A new non-stick pan is a beautiful thing, as any kitchen-loving adult knows. The smooth Teflon surface stops any dirt from sticking to the pan or pot, enabling you to cook delicious meals without the food getting stuck to the bottom and burning.
However, non-stick pans can’t stay new forever. So it is important to care for them correctly in order to extend the life of your pan as much as possible. After all, once the Teflon is scraped off the bottom, even just a little, food will start to stick, and your pan will no longer have those wonderful non-stick properties that make cooking with them a breeze and a pleasure.
So, to help extend the life of your non-stick cookware, we at Kitchenways have created this guide to cleaning non-stick pans the right way. Keep reading to find out how to remove tough grease, burnt-on food, and more.
How To Clean The Bottom Of Non-Stick Pans
One of the most appreciated characteristics of non-stick pans is that they are very easy to clean. So, normally, a quick wash in warm to hot water with mild dish soap and a wipe with a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge will do the trick.
It is important not to use anything scratchy or rough on the Teflon surface. Otherwise, the coating may be removed from the surface, ruining the pan. This is the most important trick to cleaning non-stick pans: be gentle.
How To Deep Clean Non-Stick Pans
If you start to notice a sticky buildup on the bottom or sides of your cookware, it may be time for a deep clean. In order to deep clean a non-stick pan, all you need is a little vinegar. Add one part vinegar and two parts water to the pan, and bring it to a simmer on the stovetop. Let it cool, and wash the pan with soap and a soft cloth or sponge as usual.
How To Clean Non-Stick Pans With Burnt-On Food
If your non-stick pan has food burnt onto the bottom that won’t come off with the usual washing methods, you’ll need to do a more thorough cleaning. Otherwise, food will start to stick, and it will become more and more difficult to completely clean the surface of the pan.
In order to clean burnt-on food from a non-stick pan, you will need vinegar and bicarb soda. Cover the bottom of the pan with water, and add two tablespoons of white vinegar, and an equal measure of bicarb soda. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring periodically. Let it boil for five minutes. Allow it to cool completely, and wash as normal with dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
How To Clean Baked Grease From Non-Stick Pans
If your pan has grease baked into the surface, your best shot is to use another type of oil to remove it. In order to do this, make a paste out of bicarb soda and olive oil. Cover the inside of the pan with this mixture, and leave it on for thirty minutes. Rinse off the paste and wash as usual. If the grease is extra stubborn, soak it in hot soapy water for ten minutes after you remove the paste, and then wash it with a soft cloth.
How To Clean Non-Stick Pans From Outside
Fortunately, the outside surface of non-stick pans is not covered in the Teflon material that requires a reasonable amount of carefulness. This also means, however, that food can get stuck to the outside of the pan when it spills over and gets burnt to the surface. For the outside of your pan, you can flip over your sponge to its more abrasive side and give it a good scrub. You should still be careful not to scratch the surface, but this will not be different from a normal pan.
Can A Non-Stick Pan Go In The Dishwasher?
It’s a common misconception that non-stick cookware cannot go into the dishwasher. In reality, most non-stick pans are dishwasher safe. However, this doesn’t mean that it is always the best option. The high temperatures and harsh detergents can sometimes affect a non-stick surface, and it is best to double-check your pans manufacturer’s care instructions. If it is a high-quality product, it should be able to be added to the dishwasher without any danger.
Do You Need A New Non-Stick Pan?
Non-stick pans generally last for approximately five years before needing to be replaced. If you’ve determined that your cookware is past its prime, or want to invest in your first non-stick pan or pot, browse our range of high-quality cookware. You’re sure to find just what you’re looking for.
