Cleaning and washing dishes is something that we all hate to do. I always try to find reasons and excuses to slack off after every meal I prepare. However, we can’t live a healthy life and enjoy healthy meals without securing healthy cookware.
Nonstick pans are considered to be one of the most used cookware in every kitchen. Whether for frying eggs or pancakes or even to cook rice. But cleaning them can be a difficult task if you don’t know how to do it right. Many people treat these types of pans as regular ones and end up putting them in a dishwasher or using rough sponges and utensils to clean them. Which can harm the coating and destroy the pans over time.
I have compiled a guide to make it easier for everyone to learn how to clean nonstick pans the right way
3 Different Methods To Clean Nonstick Pans
Before I go deep in details about the different methods you can use to clean your nonstick cookware, here is a list of the ingredients and tools you’ll need during the procedures:
- Soft sponge or cloth
- Softsoap
- Water
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Spatula (Silicone or Wood)
- Vegetable-based oil
- Salt
- Paper towels or soft dish rag
Note: Not all that mentioned above will be required in every method. Follow the instructions below to know what you’ll need.
Method 1: Cleaning Nonstick Pan with Dish Soap
This method requires less time to perform and it’s easy to do. It is ideal for those who are in a hurry and short in time. Also, it is very effective against less sticky grease. It would still work to remove burnt spots however, you may need to repeat the procedure more than once to secure a complete cleaned pan.
Instructions:
Step 1: Let the pan cool off after use.
Step 2: squirt the dish soap onto the soft sponge or cloth then rub gently the surface and the outside of the pan.
Step 3: after you rub the whole pan, make sure you didn’t miss a spot. Then put the pan under water to rinse off the soap.
Step 4: double check if any residue left. In case you found some, repeat the process until it’s all clean.
Step 5: Dry the pan with a towel or soft cloth before storing it.
Tips to consider:
- Avoid using metal or abrasive scrubbers or else you’ll risk damaging the coating of your nonstick pan.
- Avoid hot water, you may use lukewarm water during the process.
- In case you found some sticky burnt spot left after rinsing. Use salt by splashing a little bit over the pan and mixing it with water to create a paste, then rub with the soft sponge gently to drive it out. After few minutes rinse the pan and dry it off.
- It is recommended to season the pan after it dried. Use 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and rub it gently around the surface of the pan with a paper towel. Once it’s all good, let it stay for 1 minute and then use another paper towel to wipe off the spare (if there are any)
Method 2: Cleaning the Sticky Grease Off Nonstick Pans
This method is ideal to remove strong sticky grease and hard burnt spots. It takes more time, and it has more steps to follow but, it’s easier to do once you get the hang of it.
Instructions:
Step1: Handwash the pan using soft sponge or cloth that mixed with soft soap to get rid of the residues so that only sticky grease will be left.
Step 2: Fill the sink with lukewarm water to a degree where the pan will be completely covered, then squirt 1 teaspoon of the dish soap into the pan and put the latest in the sink.
Step 3: Let the pan to soak for around 10 to 15 minutes (time may vary depends on how strong the sticky grease in the pan)
Step 4: Create a paste by mixing water and baking soda then dip the soft sponge into the paste and gently rub the surface of the pan or just touch around to secure the paste is all around the surface.
Step 5: Let the paste to stay for around 10-15 minutes, then rinse the pan.
Step 6: once the paste is completely removed, pour 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable-based oil and 2-3 tablespoons of salt in the pan and let it heat on low to medium heat.
Step 7: After the pan is heated, lift it up and shake it to distribute the salt and oil evenly, then let it cool off.
Step 8: Once the pan completely cooled, handwash it gently.
Step 9: When you finish washing it, use a soft cloth to dry it immediately.
Tips to consider:
- Never put your nonstick pans in a dishwasher, even if brands claim it’s safe to do so. The hot water and harsh detergent used in the dishwasher would damage the coating of nonstick pan and makes it lose its nonstick quality.
- Never use abrasive tools like metallic sponges or steel wool…
- Baking soda is considered to be abrasive, it is recommended to rub it gently or even better to just touch the surface of the pan during the paste step.
- Never store your nonstick pans while they are wet. Always make sure to dry them off by hand using towels, soft cloths… to prevent the pans from rusting.
Method 3: Cleaning And Removing Oil Stains From Nonstick Pans
This method is great when it comes to removing the stains that have been created from oils.
Instructions:
Step 1: Put the nonstick pan on low heat then pour water in it until it fills the stains.
Step 2: Add half cup of white vinegar
Step 3: Wait around 5 minutes until the water starts boiling, then add 2 teaspoons of baking soda. ( Note: after adding baking soda, vinegar will react to it which will result in bubbles and froth to appear)
Step 4: Gently rub the stains with a wooden or silicone spatula to not damage the coating for around 3-5 minutes. ( Note: the time may differ depends on how greasy the pan is. So it may take longer than 5 minutes or lesser than 3 minutes)
Step 5: When you feel the stains are removed, turn off the heat and pour the mixed water out of the pan and let it cool.
Step 6: Once the pan is cooled, dry it off with a towel or soft cloth.
Tips to consider:
- Never attempt this method on high heat! Don’t rush and take your time to clean the stains on low to medium heat.
- Sometimes there will be very little stains left over after completing the steps mentioned above, in this case, just pour some lukewarm water with a bit of dish soap and clean it by rubbing gently with a soft sponge.
- Don’t leave the pan wet, dry it as soon you finish cleaning it.
- Don’t use hot water, always make sure the water is just warm.
B0ttom Line
I hope this guide served its purpose and helped you to learn how to clean nonstick pan the right way. Cleaning your pans after every use will help maintain its nonstick quality and performance and extend its lifetime for long use.
If the coating of your nonstick pan is already damaged from the previous cleaning, it is recommended to switch it with a new one to avoid any health risk. We have a collection of the best nonstick pans that would match your daily needs