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Published 01/12/2025

How to clean non-stick pans

The beauty of non-stick pans is that – as the name implies – each pan features a coating that keeps food from sticking while cooking if used properly. “Sticky” or delicate foods like pancakes, eggs and fillets of fish become easier to cook when using a non-stick pan. You can cook with confidence, reducing the worry of burnt-on food. If you're unsure on how to use non-stick pans, read our guide on how to cook with non-stick pans for more guidance.

Our non-stick pans use a quality non-stick ceramic coating that promotes easy food release and fuss-free cleaning. However, to keep your non-stick pans performing their best, proper care and cleaning is required. We’ve listed a few best practices that you should follow, so you can enjoy your pans for many years to come.

Handwash is best

Dishwashing has its uses, but not when it comes to cleaning pans. High temperatures and harsh detergents will shorten the lifespan of your pans, damaging the non-stick coating and making it less effective. The dishwasher can also dullen the look and feel of your pans.

Instead, handwash using hot water, mild washing up liquid and a non-abrasive sponge. Steel wool cleaners can scratch and strip the non-stick coating from the pan, ruining the pan’s surface.

Allow the pans to cool down

The tip is for all cookware, not specifically for non-stick. Avoid overheating your pans when cooking, but also always allow the pan to cool down before submerging into water and cleaning. Going from hot to cold can cause thermal shock, damaging the pan’s non-stick surface and causing the pan to warp in shape.

The best way to avoid thermal shock is to gradually heat up your pan on the hob with oil (an empty pan can cause stress to the pan’s coating). Once you’ve finished cooking, leave the pan to cool down before placing it in water to clean.

Avoid metal utensils when cooking and cleaning

Metal utensils, harsh scrubbers and steel wool cleaners can cause damage to the pan’s non-stick coating, causing scratches and peeling. Once damaged, the non-stick coating is less effective and can reduce its non-stick capabilities. Only use non-scratch or softer sponges to avoid marks.

The same rules apply when cooking with non-stick pans too. Metal utensils like spatulas, spoons and turners should be avoided as this can scratch and remove the non-stick coating. Instead, use silicone or wooden utensils.

Don’t overheat the pan

Although a cooking precaution, this can prevent damage to the pan and avoid burnt-on food that’ll result in tougher cleaning practices. By cooking over a too-high temperature, you not only cause damage to the non-stick coating but also increase the risk of burning food onto the surface. Stick to a low, medium heat – and never go above a medium-high heat, especially when cooking on an induction hob.

For higher heat cooking tasks like browning, sauteing and flambéing, we recommend using uncoated pans as they can withstand higher temperatures.

Step-by-step guide: How to clean non-stick pans

  1. Once the pan is cool, wash in warm water with mild washing up liquid and a soft sponge. If there’s burnt-on food, allow the pan to soak a little longer.

  2. Rinse the pan, washing away any suds and soap residue.

  3. Dry immediately and completely with a tea towel to avoid rusting and watermarks.

  4. Avoid storing by stacking the pans on top of each other as this can scrape and scratch the coating. If you’re short on storage, place a tea towel between the pans or use Pan Protectors.

Is non-stick for me?

If you're unsure on whether non-stick pans are best for you, read our guide on how to choose a cookware set for further information. This guide talks you though choosing the right pans for your hob type as well as different materials and coatings, so you can find the right cookware set for you and your needs.

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