Nonstick cookware also known as Teflon cookware requires careful handling and proper care. This is because these items come with a special coating over the metal surface which should ideally not be damaged or scratched.
If damaged, these metals will leach into your food causing health problems, some of which can be very severe. Therefore, make sure you handle non-stick pots and pans with care when cooking or storing food and even when cleaning after cooking.
You should know that the coating of non-stick cookware is slippery and very thin. This also helps make cleaning easier because they usually get less stained due to less oil being used in your cooking.
Qtherefore, cleaning is usually easy but extra care is needed when your food burns or you need to remove stubborn stains.
Cleaning method to follow
To maintain functionality and safety aspects of nonstick cookware You must follow some special methods when cleaning to prevent damage to the pan.
-
Washing hands:
You should still wash your hands with nonstick cookware. This is the most common process even if the manufacturer claims it is “dishwasher safe”. This will ensure the longevity of the coating material on metal surfaces.
-
Cold wash:
You should not wash nonstick pots and pans while they are still hot. Make sure it is cool enough and at room temperature. Especially if there are food stains or burns, it is more important to cool it first as even the slightest rubbing can damage the Teflon coating.
-
Avoid tools and scrubbers:
Using metal tools or scrubbers of any kind is a no-no when washing nonstick cookware. Ideally this is the number one rule when using nonstick cookware. These tools or abrasives will damage the non-stick coating on very smooth surfaces.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners either. Always use a wooden, plastic, or nylon tool to scrape up burnt food.
-
Use a mild detergent:
If you need to clean nonstick pans daily, make sure you use normal, very mild dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water. Also be sure to rinse the cookware in cold water after washing so that it removes all residual soap solution from the surface.
You can also smell it to see if it removed properly. This is important so that the soap doesn’t get mixed into the food you cook later and make sure your friend doesn’t just say, “I like this cookwarebut also respect your food.
To remove stubborn stains that may have built up on the pan, use a vinegar and water mixture, but don’t use steel wool to remove it. Make a mixture using half a cup of vinegar and a cup of water and bring it to a boil on the stove. The vinegar will loosen any remaining grease or stains.
