The nonstick pan, like sliced bread, is one of the great inventions of modern times. No more losing half your salmon or ruining your morning eggs, like with regular pans.
That’s why the non stick cookware industry is forecasted to reach a whopping $28.1 billion by 2017.
The only trouble is that the non stick surface wears away eventually and what was once a non stick pan turns into a sticks-like-hell pan.
The good news? You can dramatically extend the life of your pan by cleaning it properly after each use.
Keep reading to find out, once and for all, how to clean non stick pans.
3 Tips on How to Clean Non Stick Pans
The most important thing to know before investing in non stick cookware is how to clean it. By following these helpful tips and tricks, you can be sure to get more mileage out of your non stick pans.
1. Clean Immediately After Use
By cleaning your pan immediately after use, you’ll have a much easier time rinsing off all the debris. Make sure to clean it thoroughly so as to get rid of all the oil and residue left on the surface. Lingering debris can oxidize and burn onto your pan the next time you cook.
Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or dishcloth to clean both the inside and outside of your pan, and then dry with a clean towel. If you follow this advice, you’ll be left with a nice, clean non stick pan, ready to use again the next time you cook.
Buying a good quality pan makes cleaning so much easier. If you’re stumped on which pan to buy, check out this Cuisinart Green Gourmet review.
2. No Dishwashers Allowed
Dishwashers use very hot water to sanitize surfaces. This can damage the non stick surface of your pan or even cause it to warp. Furthermore, the strong detergents used by dishwashers are not recommended for non stick surfaces.
Even if your pan says ‘dishwasher safe’, it’s still safer to wash it by hand.
3. Avoid Steel Wool and Coarse Brushes
This goes without saying but it’s very important not to use steel wool or coarse brushes when cleaning your pan. These will damage the non stick surface and ruin the integrity of your pan.
Use a soft sponge, dishcloth, or gentle scrubbing brush instead.
Keep in mind that using metal utensils like spatulas to scrape the cooking residue off your pan is another sure-fire way to damage the surface. Stick with rubber utensils where possible.
How to Clean Baked-on Grease From Non-Stick Pans
By using a mixture of vinegar and bicarbonate, you can clean burnt-on grease from your plan without fear of damaging the non stick surface.
Mix water with vinegar and let that boil in the pan for around 10 minutes. Then, add a couple of teaspoons of bicarbonate. After the pan has cooled, throw out the mixture and clean with warm water and soap.
If you’re wondering how to clean burnt oil from non stick pans, you can use the same method.
Optimize Your Lifestyle
We hope you’ve enjoyed this short and sweet guide on how to clean non stick pans. Thanks to these great tips, you can extend the life of your cookware and save hundreds of dollars in the process!
If you want more awesome tips and lifestyle hacks, check out these nutrition and fitness tips next.
