Wash by hand after each use. Dishwasher detergent and very hot water are hard on a coating, so hand washing is the safe default; where the maker's instructions say otherwise, follow them. The routine runs in five steps:
How-to
How to Clean Non Stick Pans
How to clean non stick pans: everyday washing, a baking soda simmer for burnt food, a vinegar fix for sticky film and what to avoid.
Most damage to a nonstick pan comes from cleaning it wrong rather than from cooking in it: a hot rinse, a scouring pad or a trip through the dishwasher can wear away the coating that does the work. The daily routine is short, and both burnt-on food and a sticky film have gentle fixes that need no scrubbing hard.
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Five steps for everyday cleaning
- Let the pan cool completely, since rinsing a hot pan can warp it.
- Rinse with soap and warm water to lift loose food.
- Scrub gently with a soft sponge or washcloth.
- Rinse again to clear soap and food particles.
- Dry with a clean towel.
Five steps to lift burnt-on food
For light scorching, a soak is the lowest-effort fix: fill the pan with hot water and a little dish soap, leave it from about 20 minutes to an hour, then loosen the softened food with a nylon scrubber. If marks remain, a baking soda simmer usually clears them.
- Set the pan back on the stovetop.
- Add about a quarter cup of baking soda and enough water to cover the bottom by 2 to 3 inches.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
- Pour it out, then wash with soap and warm water, rinse and dry.
How to remove a sticky film
A tacky layer that makes food cling even after washing is built-up oil, usually from repeated use of cooking sprays or oils. Many aerosol sprays contain soy lecithin, which leaves a sticky buildup on the surface. To clear it, bring one part white vinegar and two parts water to a simmer in the pan until the residue loosens, let it cool, then wash with soap and warm water and dry.
Ingredient lists differ from spray to spray. See our recommendations on which cooking spray for waffle maker to buy.
What damages a nonstick coating?
Most coating damage is avoidable. A light brushed film of oil is gentler than a can when a pan needs help releasing food, and the alternatives to cooking spray list other ways to grease a pan. These habits do the real harm:
- Metal utensils: scratch the coating; wood or silicone tools are safer.
- Scouring pads and steel wool: scratch and wear down the surface.
- Cold water on a hot pan: can warp the pan.
- High heat: keep the burner on medium or low to protect the surface.
- Dishwasher cycles: harsh detergent and heat can wear the coating down.
When does a nonstick pan need replacing?
A well-kept nonstick pan lasts about five years. Replace it if it stays sticky after a proper clean, if the coating is flaking, or if the surface is badly scratched; cleaning cannot restore a damaged coating.