Simple Methods to Clean Burnt Non Stick Cookware
We’ve all experienced it. Here’s how to restore your non-stick pan to its original condition. Non-stick pans are favored for their easy cleanup and stick-free cooking, but they can still suffer from burnt-on food.
If you’re dealing with a burnt non-stick pan, don’t fret. It happens to the best of us. Our team has created a comprehensive guide to help you clean a burnt non-stick pan and bring it back to its effortless, non-stick functionality.
What Causes Non-Stick Pans to Burnt?
Non-stick pans can burnt due to two main reasons:
dry heating and overheating:
Dry heating happens when the pan is exposed to heat for a long time without any contents. To prevent dry heating, always ensure there’s cooking fat or ingredients in the pan before applying heat.
Overheating occurs when non-stick cookware is subjected to very high temperatures for extended periods. To maintain the integrity of the non-stick surface, it’s crucial to use moderate heat. For cooking that requires extremely high temperatures, consider using more durable materials like carbon steel. We suggest cooking on medium-high heat at most.
Our Non-Stick Collection boasts an Award-Winning Stainless Clad core, providing an exceptional sear even at lower temperatures.
Easy Solutions for Cleaning a Burnt Non-Stick Pan
Once you’ve discovered that your non-stick pan has a burnt bottom or cooking surface know how to remove grease from non stick pans, try these reliable cleaning methods:
Soap and Water
The first method to restore a burnt pan is to wash the surface with dish soap, hot water, and a dish sponge.
01: Rinse
Burnt food on your pan is likely dried out. Soak the pan in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the hardened food, making it easier to clean.
02: Soap
After soaking, drain the water and add dish soap to both the sponge and the pan. The soap helps break down oil, grease, and burnt food particles.
03: Sponge
Use the rough side of your dish sponge to scrub the burnt areas clean. Avoid abrasive materials like steel wool or heavy-duty scrubbing brushes, as they can damage the delicate non-stick coating.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
If your pan is charred, a mixture of white vinegar, water, and baking soda can help remove black residue.
01: Create the Mixture
In your non-stick pan, mix enough water to cover the bottom with 2 tablespoons each of white vinegar and baking soda.
02: Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil and stir with a silicone or wooden spoon for 5 minutes to loosen burnt residue.
03: Sponge
Allow the mixture to cool completely, then discard the solution. Rinse the pan with warm water and proceed with steps two and three of the first method.
Still Stuck?
If both methods fail to remove the burnt residue, it might be time to replace the pan. Once the non-stick coating starts to break down, it will only deteriorate further, causing more food to stick. In some cases, the coating may even begin to flake off during cooking.
Top Tips for Caring for Your Non-Stick Cookware
Non-stick pans are beloved for their easy-to-clean surfaces, but they require more careful handling than more durable cookware like carbon steel or cast iron. To ensure your non-stick pan remains in excellent condition for years, follow these essential maintenance tips.
Cook on Low Heat
One of the main culprits for burnt food is cooking on high heat. While it might seem efficient, high heat often results in burnt, overcooked food and damaged cookware. High-quality non-stick pans, like those from Made In, perform exceptionally well even at lower temperatures.
Use Non-Metal Utensils
While metal spatulas, whisks, and spoons are great, they aren’t suitable for non-stick cookware. Metal utensils can scrape and damage the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for wood or silicone utensils to preserve your pan’s surface.
Monitor Your Cooking
It’s essential to keep an eye on your food while it cooks, regardless of the type of cookware. Leaving your dish unattended, even for a moment, can lead to overcooking or burning. Stay attentive to ensure your meal remains perfectly cooked without turning into a smoky disaster.
Prepared to Start Cooking without Burnt
If you end up with a burnt non-stick pan, the methods mentioned above should help you restore it to its original state. However, if you need to replace your pan, consider exploring our range of high-performance non-stick cookware. Our collection features a durable, easy-to-clean coating and an award-winning 5-ply stainless clad construction, ensuring long-lasting quality and superior cooking performance.
