Scrubbing Non-Stick Pans: Dos And Don'ts

Non-stick pans are a kitchen essential, but they do require some special care to keep them in good condition. Here's how to scrub and clean your non-stick pan properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild, soft soap and lukewarm water

When cleaning a non-stick pan, it is important to use a soft cloth or sponge with mild, soft soap and lukewarm water. This is because the non-stick coating is delicate and can be damaged by harsh detergents, hot temperatures, and abrasive tools such as steel wool or scouring pads.

Firstly, squirt a small amount of mild, soft soap onto your soft cloth or sponge. Then, gently rub the surface of the pan in a circular motion, being careful not to scrub too hard as this can scratch the coating. Rinse the pan with lukewarm water to remove any soap residue and check for any remaining residue.

If there are stubborn spots or burnt-on food, a mild abrasive can be used. Sprinkle a little salt onto the area and add a splash of water to create a paste. Gently rub the paste with your soft cloth or sponge to dislodge the burnt-on food, being careful not to scratch the coating. Rinse the pan again with lukewarm water to remove any remaining residue.

Finally, dry the pan by hand using a soft dish rag or paper towel. It is important to ensure the pan is completely dry before storing it to prevent rusting.

Avoid using a dishwasher, harsh detergents, and high heat

Nonstick pans are convenient kitchen essentials, but they require special care to maintain their nonstick coating. Here are some tips to avoid using a dishwasher, harsh detergents, and high heat when cleaning and maintaining your nonstick pans:

Avoid the Dishwasher

It might be tempting to throw your nonstick pans into the dishwasher, especially if the manufacturer labels them as dishwasher-safe. However, it is best to avoid doing so. The high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers can damage both the nonstick interior and the exterior of your pans. Therefore, it is recommended to hand-wash your nonstick pans with mild, soft soap and lukewarm water. Wash them gently using a soft cloth, sponge, or nylon brush. Remember to dry your pans immediately by hand after washing to prevent rusting.

Stay Away from Harsh Detergents

When cleaning your nonstick pans, avoid using harsh detergents, oven cleaners, bleach, or liquid household cleaners. These can damage the nonstick surface. Instead, opt for mild, soft soap or a gentle dish soap designed to cut through grease. If you're dealing with stubborn residue, create a paste with baking soda and water and gently apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You can also fill your pan with water and add white vinegar, bringing it to a boil to help remove residue.

Keep the Heat Low

High heat is the enemy of nonstick pans. It can ruin the surface and cause the coating to crack or warp. Always use low to medium heat when cooking with your nonstick pans. Additionally, avoid sudden temperature changes by allowing the pan to cool naturally after use. Don't run cold water over a hot pan or vice versa, as this can cause warping.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your nonstick pans and maintain their nonstick properties. Remember to season your pans with oil occasionally and store them properly to ensure they last for years to come.

Use baking soda to remove stubborn residue

To remove stubborn residue from a non-stick pan, a simple paste made from baking soda and water can work wonders. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create a Baking Soda Paste

Mix equal parts water and baking soda in a small bowl to form a paste. The paste should have a consistency similar to toothpaste. You can also add a bit of olive oil to the mixture if you prefer.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Pan

Dip a non-metallic brush or sponge into the paste and gently apply it to the affected areas of the pan, including the sides and interior. Be sure to avoid using any metal utensils or sponges with abrasive pads as these can scratch the non-stick coating.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Allow the paste to sit on the pan for about 15 minutes. During this time, the baking soda will work its magic, breaking down the stubborn residue and making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash the Pan

After the paste has had enough time to work, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water to remove the paste and the loosened residue. Then, wash the pan with mild, liquid dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive scrubbers as these can damage the non-stick coating.

Additional Tips:

• Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so avoid rubbing or scrubbing the pan with it. Simply let the paste do its work and then rinse and wash as usual.
• If the residue is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the process or let the paste sit for a longer period of time.
• For extremely tough stains, you can try boiling a solution of baking soda and water in the pan. First, mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1/2 cup of water in the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let the pan cool. Rinse the stain with straight baking soda and a non-stick-safe nylon scrubbing brush.
• Always dry your non-stick pan immediately after washing to prevent rusting and ensure it is completely dry before storing.

Dry the pan immediately after washing

Drying your non-stick pan immediately after washing is an important step in keeping your pan in good condition. Leaving your pan to air dry can lead to rusting, warping, and discolouration.

To dry your pan, use paper towels or a soft dish rag to hand dry it. Make sure that you dry the entire pan, including the handle. Leaving any moisture on the pan can lead to rusting.

It is also important to store your pan correctly after drying. Pans should be hung with space in between them, or, if stacked, separated by a paper towel or clean, dry washcloth, dish towel, or reusable paper towel. This will prevent the non-stick surface from being damaged.

Avoid using metal utensils or sharp objects to prevent scratching

Non-stick pans are a great tool for home cooks. They are easy to use and clean, require less oil and butter, and are ideal for healthier cooking. However, despite their ease of use, there are right and wrong ways to use them. One of the top rules of using non-stick pans is to avoid using metal utensils on them. Metal utensils will scratch the coating on non-stick pans, compromising the integrity of the pan and leading to food starting to stick to the surface.

Non-stick pans have a Teflon coating that creates a non-reactive and nearly frictionless surface for cooking. Metal utensils, such as spatulas, tongs, whisks, spoons, forks, and knives, have sharp edges that can scratch or chip this coating. As a result, small fragments of the coating may end up in your food, which is undesirable and may even be dangerous. Additionally, the non-stick coating will gradually be destroyed, causing food to stick to the pan and defeating the purpose of using a non-stick pan.

Once the non-stick coating has been compromised, it is recommended to replace the pan. To avoid this issue, always use wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils with your non-stick pans. You should also hand-wash your non-stick pans and avoid using the dishwasher, steel wool, or anything abrasive. With proper use, cleaning, and care, non-stick pans can last up to five years.

In summary, to maintain the integrity and longevity of your non-stick pans, it is crucial to avoid using metal utensils or sharp objects that can scratch the coating. Instead, opt for wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils, and always hand-wash your pans with soft sponges or plastic scourers to prevent scratches and prolong the life of your non-stick cookware.

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