Tillie Doyle
Burnt non-stick pans are a common problem, but there are several ways to restore them to their former glory. Non-stick pans are designed to prevent food from sticking, but they are not entirely foolproof. Discolouration and burnt-on food can occur when pans are overheated, not greased enough, or the wrong type of oil or fat is used. Burnt-on food can be removed from non-stick pans using soap and water, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Pans should be allowed to cool before cleaning, and harsh, abrasive materials should be avoided to protect the non-stick coating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of discolouration | Overheating, not enough oil/fat, wrong type of oil/fat |
| Cleaning methods | Soap and water, vinegar and baking soda, salt water, baking soda and water, vinegar and water, Bar Keepers Friend, olive oil and sea salt, degreasing dish soap |
| Tools | Nylon scrubber, non-abrasive sponge or cloth, sponge, washcloth, paper towel, scouring pad, soft sponge, non-abrasive scrubber, wooden spoon, drying rack, towel |
| Substances to avoid | Metal utensils, aerosol cooking sprays, cold water, dishwasher |
Soap and water
To remove discolouration from a non-stick pan using soap and water, follow these steps:
- Allow the pan to cool down completely before cleaning. Rinsing the pan while it is still warm or hot can warp it and cause damage.
- Rinse the pan with soap and warm water to remove leftover food particles.
- Using a sponge or washcloth, scrub the surface of the pan to remove any remaining food particles.
- Rinse the pan again.
- Dry the pan using a clean towel.
If the discolouration is particularly stubborn, you can try the following variation:
- Rinse the pan with soap and warm water to remove leftover food from the surface.
- Using hot water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth, scrub the surface of the pan to remove burnt food remains.
- Rinse the pan again to remove any leftover soap or food particles.
- Once it's been cleaned, allow the pan to dry.
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Vinegar and baking soda
To remove discolouration from a non-stick pan using vinegar and baking soda, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create the Mixture
Cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of water. Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. The vinegar and baking soda will react to create a foaming cleaner that will help to remove stains and burnt-on food.
Step 2: Boil the Mixture
Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally with a wooden or silicone spoon. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes to encourage any burnt residue to loosen.
Step 3: Cool the Mixture
After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. The cooling process is important, as rinsing a hot non-stick pan with cold water can cause the pan to warp and ruin its shape.
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 a sponge, dish soap, and warm water to remove any remaining residue.
Step 5: Dry the Pan
After washing the pan, dry it thoroughly with a clean towel. Ensure that you dry the pan immediately after washing to prevent the development of water spots and dried, white calcium spots.
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Salt water
To remove discoloration from a non-stick pan using salt water, follow these steps:
- Fill the pan with hot water and add about three tablespoons of salt.
- Let the pan sit for a few hours.
- Turn the burner on high and bring the salt water to a boil.
- Dump the dirty salt water and wash the pan with a little soap and water.
Alternatively, you can try the following:
- Place your non-stick pan on the stove and turn the burner on medium heat.
- Pour two tablespoons of vegetable-based cooking oil into the bottom of the pan.
- Add three tablespoons of sea salt or table salt.
- Give the pan a good shake to distribute the oil and salt throughout the bottom of the pan.
- Turn off the burner and allow the pan to cool.
- Wash the pan as you would typically to clean away the dirty oil and salt residue.
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Melamine sponge
To use a melamine sponge, simply wet it and wipe the discoloured areas of your pan. The abrasive foam will grip and remove the stains and burnt-on spots without damaging the coating.
However, it is important to note that melamine sponges are very abrasive and can damage certain surfaces. They should not be used on non-stick pans without first spot-testing in an inconspicuous area. They should also not be used on delicate countertops, such as granite or marble, as they can remove the sealant and dull the surface.
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Bar Keepers Friend
To use Bar Keepers Friend, wet the surface of the item you are cleaning, then scrub. It is recommended to use the product without creating a lather, so scrub with the faucet off, using just the moisture on the surface of the pan to turn the powder into a paste. If needed, add a small splash of water to hydrate the powder. For very tarnished or greasy pans, you can start scrubbing with steel wool, then switch to a soft sponge or rag.
It is important to rinse the product off the item after a minute, though you can scrub for longer. If you have sensitive skin or are scrubbing a lot of pots, it is recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin as the product is abrasive.
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Frequently asked questions
Brown or black spots on your non-stick pan are usually a layer of carbonization caused by overheating and/or not using enough or the right type of oil/fat. To remove this, fill the pan halfway with water and a little washing-up liquid, bring it to the boil, then scrub the pan with a sponge or washcloth and rinse again with water and washing-up liquid. If this doesn't work, try using a melamine sponge.
The best way to clean a non-stick pan is to use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar, baking soda, and a small amount of water in the pan, then place the pan on the stove and heat until it boils, stirring occasionally. After five minutes, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool, then rinse with warm water and wash with a sponge and dish soap.
To prevent discolouration, avoid overheating your pan and always use enough oil or fat. It's also important to use the right type of oil or fat—check what type is most suitable for cooking.
