How To Care For Nonstick Cookware?

‘Cookware’ is an indispensable part of every home. One can find various kinds of cookware ranging from cast iron, copper, aluminium, non-stick, clay pots, and more in every kitchen. Among these, nonstick cookware is very easy to cook on and maintain. As the days, weeks, and years pass by, our nonstick cookware tends to fade away, if not maintained well. Thus, it is of utmost importance to take good care of our cookware to last them as long as possible.

What is non-stick cookware made up of?

Our non-stick cookware is made up of Teflon or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). This helps in building a smooth glossy surface making it non-stick and very convenient to cook and toss, clean, and maintain them. The non-stick coating helps in hassle-free cooking and cleaning. Non-stick cookware is bliss to sauté vegetables, making your dosas, omelettes, and ‘n’ number of dishes, the whole day long.

However, with time, even non-stick cookware tends to lose its shine, smoothness, and non-stick elements. Thus, it requires constant maintenance right from the beginning to prevent them from getting damaged.

From scrambled eggs in the morning to sauteing your vegetables in the evening, a non-stick pan has several advantages and can become your dear friend in your culinary journey, only if you follow certain easy steps.

You will require the following tools to clean and take care of your non-stick cookware:

• Mild detergent for washing utensils
• Baking soda
• Soft cloth
• Cooking oil

It is commonly believed that only cast-iron cookware needs seasoning. But it is not true! Even non-stick cookware needs proper seasoning to last longer than we think.

Here are some easy ways on how to care for your non-stick cookware:

1. Follow the instructions carefully:

As soon as you receive your brand-new nonstick utensils, whether it is your pan, saucepan, kadhai, or grill pan, read the manual instructions given along with the cookware and follow the instructions diligently for best results. Do not be in a hurry to use your cookware immediately.

2. Season your cookware:

The first time you are planning to use your nonstick cookware, wash it with mild soapy water and dry it completely. Then add a little oil to the nonstick cookware, heat it for a few minutes, and then clean the excess oil using a paper towel. You need to re-season your nonstick utensils from time to time to maintain it’s durability.

3. Do not overheat:

Never overheat your nonstick cookware, especially when it is empty. It will spoil the nonstick coating and damage it completely. Make sure you have added anything like oil, food, or water to the cookware while heating it. If you add a little oil before heating the pan it will help in maintaining the nonstick coating and prevent your food from getting burnt. Otherwise, if you heat an empty nonstick cookware, and then add oil, excessive oil will get absorbed in your food unnecessarily. 

4. Avoid dishwashing:

Even if it is mentioned in the manual instructions, do not place your nonstick cookware in a dishwasher. Always wash them with hands as nonstick cookware cannot bear such high temperatures and harsh detergents used in a dishwasher.

5. Refrain from steel wool:

Avoid using steel wool scrub to clean the nonstick cookware as it would remove the ceramic coating, damaging it completely. Instead, use a sponge to clean the nonstick cookware. And if there is sticky food residue that does not get removed with mild soap and sponge, soak the cookware in soapy water for some time. Then you will notice, you can easily remove any food residue stuck to the pan. You may even use baking soda to remove the stubborn food residue.

6. Avoid sharp objects:

Do not use sharp objects like knives or steel ladles on a non-stick pan. Use only wooden ladles, nylon or silicon ladles, spoons, or whisks without sauteing anything on the non-stick pan. 

7. Refrain from non-stick sprays:

Avoid using non-stick sprays available in the market, though you can use a little cooking oil or butter to grease your pan while cooking.

8. Let it cool down:

Do not soak the non-stick pan in water if it is too hot. Let the pan cool down completely, and then clean it with water. This is required to avoid any sort of thermal shock. Also, refrain from stacking pans one above the other. Place a muslin cloth between pans to store them in your kitchen cabinets.

Follow the above easy instructions to maintain your non-stick pan for a long period. If taken care of, non-stick cookware can last for years to come. It is just a matter of habit-building. Season them regularly and clean them properly. Then you can enjoy the benefits of nonstick cookware!

Also remember, once the nonstick cookware starts peeling off, replace it immediately for a healthy living. So, now you are well aware of how to clean non-stick pan or how to clean dosa tawa like a pro!

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FAQs:

1. How do you maintain nonstick cookware?

You need to clean your nonstick cookware with mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge to maintain it well for a long time.

2. How do you keep nonstick pans good?

Season your nonstick pans regularly. After cleaning them, add a little oil to it and clean it with a paper towel for best results.

3. Can you use soap on nonstick pans?

You can use mild soap or warm soapy water to clean the nonstick pan or any of your non-stick cookware. Avoid using harsh detergents.