Removing Rust From Your Non-Stick Pan: A Quick Guide

Removing rust from non-stick pans can be tricky as you can't scrub the non-stick layer as you would with cast iron or stainless steel. For non-stick pans, it is recommended to use a cleaning product specifically designed to remove rust. However, if you want to try a DIY method, you can use a mix of baking soda and vinegar. First, wash the pan as you normally would, making sure not to dry it afterward. Next, apply a layer of baking soda, sprinkling it all over the pan until it forms a paste-like layer. Then, spray vinegar over the pan until the baking soda is soaked. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours, replenishing the vinegar as needed. Finally, scrub away the rusted areas with a soft sponge and rinse and dry your pan.

Baking soda and vinegar

To remove rust from a non-stick pan using baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Wash the Pan

Wash the pan with dish soap and warm water to remove any debris or food residue. Do not dry the pan as you will need the excess moisture for the next step.

Step 2: Apply a Layer of Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda all over the pan, especially on the areas where rust occurs. The baking soda layer may look dry or paste-like.

Step 3: Spray Vinegar Solution and Let It Sit

Spray vinegar all over the pan until the baking soda is soaked in vinegar. The solution should react and bubble, which is important for lifting out the rust spots from the non-stick material. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours, replenishing the vinegar as needed.

Step 4: Scrub Away the Rusted Areas

After 30 minutes, take a soft sponge and carefully scrub away the rusted areas. The rust should be easy to remove. If not, leave the solution to soak for a longer period, checking every 30 minutes.

If the rusted area easily lifts off the non-stick layer, then you can proceed with scrubbing out the rust spots. Be careful not to place too much pressure on scrubbing your non-stick cookware to avoid scrubbing away the non-stick layer.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Rinse out the cleaning solution and towel dry your non-stick cookware. Place your pan on the stove and heat dry the pan to remove excess moisture from the pan, which will prevent rust from forming again.

Lemon juice and baking soda

Step 1: Make a Cleaning Paste

Create a paste by mixing lemon juice and baking soda. The lemon juice is an acidic solution that will lift and remove rust, while the baking soda helps to lift away the layer of rust that has formed on your pan.

Step 2: Apply the Paste and Let It Sit

Spot clean the rusty areas of the pan by placing a thick layer of the paste over them. Let the paste sit for at least 15 minutes. If the paste starts to dry out, add a few drops of lemon juice to rehydrate it.

Step 3: Scrub Out Rust Spots

Test a small area to see if the rust can be easily removed. If not, leave the paste on for a little longer. If the rust can be scrubbed away, use a scouring pad or steel wool to scrub the rusty areas. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as you don't want to damage the non-stick coating.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse away the paste and wash the pan with dish soap and water. Dry the pan with a kitchen towel or paper towel, and let it air dry completely before storing it away.

Tips:

• This method can also be used to remove rust from other stainless-steel cookware, such as baking pans and oven grills.
• To prevent rust from forming in the first place, be sure to clean and dry your pans after each use.
• You can also season your pans with cooking oil to create a protective layer that helps keep moisture out.

Coarse salt and potato

To remove rust from a non-stick pan using coarse salt and potato, follow these steps:

First, cut a potato in half. The direction you cut it in depends on the size of the surface area you want to clean. Next, dip the cut end of the potato in dish soap or baking soda. Firmly rub the potato over the rusty area of the pan. If the potato becomes slick, slice off the end and dip the new cut end into the dish soap or baking soda. Repeat this process until the rust is removed. Finally, rinse and dry the pan.

The reason this method works is that potatoes contain oxalic acid, which helps to break down rust.

Soaking in vinegar

Vinegar is an effective way to remove rust from your non-stick pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a container or your sink. Ensure you have enough of this solution to completely submerge your pan.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Submerge your pan in the vinegar solution, ensuring that all rusty spots are covered. Leave the pan to soak for at least one hour. For more severe rusting, you can leave the pan to soak for up to five hours. Check on the pan regularly, removing it from the solution once the rust flakes away easily.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After soaking, remove the pan from the solution and scrub it with a sponge or scouring pad. For minimal rust, a regular sponge should do the trick. However, if your pan is covered in rust, you may need to use steel wool to scrub it off.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you have removed all the rust, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a kitchen towel. You can also place the pan on the stovetop over low heat to ensure it is completely dry.

Step 5: Season the Pan

After your pan is dry, it is important to season it with oil to restore the protective layer. Coat the inside and outside of the pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil or another neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point.

Step 6: Bake the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the oiled pan upside down in the oven, with a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the rack below to catch any drips. Leave the pan in the oven for one hour, then turn off the heat and let it cool overnight, or for at least 45 minutes, before using it again.

Maintenance Tips:

• Always ensure your non-stick pan is completely dry before putting it away.
• Store your pan in a low-humidity spot, using pan separators or paper towels between pans to prevent moisture buildup.
• Regularly clean and season your pan to prevent rust from forming.
• Avoid submerging your non-stick pan in water, as this can damage the coating.

Coarse salt and lemon

To remove rust from a non-stick pan using coarse salt and lemon, follow these steps:

Firstly, pour coarse sea salt into the rusted pan. The amount of salt should be enough to lightly cover the rusted spots inside the pan. The salt acts as a mildly abrasive agent, helping to remove tough, set-in rust without damaging the non-stick coating.

Next, cut a lemon in half and rub the cut end into the salt, scouring the pan until the rust lifts away. The citric acid in lemons works similarly to vinegar in dissolving rust. If your salt starts turning red or orange from the rust, simply discard it and pour a new layer of salt into your pan.

Finally, clean the pan with soap and warm water, then dry it with a towel. Rinse away the salt and rust by holding your pan under the kitchen sink. Then, wash it thoroughly with dish soap and warm water. Dry the pan completely with a clean kitchen towel.

If you are dealing with only a light layer of rust, you can simply scrub the pan with a lemon and coarse salt without having to add water or soap.

Frequently asked questions