How to Clean Non-Stick Cookware. Nonstick cookware is by far the easiest kind to clean. If you follow these simple steps, you can keep your nonstick cookware looking and cooking great.
Things You'll Need
Nylon Scrubbing Pad Or Brush
Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser &Amp; Polish
Baking Soda
Step 1
Read your manufacturer's instruction manual to find cooking, cleaning and care recommendations for your exact cookware type and brand. Or search online for it: Just type in the name of your cookware brand in a search and you'll come up with the product's extensive website. Always check out the information before using new cookware for the first time.
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Step 2
Rinse or soak pots and pans as soon as they cool after cooking. Don't let food dry on or else you'll have to scrape it off later. Nonstick coatings are delicate!
Step 3
Use only plastic, wooden or silicone utensils because nonstick coatings can nick and scratch very easily. Silicone utensils are great as they can take higher temperatures without melting and they do not discolor the way plastic utensils do.
Step 4
Wash nonstick cookware with a nylon scrubbing pad or brush, and warm, sudsy water. If any burnt-on food still remains, you can soak this type of cookware in an equal solution of baking soda and water. Use just enough to cover the bottom of the pan, and you'll know it's working when the solution turns brown. The food should just lift off the bottom of the cookware.
Step 5
Remove discolorations from the bottom of the pan as soon as you notice them, using a cleanser and polish called Bar Keepers Friend. Most manufacturers recommend this cleanser by name as the safest way to keep your cookware looking its best. Make a paste of this non-abrasive cleanser with a little water and rub the discolorations in a circular motion. This keeps shiny bottoms gleaming.
Step 6
Dry your nonstick cookware right away. Nonstick and outer surfaces show water spots and streaks easily if you put them away wet or allow them to air dry while hanging.
Tip
Always pay attention while cooking to avoid burning food to begin with. The food will be that much better and you'll avoid any burnt-on messes. Set your heat to medium or lower when cooking, even to preheat the pot. Unless you're boiling water, you'll never need to set your heat any higher than that. This way you'll avoid burnt-on messes.
Warning
Never put nonstick cookware in the dishwasher. The high heat and chemicals can weaken nonstick coatings. Nonstick cookware is not compatible with aerosol cooking sprays. Its slightly porous coatings absorb some of the spray, reducing the coating effectiveness, heat transfer and easy cleanup. So while the cookware sprays are easy for you, they're not easy on your nonstick cookware! Never use steel wool, alcohol, abrasive cleansers, bleach or oven cleaners on nonstick cookware.
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