Restoring Non-Stick Pans: Salt To The Rescue

Non-stick pans are a convenient kitchen tool, but they can lose their non-stick properties over time. A viral TikTok hack suggests that salt can be used to restore non-stick pans. The hack, shared by user Sophie Louise, involves cleaning the pan with washing-up liquid and a soft sponge, drying it, and then covering the base of the pan with an even layer of table salt. The pan is then heated until the salt turns brown, at which point the salt is discarded and the pan is wiped with a damp kitchen towel. While some people have found this method effective, others remain unconvinced. There are alternative methods for restoring non-stick pans, such as using a special mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar, or using a non-stick pan repair spray.

Clean the pan with dish soap and a soft sponge

To restore a non-stick pan with salt, the first step is to clean the pan with dish soap and a soft sponge. This is important because it removes any residue or dirt from the pan's surface, preparing it for the salt treatment. Here's a detailed guide on how to effectively clean your non-stick pan with dish soap and a soft sponge:

First, ensure that your non-stick pan has cooled down completely before cleaning it. Never put a hot pan directly under cold water as it can cause warping due to thermal shock. Once the pan is cool, squirt a gentle liquid dish soap onto your soft sponge or a soft-bristle brush. Avoid using metal sponges or abrasive scrubbers as they can scratch the non-stick coating. Gently rub the surface of the pan in a circular motion with the soapy sponge. Be sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges and handle.

After scrubbing the pan, pay attention to the outside of the pan as well. Repeat the same process for the exterior, ensuring that you don't use any harsh cleansers or abrasive tools. Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the pan thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue. If there are any burnt spots or stubborn residue, create a paste by sprinkling a little kosher salt onto the area and adding a splash of water. Gently scrub the area with your sponge, being careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid scratching the coating. Finally, rinse and dry the pan thoroughly.

It is important to note that while cleaning your non-stick pan, you should avoid using metal utensils as they can damage the coating. Additionally, always allow the pan to cool down before cleaning and avoid putting it in the dishwasher as the high heat and harsh detergents can be damaging. By following these steps, you can effectively clean your non-stick pan with dish soap and a soft sponge, preparing it for the salt restoration process.

Dry the pan

Drying your non-stick pan is an important step in the restoration process. After washing your pan with some washing-up liquid and a soft sponge, ensure that you dry it thoroughly. This is important because any remaining water will evaporate when you put the pan on high heat, which is the next step in the process.

Once you have dried your pan, put it on the hob and turn the heat up high. It is important that the pan is very hot before you add the salt. This is because the salt needs to be cooked in the pan for the hack to work.

Leaving your pan to dry naturally is the best option, but if you are in a hurry, you can use a paper towel or a soft cloth to speed up the process. Make sure that you do not leave any water residue on the pan, as this will affect the salt's ability to restore the non-stick coating.

It is also important to note that you should not put the pan in the oven or dryer to speed up the drying process. This could damage the pan and affect the non-stick coating.

Heat the pan on high heat

After cleaning and drying your pan, it's time to heat it up. Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat up to high. Let the pan sit for a minute or so—TikTok creator Sophie Louise says it should get "very, very hot" before you put the salt in. You'll know the pan is hot enough when you sprinkle a few water droplets into it and they quickly sizzle.

It's important to note that non-stick cookware is not designed for high heat. Higher temperatures will damage the coating over time, and high heat can also cause the release of harmful toxins, depending on the type of coating on your pan. So, be sure to only use high heat when necessary and opt for a stainless steel or cast-iron pan when you need to sear something.

Cover the bottom of the pan with an even layer of salt

Once your pan is clean and dry, it's time to get it nice and hot. Place the pan on the stove and let it heat up for a minute or so on high heat. You want the pan to get very hot before adding the salt.

Now, it's time for the star of the show – the salt! Cover the bottom of the pan with an even layer of table salt. Make sure the salt is distributed evenly across the pan's surface. You want to create a consistent layer of salt to ensure effective "exfoliation" of the pan's surface.

At this point, your pan should be sizzling hot, and the salt will start to cook. Let the salt cook for a couple of minutes. You'll know it's ready when it turns a golden brown colour, resembling brown sugar. The salt will begin to loosen and lift any leftover residue and built-up cooking spray, reviving your pan's non-stick properties.

Once the salt has turned golden brown, it's time to remove it from the pan. Carefully dispose of the salt by tipping it down the sink or into the trash. Be cautious, as the salt and pan will be very hot.

Wipe the pan with a damp kitchen towel

Once the salt has turned golden brown, remove the pan from the heat and dispose of the salt. You can dump it down the sink, as this can help clean the sink, or throw it in the trash. Next, take a damp kitchen towel and carefully wipe the pan out to remove any excess salt. Be cautious as the pan will still be hot.

It is important to note that the pan will still be hot after this process, so be sure to handle it with care to avoid any burns. If you are concerned about the heat, you may want to let the pan cool down for a few minutes before wiping it out. However, if you are eager to get started, using a thick wad of paper towels or a damp kitchen towel will help protect your hands from the heat.

After wiping out the pan, it is now ready to be used for cooking. To test the effectiveness of the salt hack, you can try frying an egg with some oil in the pan. If the pan has been successfully restored, the egg should not stick to the surface.

This salt hack is a simple and inexpensive way to restore a non-stick pan that has lost its non-stick properties due to mild to moderate scratches. While it may not work for every stubborn non-stick pan, it is definitely worth giving it a try before considering more costly or time-consuming alternatives.

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