The Right Way to Clean a Nonstick Pan So It Lasts for Years

Experts share tips for how to clean a nonstick pan and preserve its coating.

Nonstick cookware is a game-changer in the kitchen, allowing you to cook with less butter and oil and making clean-up a breeze. However, cookware with a nonstick coating requires careful cleaning and maintenance to keep it in pristine condition.

Cleaning nonstick pans the right way preserves the coating, prevents food residue and bacteria from building up on the pan, and ensures healthy and safe cooking. We turned to cleaning experts and a professional chef to learn how to clean a nonstick pan to prevent damage and how to care for it to ensure the longest possible lifespan.

Meet the Expert

• Morgan Eberhard , senior scientist and science educator at Procter & Gamble
• Alicia Sokolowski , president and co-CEO of AspenClean
• Ben Leonard , chef at GreenPan

Related: How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans the Right Way

Materials You'll Need

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning a nonstick pan.

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Soft sponge or dishcloth
• Dry towel
• Baking soda (optional)

How to Clean a Nonstick Pan

One of the many benefits of having a nonstick pan is that its coating makes it easy to clean. Let your pan cool down, then clean it using this simple method from Morgan Eberhard, senior scientist and science educator at Procter & Gamble.

1. Let the nonstick pan cool down if it's recently been used. Never plunge a hot pan into cold water, which can cause warping.
2. Once cool, spray the pan with a mild detergent, covering the entire surface.
3. Using a soft sponge or dishcloth, gently scrub the pan. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that can damage the nonstick surface.
4. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all soap is removed.
5. Let the pan air dry, or use a clean towel to wipe it dry. Make sure it's completely dry before storing it to prevent moisture buildup and potential rust.

How to Remove Cooked-On Grime From a Nonstick Pan

Even nonstick pans end up with cooked-on grime from time to time, but it can be removed with baking soda and elbow grease. To remove the grime from your nonstick pan, try this method from Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean

1. Soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 15 to 30 minutes to soften the food residue.
2. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away food residue.
3. For stubborn cooked-on grime, make a paste of equal parts baking soda and water.
4. Apply the paste to the pan's surface, allowing it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Gently scrub again with a soft-bristled brush or sponge, removing the remaining grime.
6. Rinse off any remaining baking soda paste or food residue with warm water.
7. Let the pan air air dry or use a clean towel to wipe it dry.

Materials to Avoid When Cleaning Nonstick Pans

Nonstick pans are easy to clean, but they are also easy to damage if you use the wrong materials. Some materials you’ll want to avoid when caring for your nonstick pans include:

• Metal utensils: Metal utensils not only severely scratch the surface of your nonstick pans, but they can weaken the nonstick layer over time, says Sokolowski.
• Abrasive detergents: Cleaning products that are too harsh, strong, or abrasive can damage the surface of your pan and ruin its nonstick properties, says Ben Leonard, chef at GreenPan. Avoid using bleach or chemical oven cleaners.
• Steel wool : Using steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers can result in deterioration of the nonstick surface, says Sokolowski. Always use a soft-bristled brush or washcloth to clean your nonstick pans.

How to Maintain a Nonstick Pan

Taking proper care of your nonstick pans will keep them clean and prolong their lifespan. Follow these helpful tips to keep your pans in good condition:

• Cook at lower temperatures, as nonstick pans can get hot enough to sear a steak even on low to medium heat, says Leonard.
• Hand-wash your nonstick pan, even if it's dishwasher-safe, says Sokolowski. Hand-washing is safer and helps preserve the coating.
• Store your pants carefully. “Avoid stacking nonstick pans directly on top of each other,” says Eberhard. “If space requires stacking, place a soft cloth between pans to protect the nonstick surface.”
• Opt for silicone or wood cooking utensils instead of metal to avoid scratching the nonstick surface, says Leonard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to clean a nonstick pan when burnt?

To clean a burnt nonstick pan, soak it for 15 to 30 minutes, then scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. If the burnt-on grime is particularly stubborn, make a paste of equal parts baking soda and water and allow it to sit on the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently scrub and rinse.

Can I use baking soda to clean nonstick pans?

Baking soda can be used to clean nonstick pans, and it can be effective at removing food residue without damaging the surface. “You should use it mixed with a bit of water, so it forms a paste, and then apply the paste on the tough spots,” says Sokolowski. Scrub and rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water, then wipe dry.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart .