Get Rid Of Brown Stains On Non-Stick Pans

Burnt non-stick pans can be a pain to clean, but it's not impossible. Non-stick pans are designed to prevent food from sticking, but even they have their limits. There are a few reasons why food might burn and stick to the pan, such as dry heating, overheating, or not using enough oil or fat. To remove those stubborn brown stains, there are several methods you can try. One method is to simply wash the pan with dish soap, hot water, and a sponge. If the food is burnt on, let the pan soak in hot water for 10-15 minutes to loosen the residue. You can also try a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda, brought to a boil in the pan, to loosen and remove any black residue. Another method is to fill the pan halfway with water and a little washing-up liquid, bring it to a boil, and then scrub the rest of the pan with water and washing-up liquid. For more severe cases, you may need to use a melamine sponge. Remember to always let the pan cool down completely before cleaning, and avoid using anything abrasive that could scratch and damage the coating.

Soap and water

If your non-stick pan has brown stains, it's likely that food has been burnt on its surface. To remove these stains, you can try the following method using soap and water:

First, let the pan soak in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help to loosen any dried-out, hardened food residue. Then, dump the water and add some dish soap to both your dish sponge and the pan. The dish soap will help to break down oil, grease, and burnt food particles. Using the rough side of your sponge, scrub the burnt areas of the pan until they are clean. Ensure that you do not use anything too abrasive, such as steel wool or heavy-duty scrubbing brushes, as these can scratch and damage the non-stick coating.

Once you have scrubbed away the burnt residue, rinse the pan again with warm water to remove any leftover soap or food particles. Finally, dry the pan with a clean towel.

It is also important to note that you should always allow your non-stick pan to cool down completely before cleaning it. Rinsing a hot pan with cold water can cause warping and damage. Additionally, non-stick pans should always be washed by hand rather than in the dishwasher, as the high temperatures and harsh detergents can break down the non-stick surface.

Vinegar and baking soda

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

Step 1: Create the Mixture

Create a slurry of white vinegar, water, and baking soda directly in your non-stick pan. Pour enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, along with 2 tablespoons of both white vinegar and baking soda.

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir it with a silicone or wooden spoon. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes to encourage any burnt residue to loosen.

Step 3: Cool the Mixture

After boiling for 5 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash the Pan

Once the mixture has cooled, discard it and rinse the pan with warm water. Then, wash the pan with dish soap and a sponge or washcloth.

Step 5: Dry the Pan

After washing the pan, dry it with a clean towel or place it on a drying rack.

If the brown stains persist after trying this method, you may need to try a different cleaning approach or consider replacing the pan, especially if the non-stick coating has started to break down.

Salt water

First, fill the pan or pot with hot water and add about three tablespoons of salt. The exact amount of salt is not crucial, and a general rule of thumb is to add enough salt to the water so that it is noticeable. Then, let the pan sit for a few hours. The salt will slowly remove the burnt-on food during this time.

After the pan has soaked, place it on a burner and bring the salt water to a boil. The hot water and salt will further loosen any remaining food particles. Finally, dump the dirty salt water and wash the pan with a small amount of soap and water. The pan can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.

This method is an excellent option for those who want to let their pan do the work for them. The salt water method is also useful for removing burnt-on food from other types of pots and pans, such as steel or cast iron.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, wet the surface of whatever you're cleaning, then scrub. Unlike dish soap, Bar Keepers Friend doesn't work up a lather, so you'll want to scrub with your faucet off, using just the moisture on the surface of the pan to turn the powder into a paste. If needed, add a splash of water to hydrate the powder.

For a very tarnished or greasy pan, you may want to start scrubbing with steel wool. Once you've mostly cleared the surface of the pan, switch to your usual soft sponge or rag.

Rinse well once you finish cleaning. Bar Keepers Friend should not be left on the surface for longer than a minute, but you can scrub for longer than that.

If you have sensitive skin or are scrubbing a lot of pots, wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin. This stuff is abrasive!

Olive oil and sea salt

Step 1:

Place your non-stick pan on the stove and turn the burner to medium heat. Pour two tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom of the pan. Olive oil is a vegetable-based oil, which is the type of oil recommended for this cleaning method.

Step 2:

Add three tablespoons of sea salt to the pan. Sea salt is preferable, but if it is not available, table salt can be used instead.

Step 3:

Give the pan a good shake to distribute the oil and salt mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan. Ensure that the pan is shaken vigorously enough so that the mixture coats the entire surface that needs to be cleaned.

Step 4:

Turn off the burner and allow the pan to cool. It is important to let the pan cool down completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5:

Wash the pan as you typically would to clean away the dirty oil and salt residue. Use a mild, soft soap, and a soft cloth or sponge to wash the pan. Rinse the pan with lukewarm, not hot, water. Lukewarm water is best to avoid shortening the life of your pan.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to hand wash and hand dry your non-stick pan after each use to keep it clean and free of rust and residue.
• Never put your non-stick pan in the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer labels it as dishwasher-safe.
• Avoid using steel wool or any metallic sponge to scour your non-stick pan, as this can damage the coating.
• Always protect your non-stick pan from high heat and only use low or medium heat when cooking.
• Do not use non-stick cooking sprays on your pan, as they contain additives that can build up and cause food to cook unevenly.
• Prevent metal and sharp objects from coming into contact with the pan. Use utensils made from plastic, nylon, silicone, or wood.

Frequently asked questions