If you\u2019re like me, your nonstick skillet makes its way from storage to stovetop on a frequent basis\u2014it\u2019s the efficient go-to for creamy scrambled eggs<\/a>, crispy salmon skin<\/a>, and fluffy pancakes<\/a> on the regular. With all that use comes a sense of responsibility, because if my nonstick is showing signs of misuse, it\u2019s hard to pass the blame\u2014the culprit is very clearly: me. And if there\u2019s one thing I\u2019ve learned about nonstick cookware over the years, it is that it\u2019s among my most trusted helpers in the kitchen, but not without a little TLC.<\/p>\n Nonstick, like many other cookware materials, can be a little finicky to take care of. While there are clear rules for how to handle these pots and pans, it can become confusing to parse out which rules apply to nonstick, and which guidelines you may have heard in passing that actually apply to the care of a different material. Is nonstick the one that needs to be dried immediately, or is that copper? And is it best to clean it with kosher salt, or was that cast iron?<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve noticed your nonstick cookware is starting to lose its\u2026 nonstickyness (can we get away with that one?), it\u2019s likely that it hasn\u2019t received the proper attention it requires. While other materials have a tendency to bounce back to full luster with some extra love (we\u2019re looking at you, copper), nonstick pans made with a ceramic or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating tend to be irretrievable once damaged.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve certainly experienced the dreaded signs of misuse\u2014peeling, flaking, warping, and a less-than-perfectly-slick surface\u2014and I imagine that many of you have, too. Unfortunately, those often mean our pans are approaching retirement. Luckily, though, there are a number of simple tips that one can follow to keep that at bay for as long as possible, so our pans can keep sliding out omelettes to perfection, year after year after year.<\/p>\n A good place to start? Always consider the strength of the flame you\u2019re cooking over<\/strong>. First things first: Do not use nonstick pans over high heat, as it\u2019s a surefire way to ruin them; cooking over low or medium heat will help maintain a smooth, stick-free surface. Plus, remember: Ceramic non-stick, if that\u2019s what you have, is a fast heat conductor (hi, GreenPan GP5 Ceramic Nonstick Skillet<\/a> and Five Two Nonstick Skillet<\/a>), retaining and distributing heat so nicely that an A+ sear won\u2019t require the high heat it usually would.<\/p>\n Next up, be careful to use the right fat<\/strong>. Reach for oils with a high smoke point, like grapeseed, sesame, or avocado, over those with a low smoke point, like EVOO. This is because low smoke point oils burn more easily, which can decrease the pan\u2019s nonstick properties. Also worth keeping at a distance? Cooking sprays of all kinds. When I asked Ashley Holmgren, GreenPan\u2019s Head of E-Commerce, for their best nonstick maintenance tips, she was quick to explain that cooking spray will develop a residue that can shorten the lifespan of nonstick cookware.<\/p>\n Another helpful tip: Once you\u2019ve got your oil of choice in hand, always preheat the pan<\/strong>, being careful to add oil\u2014and distribute it evenly\u2014while it\u2019s still cool (it\u2019ll help with both sticking and the integrity of your ingredients), and remember to employ rubber or wooden, and never metal, utensils (which can lead to scratching or even material deterioration).<\/p>\n Of course, proper cleaning and storage will also send you on your way to success. The first step: Always wait for the pan to cool before letting it come into contact with cold water<\/strong>. Submerging a hot pan in cold water or even running cool water over hot nonstick cookware is the quickest way to warp a pan.<\/p>\n Also, the faster you get to hand-washing, the easier it will be<\/strong>. I know it can be hard to skip the dishwasher, but if you\u2019re committed to caring for your cookware, you\u2019ll keep the nonstick in the sink\u2014just not for too long. Under no circumstances should you use steel wool or other harsh, abrasive cleaning materials<\/strong> to wash your nonstick pan. Instead, use a gentle dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge or cleaning cloth. After your pan has been flawlessly cleaned and towel- or air-dried, place a pan protector, or a cloth or paper towel, over its surface if your storage space requires high stacking. This way, you’ll ward off any scratches.<\/p>\n If you do ever find yourself in a sticky situation<\/strong>\u2014maybe your pan is nearing the end of its lifespan (usually around five years, depending on how often it\u2019s being used, and how carefully)\u2014don\u2019t despair. Just follow these simple steps: Partly fill the pan with water, and add a \u00bd cup of white vinegar. Bring it to a quick boil over the stovetop, then remove and let cool, skimming away any residue that made its way to the top. Once cool, pour out the liquid and wash out with warm, soapy water\u2014the burnt food should be easy to wipe away.<\/p>\n As you can see, there\u2019s nothing complicated about caring for your nonstick cookware and keeping it in great condition\u2014all it takes is some mindful cooking, cleaning, and storing. And although your trusty skillet won\u2019t last a lifetime, with proper care, its best years are sure to yield so many treats. Worth the effort? We think so.<\/p>\n In the event you\u2019re looking for the very best ways to clean all of your cookware, you\u2019re in luck. We\u2019ve compiled guides on cleaning and maintaining the most popular materials you\u2019ll find in the kitchen (your pots and pans will thank you).<\/p>\n Copper<\/a><\/strong> is a bit more delicate than many other cookware materials, requiring a lighter touch (no harsh scrubbing!) and a polishing from time to time to restore its original shine<\/a>.<\/p>\n Stainless steel<\/a><\/strong> is ideal for a successful sear or saut\u00e9, but can get easily dinged and spotted with signs of meals past. Many of the tricks to keep them looking new have to do with what goes in them, and when<\/a>.<\/p>\n Most of us know that cast iron<\/a><\/strong> isn\u2019t to be cleaned with soap and water, but did you know that you actually can<\/em> give it a more conventional deep clean once in a while<\/a>? For real!<\/p>\n
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\nHow do you keep your nonstick cookware in tip-top shape? Tell us in the comments below!<\/em>
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\nThis article was updated in June 2023 with even more nonstick care tips.<\/em>
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