Eliminating Fish Odor From Non-Stick Cookware

Fish is a delicious and nutritious meal, but the lingering smell of it on your non-stick pan can be off-putting. The good news is that there are several easy and effective ways to get rid of the fishy odour. Here are some tips and tricks to help you banish that smell and get your pan back to its fresh-smelling self.

Wash with vinegar and water

If you're looking to remove the fishy smell from your non-stick pan, one effective method is to wash it with vinegar and water. Here's a detailed guide to help you get rid of that stubborn fish odour:

Prepare a Vinegar and Water Solution:

Start by mixing a solution of vinegar and water. Use equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water, or for a more intense solution, you can use three tablespoons of vinegar for every cup of water. Distilled white vinegar is a great choice for this task as it is known for its odour-fighting properties.

Soak or Boil the Solution in the Pan:

Once you've prepared the vinegar and water solution, you have two main options: soaking or boiling. If the fish smell is particularly strong or stubborn, you may want to first soak the pan in the solution for about 30 minutes to an hour. Ensure the pan is completely submerged in a container deep enough to accommodate it. If the smell is milder, you can proceed directly to boiling the solution in the pan.

Boil the Solution:

Pour the vinegar and water solution into your non-stick pan and place it on the stovetop. Turn on the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for several minutes—at least 10 to 15 minutes for optimal odour removal. The acidic nature of vinegar helps neutralise alkaline odours, leaving your pan smelling fresh again.

Rinse and Dry:

After soaking or boiling, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water and a mild dish soap. Ensure that all traces of the vinegar solution are removed. Dry the pan completely with a soft cloth or towel.

Repeat if Necessary:

In some cases, you may need to repeat the process if the fish smell is particularly strong or persistent. Simply repeat the above steps until the odour is completely gone.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove fish smells from your non-stick pan, ensuring it's ready for your next culinary adventure without any lingering odours.

Use washing-up liquid

To remove the fishy smell from your non-stick pan, you can try using washing-up liquid. This method is simple and effective, and you likely already have the necessary supplies in your kitchen.

First, make sure you are using neat washing-up liquid, meaning it should not be diluted with water. Be generous with the amount you use, unless you are using the brand Fairy, in which case a little goes a long way.

Next, pour the washing-up liquid directly onto the pan. Using your hand or a clean cloth, rub the liquid all around the pan, making sure to cover the entire surface. Really work it in, and don't be afraid to use more if needed.

Once the pan is thoroughly coated, you can start to add a small amount of water and continue to scrub. You'll know the fish smell is gone when you can no longer smell the fish and the only scent left is that of the washing-up liquid.

Finally, wash off the liquid and inspect the pan. If the fishy smell is still present, simply repeat the process until it is completely gone.

Try lemon juice

Lemon juice is an effective way to remove the fishy smell from your non-stick pan. The citrus fruit is a common seasoning for fish, adding flavour notes when squeezed on top. Lemon juice can also be used as a cleaning fluid, ridding your kitchen of the fishy scent.

The reason lemon juice works is due to the way the acidity counteracts the natural compounds that give fish its characteristic smell. When you smell fish, you're smelling the compound trimethylamine, or TMA, found in ocean fish. The substance is also present in the human body when gut bacteria send it to the liver to be broken down into trimethylamine oxide (TMAO). In fish, the opposite reaction happens upon their death. TMAO helps fish cells process saltwater to maintain fluid balance, but when exposed to air, enzymes break this compound down into TMA.

Lemon juice and other acids stop this reaction. The "-amine" part of TMA refers to its classification as part of the same compound group as ammonia. The acidity (low pH value) of lemon juice neutralises this basic (high pH value) substance, turning the TMAO into odourless, stable ammonium salts, rather than the fishy-smelling, gaseous TMA.

To use lemon juice to remove the fishy smell from your non-stick pan, squeeze a few drops of lemon juice into the pan and wipe it around with a cloth or sponge. You can also spray a solution of lemon juice and water onto the pan and then wash it out. This will efficiently remove the fishy scent from your pan.

Soak in milk

Soaking your non-stick pan in milk is an effective way to remove fish odours. This method can also be used to remove odours from fish before cooking. The casein in milk bonds with the trimethylamine in the fish, which is the chemical responsible for the fishy smell.

To use this method to remove fish smells from your non-stick pan, fill the pan with milk and leave it to soak for around 20 minutes. The milk will need to be discarded after soaking, so it is best to only fill the pan with enough milk to cover the base.

It is important to note that this method is most effective when used on pans that have only been lightly affected by fish odours. For pans with strong or long-lasting fish smells, other methods may be more suitable.

In addition to removing fish odours, milk can also be used to prevent fish from smelling before cooking. Simply soak the fish in milk for 10-20 minutes, then pat it dry before cooking. This will result in fish with a sweeter smell and a cleaner flavour.

Use baking soda

To remove the fish smell from your non-stick pan, you can use baking soda. This is a great way to absorb odours without being too abrasive on your pan.

First, make a mixture of baking soda and water. The amount of each depends on the size of your pan, but a good rule of thumb is to use a ratio of 1:1. Mix the baking soda and water until they form a thick paste. You can adjust the consistency to your preference, adding more water if you want a thinner paste that is easier to spread.

Next, apply the paste to your non-stick pan. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently rub the paste all over the pan, ensuring it is evenly coated. Pay particular attention to the areas of the pan that had the most direct contact with the fish. Leave the paste to sit for at least 20 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more time the baking soda has to absorb the odours, so you can even consider leaving it overnight.

Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water. Ensure that all the paste is removed, and then dry the pan with a clean cloth or kitchen towel.

If the fish smell persists, you can repeat the process. Baking soda is gentle on non-stick pans, so you can use this method multiple times without causing damage.

Frequently asked questions