How to Restore a Non Stick Frying Pan - Step by Step Guide

How to Restore a Non Stick Frying Pan - Step by Step Guide

Do you need to know how to restore a non stick frying pan? Why not? If you are rather low on the budget, knowing how to restore the pan can save you money. Moreover, you don’t have to end up throwing away pans often. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to repair your old and worn pan. There are several simple ways to do so your pan would be as good as new. 

Nonstick Pan Common Problems

Pans come in various types and its one of the essential item for a kitchen. When the pans have a special coating (more popular as the Teflon) to prevent food from sticking, they are sold as the nonstick pans. Buying the Best Nonstick Frying Pan does have its own perks, especially in managing an easier and more fun cooking experience. As the name suggests, such a pan won’t cause the food to stick so flipping or turning the foods is easier. And since there is no remaining food sticking onto the surface, cleaning is made easier too. You won’t have to spend a long time scrubbing the pan and spending a lot of soap for the washing. 

However, you should realize that a frying pan coating doesn’t last forever. When you use metal utensils, the surface can be scratched. When you use abrasive cleaning pad, it can cause damage to the coating. The combination of extensive use, time, and food (and grease) build up can also make the surface chipped, damaged, or worn. If such a thing happens, your frying pan can be the source of possible health issues and then you should get a new one. That’s why the knowledge to repair such a surface or coating can be handy. 

Restoring the Pans by a Spray

There are actually several ways on how to restore a non stick frying pan. The first one is by using the non stick cookware repair spray. You need to thoroughly wash the pan and make sure that there is no remaining food being left on the surface. Allow some times to dry it. Buy a cookware repair spray from home improvement stores (you can also buy online if you want to). Use the spray on the pan. Make sure to have an even and thick coat on the inside part of the pan entirely. Let the pan as it is for half an hour. Then preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.  

Place the pan to the oven and let it for 45 minutes. Turn off the oven. Let the pan still inside the oven and let it cool down on its own. No need to open the oven. If the pan has cooled off completely, you can wash it again. Use a sponge and a dish soap. When you store the pan, make sure that you use a separator to nothing will scratch against the surface. Your pan will be as good as new and ready to use!

Restoring the Pans by a Special Mixture

Another way to restore Teflon frying pan is to make a special mixture. Mix half cup of white vinegar, two tablespoons of baking soda, and a cup of water directly on the pan (the one that you want to repair). Let it mix and set the pan on the stove. Heat it until it boils and let it boil for 10 minutes. You can clean the pan and then re-season it by rubbing veggie oil right on the surface. Do the rubbing while it is still lukewarm or, at least, still within the room temperature. The re-season action is important if you want to get your nonstick pan back again. 

Other Alternatives

There are still other alternatives without your direct involvement. First, you contact a company or service specializing themselves in coating pans and pots with Teflon. These companies generally know how to treat worn or damaged Teflon frying pans. You may need to spend extra but you are guaranteed to get a satisfying result that will make your pans as good as new. 

Another way is to contact the manufacturer (from the one you buy the pans). Reputable companies with high-quality pans usually provide a warranty that can help with the repair and re-coating. Some companies may offer to refinish the pan without you having to pay anything. Some may ask you to pay, but you can get a professional and satisfying result. 

Caring for the Nonstick Pans

As it was mentioned before, the nonstick surface doesn’t last forever. However, you can prolong its life and prevent early wear (or damage) by caring for the pans correctly. If you don’t want to deal with steps of how to restore a non stick frying pan, here are some things to do:

- Avoid using the dishwasher to clean the pan. Although most manufacturers claim that their products are dishwasher safe, it is best to avoid it at all cost. The best way to clean the pan is to use a sponge and soapy water. The dishwasher will make the pan bump against each other to other kitchen utensils and ware, resulting in a higher possibility of scratching and damage. 

- Avoid using metal utensils when cooking with the Teflon. Metal utensils will scratch the surface. It’s better to use wooden or silicone utensils. 

- Pour fat (only a small amount) like butter or oil on the pan before turning the heat on. Distribute it evenly. It will add the fat layer and protect the nonstick surface. Don’t add the oil after the pan is hot because it won’t help with the nonstick surface. 

- Don’t forget to season the pan regularly (at least twice a year) so the surface is able to maintain the performance. 

It would be wise if you also know when to change and replace the frying pan. In general, pans can last for 5 years. Some products may be able to last for more than 5 years. But you should also have the newer pans that you can use an alternative to the old ones. The knowledge of how to restore a non stick frying pan is handy and you can actually save a lot of money in the process.