Restore Nonstick Pans: Easy Tips For Reviving Cookware

Non-stick pans are a blessing in the kitchen, but they can be frustrating when they start to lose their non-stick properties. Luckily, there are several ways to restore your non-stick pan so it's as good as new. Here are some tips and tricks to help you revive your non-stick pan:

- Wash your pan with a mild soap and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive cleaning tools, as they can scratch the non-stick coating.

- Create a mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar, and heat it in your pan on the stove for about 10 minutes. This will help remove any stubborn residue and deep clean your pan.

- Use oil to re-season your pan. Heat the pan on medium heat, add a couple of tablespoons of vegetable, canola, or coconut oil, and coat the bottom evenly. Heat the oil until it smokes, then let it cool and wipe out any excess.

- Try a non-stick cookware repair spray. Wash and dry your pan, apply the repair spray liberally, bake it in the oven at 350°F for 45 minutes, and then let it cool.

- Contact a coating specialist or the manufacturer. They may be able to re-coat your pan or offer a replacement, especially if it's still under warranty.

Use a special mixture of water, baking soda and vinegar to restore the pan

If your non-stick pan is starting to lose its non-stick properties, there are a few ways to restore it using a mixture of water, baking soda and vinegar. This method is great if you're on a budget and don't want to have to buy a new pan.

First, mix one cup of water, two tablespoons of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar in the pan. Place the pan on the stove and heat the mixture until it reaches a boil. Allow it to boil for about ten minutes.

After boiling, wash the pan as normal and then rub vegetable oil, coconut oil or olive oil directly onto the surface to clean and re-season the pan. It's important to do this while the pan is still lukewarm or at room temperature.

This method of re-seasoning the pan will help to fill in any scratches and reinforce the non-stick coating. It's a good idea to re-season your non-stick pan before each use to lubricate and protect the surface.

Use a non-stick coating spray

Using a non-stick coating spray is one of the easiest ways to restore your non-stick pan. You can find these sprays online or at home improvement stores. Before applying the spray, you must wash your pan thoroughly to ensure there is no remaining food residue. Give it some time to dry.

Once your pan is dry, spray an adequate amount of the repair spray on your pan. Make sure you have a thick and even coat on the inside of the pan. Allow your pan to sit for 30 minutes.

After that, preheat your oven to 500°F for ten minutes. Put the pan in the oven and let it sit for 45 minutes. Then, turn the oven off and allow the pan to cool down inside the oven on its own.

When your pan has cooled off entirely, wash it again with dishwashing soap and a soft sponge. Use a separator when storing your pans to ensure nothing scratches the surface. Your pan will now be almost as good as new and ready to use!

Contact the manufacturer or a coating specialist

If you don't want to recoat your non-stick pan yourself, you can always contact a coating specialist or the manufacturer. While this option may be more expensive, it is a good choice if you want a professional finish that will make your pan look almost new.

There are companies that specialise in coating cookware with Teflon. They are experienced professionals who know how to treat damaged or worn pans. You can also contact the manufacturer, especially if your pan is still under warranty, as they may offer to refinish your pan for free. Some companies may ask you to pay for the service.

Before deciding on this option, it is worth comparing the costs of restoring your non-stick pan with the cost of buying a new one, including any shipping costs to and from the manufacturer. If the costs are similar, or if the cost and hassle of restoring your pan are more than that of buying a new one, it may be better to discard the old pan and invest in a new set.

Season the pan with oil

To season a non-stick pan with oil, you will need to clean the pan thoroughly and then heat it on the stovetop for 3 minutes over medium heat. Next, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable, canola, or coconut oil to the pan, coating the bottom entirely. Heat the oil in the pan until it smokes, then let it cool completely, and wipe out any remaining oil.

Alternatively, you can season a non-stick pan in the oven. First, clean and dry the pan, then place it on the stovetop over medium heat and let it warm. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Pour a non-salted vegetable oil into the pan, coating the entire bottom of the pan and about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) high. Place the pan in the oven and let it heat for about 2 hours. Turn off the oven and keep the pan inside overnight. Take the pan out the following morning and wash it again.

Use salt to clean the pan

Using salt is a simple and effective way to clean your non-stick pan without damaging its delicate coating. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use salt to clean and restore your non-stick pan:

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Pan

Start by washing your pan with mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using harsh scourers or abrasive sponges, as they can scratch the non-stick coating. After washing, rinse the pan with lukewarm water and dry it thoroughly with a soft towel or paper towels. Ensure that the pan is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place the dry pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to high. Let the pan get very hot. This step is important as it prepares the pan for the salt treatment.

Step 3: Apply Salt

Once the pan is sufficiently heated, sprinkle table salt evenly across the surface. Use enough salt to cover the bottom of the pan generously. The salt will act as a buffer and exfoliator, helping to restore the non-stick coating.

Step 4: Cook the Salt

Allow the salt to cook in the pan for a few minutes. The salt will start to turn a brownish hue, similar to the colour of brown sugar. Do not let the salt burn or char, as this can affect the taste of your food the next time you use the pan.

Step 5: Wipe Away the Salt

Once the salt has turned brown, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully wipe away the browned salt using a damp kitchen paper towel. Be cautious, as the pan will still be hot. You can discard the salt in the sink or trash.

Step 6: Finish with Cooking Oil (Optional)

For an extra smooth finish, you can lightly rub a small amount of cooking oil over the non-stick surface after removing the salt. This step is not necessary but can help extend the life of your pan.

Tips:

• Always hand-wash your non-stick pans and avoid putting them in the dishwasher, even if they are labelled as dishwasher-safe.
• Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cleaning tools, as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• Never use metal utensils or sharp objects on your non-stick pan, as they can scratch the surface.
• Always protect your pan from high heat. Use low to medium heat when cooking, and coat the pan with butter, oil, or fat before turning on the heat.

By following these steps and using salt to clean your non-stick pan, you can effectively restore its non-stick properties and extend its life, ensuring many more delicious meals!

Frequently asked questions