Eliminating Odors From Non-Stick Pans: A Quick Guide

Non-stick pans are a handy tool in the kitchen, but they can sometimes retain strong food odours such as fish, garlic, and onions. This happens because non-stick pans are coated in a plastic material called Teflon, which breaks down when exposed to high heat and begins to retain food odours. Luckily, there are several easy and inexpensive ways to remove odours from non-stick pans, including using baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and salt.

Removing Odor from Non-Stick Pans

Soak in a baking soda and water paste

To remove odours from a non-stick pan, a paste made from baking soda and water can be used. This method is particularly effective for removing lingering food smells and flavours.

First, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of water. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the water to create a thin paste. Let the pan sit for several hours, then rinse and wash the pan.

Another method is to create a baking soda and water paste, and coat the pan with it. Cover the pan with newspaper or seal it with a bag, and let it sit for about two hours. After the time has elapsed, wash the pan with warm water and dish soap.

For stubborn stains, a solution of baking soda and water can be boiled in the pan. Add four tablespoons of baking soda and half a cup of water to the pan, and boil the mixture. Let the pan cool, then rinse the stain with straight baking soda and a nonstick-safe nylon scrubbing brush.

Baking soda is a non-toxic, inexpensive household ingredient with mild abrasive properties. It is alkaline, and reacts with mild acids like vinegar, lemon, and hydrogen peroxide to create a foaming cleaner. This reaction gives the baking soda more power to remove stains and burnt-on food.

Use vinegar and water

Vinegar is an effective way to remove odors from non-stick pans. It is important to note that non-stick pans have a coating made of Teflon, a plastic material that retains taste and odor. When cooking at high heat, the plastic coating begins to break down, causing the pan to smell like chemicals and retain food odors.

To remove the odor, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar and Water Solution

Mix three parts water with one part vinegar. You can also add a few slices of lemon to the mixture if desired.

Step 2: Boil the Solution in the Pan

Place the pan on the stove and pour in the vinegar and water solution. Turn the burner to medium heat and let the mixture boil for about 20 minutes. The acid in the vinegar will help break down any tough food particles and remove odors.

Step 3: Cool Down

After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down completely. It is important to avoid rinsing a hot non-stick pan with cold water as it can cause the pan to warp and ruin its shape.

Step 4: Wash and Rinse the Pan

Once the pan has cooled down, use warm water and soap to wash the pan. You can use a soft-bristle brush or a non-abrasive sponge to gently clean the pan. Make sure to rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining residue.

Step 5: Dry the Pan

After washing and rinsing, place the pan on a drying rack or towel to air dry completely. Your non-stick pan should now be odor-free!

It is important to note that while vinegar is generally safe to use on non-stick pans, it should be diluted and not used excessively as it is a mild acid. Additionally, always make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintaining your non-stick cookware.

Try salt

If your non-stick pan is retaining odours, it's likely that the Teflon coating is breaking down. This can happen when cooking at high heat frequently. You may notice that the pan starts to smell like chemicals, and after several uses, it will begin to retain food odours.

To remove odours from non-stick pans, you can try using salt. Salt is a mild antiseptic that will cut through grease, lift stains, and remove odours. Here is how to use it:

Firstly, wipe the pan to get rid of any remaining food particles. Then, add a sizeable amount of salt to the pan. Next, scrub the pan with a non-corrosive brush or sponge. Finally, rinse the pan and let it dry.

You can also try other methods to remove odours, such as using baking soda and newspapers, or a mixture of vinegar and water. However, if the smell is still there, it may be time to replace your pan, as this is likely to be a recurring problem.

Lemon juice

To use lemon juice to remove odours from a non-stick pan, follow these steps:

• Begin by allowing the pan to cool completely before cleaning.
• Rinse the pan with water to remove any leftover food particles.
• Add a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice to the pan. The ratio should be three parts water to one part vinegar or lemon juice.
• Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
• Use a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula to stir the mixture and remove any burnt substances.
• Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool.
• Once cool, rinse the pan with warm water and soap, using a soft-bristled brush to clean it.
• Dry the pan thoroughly before storing it.

Boil water and baking soda in the pan

To remove odours from a non-stick pan, one method is to boil water and baking soda in the pan. This method is also effective for removing stubborn stains. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

First, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda to the pan. Then, add 1/4 cup of water. The exact amount of water can be adjusted, but enough should be added to cover the bottom of the pan. Next, bring the mixture to a boil in the pan. As the water evaporates, scrub off the film of baking soda and any food residue with a scrubby sponge or kitchen scrub brush. It is important to use a non-abrasive cleaning tool, as abrasive tools can scratch and damage the non-stick coating.

If the odour or stain is particularly stubborn, a stronger method can be used. Fill a large pot, such as a stock pot, with water and bring it to a boil. Add the non-stick pan to the water and submerge it. Then, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda to the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle boil. Allow the pan to boil for 15 to 30 minutes. Brown residue should begin to flake off. While the pan is still hot, remove it from the boiling solution. For any lingering stains, create a paste or slurry by adding more baking soda and water to the pan. Scrub away the stains with a non-stick-safe nylon scrubbing brush.

This method of boiling water and baking soda in the pan can effectively remove odours and stubborn stains from non-stick pans. It is important to be gentle and avoid using abrasive tools or materials to prevent scratching or damaging the non-stick coating.

Frequently asked questions