If your non-stick pan keeps sticking: here’s how to restore the non-stick coating
Almost everyone has one in the cupboard: a non-stick pan. Extremely handy for frying an egg or a piece of meat without everything sticking to the pan. Have you noticed that your pan suddenly isn’t as non-stick as it used to be? Try this trick, and you’ll have that lovely non-stick coating back in no time.
It’s important to know that not all non-stick pans stay in good condition forever. How long the pan lasts depends on its quality. Pans with non-stick coatings containing PFAS chemicals have since been banned. And that’s a good thing, because it’s the number one reason we got rid of ours.
Why does food stick to the pan?
One of the most common reasons your pan no longer works properly is that food residue has been left behind. Even the thinnest layer of fried egg white or flour residue will make your food stick to the pan next time. So always clean the pan thoroughly—but be careful: scrubbing is a no-go. There’s a good chance you’ll damage the non-stick coating this way.
Burnt food or frequently using the pan over high heat can also cause the handy coating to become less effective. The biggest mistake you can make? Putting a pan in the dishwasher. Then you can be sure it won’t last long…
How to restore the non-stick coating
If you notice that all kinds of things are sticking, there’s still a chance to save the pan. Mix one cup of water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda (the cleaning king of the kitchen) and half a cup of white vinegar. Pour this into the pan, turn on the heat and let it simmer (!) for about 10 minutes. Then wash the pan as you normally would and grease it with some sunflower oil (or another vegetable oil).
Side note
As mentioned, this handy tip only works for pans that are slightly damaged. It’s difficult to see with the naked eye how badly the non-stick coating has deteriorated. In any case, it’s worth trying. Doesn’t it work? Then it really is time to buy a new set.
Also read:
- 4 things you’d better not use baking soda for
- These kitchen staples will get yellow sweat stains out of your clothes
- Rust stains on your knives? Remove them with this handy trick
