How to Restore Non Stick Pan: 7 Easy Ways and Tricks

Last Updated on July 14, 2023 by Emily Anna

The nonstick pans make the cooking process and cleaning easier. But over time, even the best non-stick pans can lose its non sticking surface. As a result, people who don’t know how to restore non stick pan often end up throwing them away and having to buy new ones.

Fortunately, you don’t need to trow them because you can restore nonstick pans with minimal effort using home remedies. Here are some proven ways to restore the nonstick surface of a pan:

Cleaning the pan thoroughly.
Using vinegar.
Using salt.
Using baking soda.
By using Boiled water to restore the pan.
Through seasoning process
By Using a nonstick pan cleaner.

By following these methods, you can easily restore the nonstick surface of your pans and avoid the need to buy new ones. However, if you want to learn complete details about these methods keep reading the article.

How to Restore Non Stick Pan

1 Clean the pan

First clean the pan with a mild soap or detergent and a soft cloth or sponge to keep nonstick pans clean. However, avoid using any hard cloth or scrub that can scratch or damage the surface.

2 Use vinegar

This is an other an easy tip for cleaning a nonstick pan by using vinegar. Mix equal vinegar and water, and pour the mixture into the pan. Let it sit for some time. Then, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the pan thoroughly.

Due to its acidic properties, vinegar will effectively remove burnt or stuck-on food from the pan. You’ll be left with a perfectly restored pan in no time.

3 Use Salt

Many people need to be aware of how to restore a nonstick pan using salt. To do this, mix a small amount of salt with a little water to make a thick paste. Wet the pan slightly and apply the paste to all areas with even the slightest burnt food particles or marks.

Let the pan sit with the paste for a few hours. Then, scrub it thoroughly with a soft sponge or cloth and rinse with water. This method effectively cleans nonstick pans using salt.

4 Use baking soda

The easiest way to fix a scratched nonstick pan is by using baking soda. First, heat some water and pour it into a large bowl or pot. Mix in two tablespoons of baking soda and allow it to dissolve completely. Apply the mixture evenly over the entire pan and let it sit for a few minutes.

Then, scrub the pan thoroughly with a soft scrubber. Baking soda has alkaline properties that effectively remove any particles or burnt food on the surface and sides of the pan. Be careful to mix baking soda with water, as pure baking soda can damage the pan’s surface.

5 Boil water

Pour water into the pan and heat it on low flame. Remove from heat and scrub the pan thoroughly with a soft scrubber or sponge. Rinse well with water. The hot water helps to quickly dislodge any burnt or sticky food particles from the surface.

6 Season the pan

Wash the pan with any standard household detergent or soap, and then apply a thin layer of oil to the frying pan. Leave it for some time, and then wipe off any excess oil. When the remaining oil dries, the frying pan can be used.

After use, wash the pan with any normal detergent or soap, and after drying, season it again and store it in a good place. Recoating nonstick pans near me is the easiest way to protect the frying pan’s surface from scratches and damage and make it more durable.

7 Use nonstick pans cleaner

Use a specially formulated nonstick pan cleaner to restore nonstick pans, and remember to use lukewarm water for washing.

Tips for Maintaining Nonstick Pans

Avoid using metal utensils

Always avoid using metal utensils on nonstick pans, as using metal spoons, and other utensils can scratch the surface of the nonstick pan and cause the coating to crack easily.

Cleaning the pan after each use

Clean the pan thoroughly after each use. Spray the pan with lukewarm water, then scrub with any commonly used detergent or soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub. Then rinse with normal water and dry it thoroughly using a dish towel before storing it in a cool place.

Storing the pan properly

Deep and large drawers are excellent places to store nonstick pans. When storing the nonstick pan, ensure no metal around it could scratch it when lifted. Always keep utensils organized and have a designated spot for the nonstick pan.

Avoid using high heat

Be careful not to use nonstick pans at high temperatures. The capacity of nonstick pans is low in terms of temperature. At high temperatures, the surface of nonstick pans can get scratched, and its coating can also be damaged, emitting harmful fumes.

FAQs About How to Restore Non Stick Pan

How do you clean a ruined nonstick pan?

Take some water and add two spoons of baking soda to it. Now apply this mixture to the frying pan and rub it with a soft sponge.

Start rubbing in the opposite direction of the food particles and then bring them back in the same order. After rinsing it with water, dry it well and season it again.

How do I know if my nonstick pan is ruined?

Generally, replacing nonstick pans every five years for healthier cooking is best. If the pan’s surface becomes scratched, the coating starts to crack, the food burns and the pan turn yellow, then it’s time to replace it.

What to do when the nonstick coating comes off?

If the coating of the nonstick pan starts to come off, stop using it. But you can season it if you don’t want to replace it. Seasoning creates a coating on the surface that prevents the food from sticking.

Is it OK to use a damaged nonstick pan?

Using damaged nonstick pans is hazardous to health. The material that nonstick pans are made of starts releasing dangerous chemicals at high temperatures.

Therefore, it is essential not to use damaged pans as a precaution to avoid possible health hazards.

Can you repair a damaged nonstick pan?

Recoating a nonstick pan is laborious and time-consuming, in which the pan is first soaked in hydrochloric acid, and then seven layers of PTFE are applied.

It is then baked at temperatures over 800°F. However, if you don’t want to go through this process, you can also restore the nonstick surface for a limited time by seasoning the pan.

What is the lifespan of a nonstick pan?

Until recently, the shelf life of nonstick pans was only three years, but now due to modern methods such as seasoning, recoating, and the use of high-quality materials in texture and construction, they can be used for up to 5 years.

When should you throw away nonstick pans?

You may need to replace the nonstick pan due to coating cracks, surface scratches, flaking color, and food sticking.

Does vinegar damage nonstick coating?

If you use vinegar without adding water, it is harmful to damage the pan’s surface. But the mixture of vinegar and water is known as the best cleaner. It should be noted that vinegar should be kept on the vessel for a short time.

Using undiluted vinegar can be harmful to the surface of the pan. However, a vinegar and water mixture is an effective cleaner. It is important to note that vinegar should not be left on the pan for an extended period.

Conclusion:

You can restore nonstick pans using various techniques in a concise amount of time. If your pan is damaged, instead of replacing it, you can also recoat a scratched pan using baking soda, salt, vinegar, or by cleaning with hot water and seasoning.

Avoiding high temperatures, harsh scrubbers, and metal utensils can also prevent its coating from cracking. You can use nonstick pans for five to seven years with proper maintenance and cleaning.