Restore Your Non-Stick Pan: Remove Buildup, Keep Cooking

Non-stick pans are a great kitchen essential, but they do have their limits. Over time, non-stick pans can develop a sticky coating due to the repeated use of cooking sprays or oils. This can cause food to stick to the pan, which is the opposite of what you want! To remove this buildup and restore your pan to its former glory, there are a few simple methods you can try. Firstly, you can fill the pan with equal parts vinegar and water, bring it to a simmer, and then cool and wash with soap. Alternatively, you can fill the pan with water, add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the buildup is gone. Finally, wash the pan with mild soap and warm water, and dry it thoroughly. It's important to note that you should avoid using anything abrasive to clean your non-stick pan, as this can damage the coating.

Avoid harsh detergents and high temperatures

Non-stick pans are a handy tool in the kitchen, making cooking and cleaning easier. However, they require special care to prevent their surface from scratching, peeling, or warping. One of the most important things to remember when caring for non-stick pans is to avoid harsh detergents and high temperatures.

While many non-stick pans are labelled as dishwasher-safe, the super-hot water and harsh detergents used in dishwashers are not good for the non-stick coating. Over time, this will cause the coating to deteriorate much faster than washing by hand. The high temperatures and detergents can break down the non-stick surface, so it's best to wash non-stick pans by hand in the sink with mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge.

When cleaning non-stick pans, avoid using abrasive tools such as steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff scrubbing brushes, as these can damage the surface. Instead, opt for soft cloths or sponges and mild dish soap. If you're dealing with stubborn residue, you can soak the pan for a few hours in warm, soapy water before gently scrubbing it clean.

It's also important to avoid exposing your non-stick pan to high heat during cooking. High temperatures can damage the non-stick coating over time, and in some cases, can cause the release of harmful toxins. Stick to low or medium heat when using non-stick pans, and always add oil, water, or food to the pan before turning on the burner. This will help protect the coating and serve as a temperature gauge.

Wash by hand

To remove buildup on non-stick pans, hand washing is the best option. While some non-stick pans are labelled dishwasher-safe, the high temperatures and detergents used in dishwashers can break down the non-stick surface.

• Allow the pan to cool down completely before you begin cleaning. Rinsing a hot pan with water can cause the pan to warp and become damaged.
• Rinse the pan with soap and warm water to remove any leftover food particles.
• Using a sponge, washcloth, or soft cloth, scrub the surface of the pan gently to remove any remaining food particles. Avoid using abrasive tools such as steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff scrubbing brushes, as these can damage the non-stick surface.
• Rinse the pan again after scrubbing.
• Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel.

If your non-stick pan has burnt-on food or grease, you can try the following methods:

Method 1: Soap and Water

• Soak the pan in hot water for 10-15 minutes to loosen any dried-out food particles.
• After soaking, add dish soap to the pan and scrub the burnt areas with the rough side of a dish sponge. Avoid using anything more abrasive, as it can scratch and damage the coating.

Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda

• Create a mixture of two tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons of baking soda, and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• Let the mixture boil for up to 5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and wash it with a sponge and dish soap.
• Dry the pan thoroughly.

For stubborn residue or burnt-on grease, you can also try mixing a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the pan and lightly scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse, dry, and re-season the pan with a swipe of cooking oil.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for your non-stick pan, as they may vary depending on the brand and materials used.

Use hot, soapy water

To remove buildup from non-stick pans, it is important to use hot, soapy water and a gentle cloth or sponge. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Allow the pan to cool completely before cleaning. Do not rinse the pan with water while it is still hot, as this can cause warping and damage.
• Rinse the pan with hot, soapy water to remove any leftover food particles. Use mild dish soap and ensure the water is hot, as this will help to dissolve grease and oil.
• Using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, scrub the surface of the pan gently. Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff brushes, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Rinse the pan again to remove any remaining soap or food particles.
• Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel or place it on a drying rack.

It is important to clean non-stick pans immediately after use, as this will prevent food from clinging to the pan. Regular cleaning with hot, soapy water will help to maintain the non-stick coating and keep your pan in good condition for longer.

Avoid abrasive and metal pads

When cleaning non-stick pans, it is important to avoid using abrasive and metal pads. This is because non-stick pans are coated with a chemical coating, such as Teflon, that creates a slick surface to prevent food from sticking. This coating can be easily damaged by abrasive pads, such as steel wool, scouring pads, and stiff scrubbing brushes, which will scratch the surface and cause the non-stick coating to deteriorate over time.

Instead, it is recommended to use soft sponges, soft cloths, or microfiber cloths to clean non-stick pans. For stubborn residue, a soft sponge or cloth with mild dish soap and warm water is usually enough to clean the pan. If there is burnt-on food or grease, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to the pan and scrubbed gently with a non-abrasive sponge.

It is also important to avoid using metal utensils with non-stick pans as they can scratch or chip the coating. This includes metal spatulas, tongs, whisks, spoons, forks, and knives. Instead, wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils should be used to protect the non-stick surface.

Use baking soda to remove burnt-on food

Burnt-on food can be a real pain to remove from non-stick pans, but baking soda can be a great solution. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Create a Baking Soda Paste

Mix baking soda with water or olive oil until it forms a paste with a consistency similar to toothpaste. The amount of each ingredient will depend on the size of your pan and the extent of the burnt-on food, but a good starting point is to combine 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. You can adjust the amounts as needed to ensure the paste is thick enough to fully coat the affected areas.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Pan

If your pan is still warm, allow it to cool completely before applying the paste. You can either apply the paste directly to the burnt areas or cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then sprinkle on the baking soda. Make sure the paste is thick enough to fully coat the surface.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Let the baking soda paste sit on the pan for several hours or even overnight. This extended contact time will allow the mild abrasive properties of the baking soda to work on loosening the burnt-on food.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the paste has had sufficient time to work, use a nylon brush or a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the pan and remove the burnt residue. Be sure to use a gentle touch to avoid damaging the non-stick coating. If needed, add more baking soda to boost the cleaning power.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed the burnt-on food, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue. Then, dry the pan thoroughly before putting it away or using it again.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove burnt-on food from your non-stick pans without causing any damage to the coating. Baking soda is a great natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, and it can help restore your pans to their former glory!

Frequently asked questions