How to Clean Non Stick Pans

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for friends and family, keeping your pots and pans clean and ready to go before every use is essential. However, no one likes spending time struggling to get bits of burnt food, fat, or grease residue out of their cookware.

Here are some tips on how best to clean your non-stick pans quickly and efficiently, so you can have them in tip top condition in no time at all:

Hand wash whenever possible – While this may be a bit of a hassle, it’s worth it to maintain the quality of your pans, especially when they’re non-stick. Even if your pan says it’s dishwasher safe, the high heat and harsh detergents from your dishwasher can break down its non-stick surface over time.

Clean as soon as possible with hot soapy water – To clean your pots and pans, use a gentle dish soap made to cut through grease. Wash the entire inside and outside of the pan using soap, water, and a microfibre cloth.

Try natural cleaning options – A great alternative to corrosive household cleaners is baking soda, which you can mix with water or olive oil until it reaches a paste consistency. Not only does this work well as a green cleaning option, but it also works to remove burnt-on grease.

Cleaning concoction - You can also mix half a cup of vinegar with half a cup of water and heat this up in your pan over a medium heat for 5-10 minutes, before allowing it to cool. Once it’s cool, wash up your pan as normal with warm water, dish soap and a microfibre cloth.

Avoid using abrasive materials – Steer clear of cleaning your pans with scratchy pads as these can damage their non-stick coating. Instead, stick to a soft microfiber cloth and avoid using anything metal on non-stick surfaces. To maintain the coating of your pans, adding a teaspoon of oil before and after using can help to protect their surface.

Make sure to dry thoroughly - After cleaning your pans, ensure they are completely dried off before safely storing them away. Use a dish drainer to allow them to completely dry.  If stacking your pans in the cupboard, try using some pan protectors between each pan to avoid scratching and surface damage.

For more helpful tips, check out our advice on how best to care for your cookware here.