Preserve your Teflon: Essential tips for extending pan life
Out of habit, we often tackle many stains on our pans with brushes, soak them immediately after frying, and place them in the dishwasher. Unfortunately, this is a surefire way to damage the equipment. If you don't want to ruin your Teflon pan and waste money, learn how to clean it properly.
Do you have a pan with a non-stick coating and wonder how to clean it without damaging the delicate surface? Here’s a method that not only avoids ruining your equipment but also effectively deals with dirt and dried grease.
How not to handle Teflon pans?
Forget about washing these pans in the dishwasher! It may seem convenient, but it will damage the surface and prevent food from sticking. Always check the manufacturer's washing recommendations. Although there are models resistant to mechanical washing, these are rare exceptions. Avoid using abrasive sponges, steel wool pads, and strong detergents that can damage Teflon. The pan loses its properties without this coating, forcing you to use more fat. Besides, never pour cold water on a hot pan just after removing the cutlets. Below is a suggestion on how to wash Teflon pans properly.
How to properly wash a non-stick pan?
After cooking, set the pan aside to cool. Washing it while hot can lead to damage and warping. Once it’s cooled down, use a soft sponge and dish soap. Gently rubbing its surface will easily remove grease. Then, thoroughly rinse it and place it on a drying rack to dry. It's important to store pans individually, without other dishes on top. This minimizes the risk of scratches. A good solution is to hang them on hooks or arrange them in cabinets with special felt dividers to prevent unnecessary damage.
