan with peanut oil in the oven. Preheat the oven to between 300 and 350°F (around 150 to 180°C). Pour a teaspoon of peanut oil into the pan and use a paper towel to spread it over the surface and up to the rim. Place the pan in the oven for about an hour, then remove it and let it cool. Finish by wiping out any excess oil with a paper towel.

Seasoning a non-stick pan helps fill in small pits and pores in the surface, reducing the need for additional oil during cooking. It also extends the life of the pan by creating a protective layer that prevents rust and food from sticking.

Frequently asked questions