Calphalon pans are known for their durability and quality, but even the best cookware can fall victim to wear and tear. Over time, your Calphalon pans may lose their shine, develop burn marks, or become coated with a white film—especially if they've been put in the dishwasher. While it's important to care for your pans properly to prevent damage, accidents happen, and knowing how to restore your Calphalon pans can give them a new lease of life.
What You'll Learn
Use white vinegar to remove residue
White vinegar is a great way to remove residue from Calphalon pans. It is an effective method for removing burnt bits from both the interior and exterior of the pans. The vinegar helps break down stains, food particles, and burnt residue.
Step 1: Fill your sink with a mixture of one cup of vinegar and three cups of water. Ensure that the sink is large enough to fully submerge the pan.
Step 2: Submerge the pan completely in the vinegar-water mixture. Let the pan soak for about 15 minutes. The vinegar will help dislodge the food particles and loosen any stubborn residue.
Step 3: Use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge to gently scrub the pan and remove any remaining food particles. Pay attention to both the interior and exterior surfaces.
Step 4: Drain the sink and refill it with hot soapy water. Use a mild liquid dish soap for this step.
Step 5: Clean the pan thoroughly with a non-abrasive sponge, soft-bristled brush, or a washcloth. Make sure to clean both the inside and outside of the pan to remove any remaining residue.
Step 6: Rinse the pan with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Step 7: Dry the pan with a dishtowel or a clean absorbent towel. You can also let the pan air dry by placing it upside down on a drying rack. Ensure the pans are completely dry before storing them.
Using white vinegar is a simple and effective way to restore your Calphalon pans and remove any stubborn residue. This method is particularly useful for removing burnt bits and discolouration from the pans.
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Try Bar Keepers Friend cleanser
If your Calphalon pans have become foggy grey or coated with a white film, it may be due to putting them in the dishwasher. This can be caused by the harsh detergents and very hot water in the dishwasher, which can damage the anodized surface of the pans.
To restore your Calphalon pans, you can try using Bar Keepers Friend cleanser. This product is recommended by Calphalon for cleaning the exterior of hard-anodized aluminum cookware. Here are the steps to follow:
- Start by using a dry, green Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge.
- Rub the sponge in the same direction as the grain of the dry pan. This will help you avoid scratching the surface.
- Hand wash the exterior of the pan with Bar Keepers Friend cleanser. Follow the instructions on the product for the correct amount to use and any safety precautions.
- Rinse the pan thoroughly. Bar Keepers Friend cleanser can leave a powdery residue, so make sure to rinse well.
It's important to note that if your Calphalon pans have been severely damaged by the dishwasher, they may not return to their original condition. The exterior cosmetic issues may persist, but the pans should still function normally for cooking. Additionally, always wear gloves when using Bar Keepers Friend cleanser, as it can be strong and irritating to the skin.
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Scrub with a Scotch-Brite sponge
If your Calphalon pans have been damaged by the dishwasher, you can try to restore them by scrubbing with a Scotch-Brite sponge. Firstly, ensure your pan is dry. Then, take a dry, green Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge and rub the pan in the same direction as the grain. This method is specifically recommended for hard-anodized aluminum pans.
The Scotch-Brite sponge is a heavy-duty scouring pad, which is ideal for removing tough, baked-on stains. The green sponge is a heavy-duty, scouring pad designed to remove tough, baked-on messes. The scouring pad is made from a material that is both durable and flexible, allowing it to contour to the shape of your pan as you scrub. The scouring pad is also safe to use on most cooking surfaces, including metal, glass, and ceramic.
When scrubbing your pan, it is important to apply even pressure and scrub in the same direction as the grain of the pan. This will help to prevent scratching and further damage to the pan's surface. You may need to apply some pressure to remove the stains, but be careful not to press too hard, as this could also damage the pan.
After scrubbing with the Scotch-Brite sponge, be sure to hand-wash the pan with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining residue. Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it completely before using it again.
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Return pans under the lifetime warranty
Calphalon offers a lifetime warranty on many of its product lines. If your pans are covered by the warranty and you wish to return them, you can do so by following these steps:
First, determine if your pans are eligible for a return. Calphalon's warranty covers items found to be defective in material or workmanship when used for normal household purposes and cared for according to the instructions. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse or abuse, such as improper cleaning, neglect, accidents, or use in a commercial setting.
Next, you will need to initiate a warranty claim. You can do this by visiting the Calphalon website and using the Contact Us form to submit your query. Make sure to include all relevant information about your pans and the issues you are experiencing.
When your claim is processed, Calphalon will provide instructions on how to return the pans. Please note that the cost of returning the product to Calphalon is the customer's responsibility.
If your pans are found to be defective, Calphalon will replace them with the most comparable current item. It's important to note that Calphalon does not accept special requests or upgrades in exchange for money. If your specific pan is discontinued, Calphalon will automatically replace it with the most similar item currently manufactured.
In some cases, you may be able to return your pans to the retailer from which you purchased them, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, instead of returning them directly to Calphalon. This option may save you shipping costs, but be sure to check with the retailer beforehand to understand their specific return policy.
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Boil vinegar in the pans
Boiling vinegar in your Calphalon pans is an effective way to restore them without damaging the non-stick surface. This method is particularly useful for removing burnt residue.
First, fill the pan with water and add half a cup of vinegar. Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. The vinegar will help dissolve any food particles stuck to the pan.
After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the liquids to cool. Once the pan is cool enough to handle, use a soft sponge or soft scrubbing pad to scrub away the loosened residue. Be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure to avoid scratching the surface. If necessary, repeat the process until all the burnt bits are removed.
Finally, wash the pan with mild dish soap and water, and dry it with a lint-free dish towel, such as a microfiber cloth.
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Frequently asked questions
If the Calphalon pans have been run through a dishwasher, the hard-anodized aluminum surface may have been damaged by the harsh detergents. Try using a dry, green Scotch Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge and rub it in the same direction as the grain of the dry pan. Then, hand wash the exterior with Bar Keeper's Friend cleanser, rinse well, and dry.
Try cleaning the pan with white vinegar or a product like Bar Keepers Friend. If that doesn't work, you may need to return the pan or send it back to Calphalon for reconditioning.
If your Calphalon pan has lost its non-stick coating, it is recommended that you dispose of it and purchase a new one. Non-stick cookware is not designed to last and can be unsafe to use if the coating wears off. Consider investing in more durable cookware such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or cast iron.