How to keep your nonstick pans performing like new

The number one benefit of a nonstick pan is that they make light work of cleaning up after cooking, and reduce the need for the use of oil, making it a healthier choice for many.

After investing your hard earned money in a quality nonstick pan, you want to get the best out of your cookware, ensuring it will last for years to come. If your pan begins to stick after only a short time of use, read on for some great tips to bring it back to new again!

The Nemesis Of Nonstick

Did you know that in most cases, nonstick pans stop performing not because of an issue with the nonstick, but due to overheating and a build up of oil and residue in the pan? It could explain why your food was gliding out of your nonstick pan just months ago, but now it seems that no matter what you do, it sticks.

Food or oil residue can quickly build up on your pan, stopping the nonstick from being as effective. Spray oils in particular are a nonstick no-no, as the tiny particles burn quickly on to the pan, where they build up and are difficult to clean off.

Luckily, with a good clean, your nonstick can likely be returned to almost new condition. If you use the below cleaning methods from the moment you unwrap your new pan, your nonstick will last for years to come.

How do I avoid overheating my pan?

Overheating your pan with continuous or prolonged high-heat exposure will cause permanent damage to the surface of your nonstick pan, causing it to lose it’s nonstick abilities, absorbing grease and oils, and in severe cases, causing it to peel or lift away from the surface of the pan. Overheating is indicated by the golden/brown to the nonstick.

The bases on our cookware conduct heat very well therefore, less energy is required to achieve optimum performance. Pre-heat the pan for 1 to 2 minutes before adding food and then reducing the temperature to a low to medium heat. The base will retain the heat to enable you to brown and sear your food.

How do I clean my pan?

For day to day clean, we recommend washing with hot soapy water and a nylon bristle brush, such as the Circulon Cleaning Brush, a sponge or mesh pad that’s suitable for nonstick. While it may be tempting to just wipe your pan down with a paper towel or cloth (especially when it’s brand new!), it’s best to clean it properly every time you use it to ensure you remove every last bit of food residue.

It’s also okay to put some oomph into it – many people are worried they will damage the nonstick, but as long as you’re using a sponge or brush (such as the Circulon cleaning brush) that is safe for use on nonstick pans, being thorough will actually be better for your pans as all food residue and grease will be removed.

If you find that food residue has already built up a little, fear not! We suggest trying the following method:

  1. Place approximately 1cm of water in the pan and bring it to a simmer
  2. Once you have reached a simmer, add 1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish washing detergent OR powdered laundry detergent
  3. Then, using your nylon bristle brush, clean the pan while the water is simmering for 2-3 minutes
  4. Wait for the pan to cool and then wash it in hot soapy water. Please be careful that you don’t splash hot water onto yourself at any stage of the cleaning process!
  5. Enjoy cooking your next delicious meal in your refreshed, sparkling nonstick pan

This can be done as often as you like to keep your pans looking as fresh as the day you bought them.

What if this doesn’t work?

If you’ve tried the above method two or three times and you’re still having issues with your nonstick, it’s likely that unfortunately the nonstick has deteriorated beyond the point of repair. In this case, we recommend you contact our Customer Careteam, who will be able to provide further assistance.

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