Wondering how to clean a nonstick pan? We're tackling your toughest questions.
How to Clean and Care for a Nonstick Pan
Updated on Nov. 01, 2023
Just like a good set of knives, the nonstick pan is a kitchen essential. Let’s say you used our guide to find the perfect skillet and can’t imagine scrambling eggs with anything else. How do you keep that beloved pan in tip-top shape?
Here’s what you need to know about how to clean a nonstick pan!
How do you clean a burnt nonstick pan?
Hand-wash your nonstick pan after each use with mild soap and water. Don’t put it in the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer claims the pan is dishwasher safe. Harsh dishwasher detergents and scorching-hot water can cause the pan’s nonstick coating to deteriorate. Instead, use warm water and a brush or sponge to gently scrub your pan. (Here’s how to know when you should replace those cleaning tools.)
Test Kitchen tip: Avoid scouring pads and steel wool, which will scratch and damage the nonstick coating.
How do you get burnt food off a nonstick pan?
Oops! You got distracted while you were making a skillet dinner and now your nonstick pan is covered in a stubborn burnt mess. You can save it, though. Here’s how:
- Put your pan back on the stovetop.
- Fill it with ¼ cup of baking soda and 2 to 3 inches of water.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Let the baking soda-water mixture cool, and then wash your pan like normal with soap and warm water. It should be clean and back to its nonstick glory!
How do you make a nonstick pan nonstick again?
When you’ve had a nonstick pan for a few years, you might notice a sticky buildup. If your food is starting to stick, don’t replace it quite yet. Vinegar to the rescue! Bring one part vinegar and two parts water to a simmer, and then cool and wash with soap. This should take care of all the sticky residue that has built up on the pan over time.
Test Kitchen tip: Don’t use cooking sprays on your nonstick pan. Most brands contain soy lecithin, which leaves a sticky buildup.
What kind of cooking utensils should I use with a nonstick pan?
Step away from the metal tongs! You want to avoid scratching the nonstick surface at all costs—and that means no metal utensils. Use only wooden or heatproof silicone utensils when cooking with your nonstick pan. (Both are on our list of 21 essential kitchen tools.)
Is it OK to use high heat with a nonstick pan?
The quick answer is no, do not use high heat with a nonstick pan. Keep your burner on medium or low to protect the pan’s surface. High heat can warp the coating and ruin the pan. Keep in mind most nonstick pans should never go in the oven.
When should you replace a nonstick pan?
Unfortunately, nonstick pans do not last as long as some other types of cookware. If your pan is sticky even after cleaning, the coating is flaking off or the interior is badly scratched, then it’s time for a new one. Your nonstick pan should last about 5 years when it’s properly maintained.
What's for Dinner Tonight?
Gnocchi Chicken SkilletStovetop chicken and gnocchi recipes like this one make for a homey dinner in a hurry. Personalize it with your own favorite sauce and seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pair this meal with one of our favorite skillet side dishes.
Beef Stew Skillet PiePuff pastry makes a pretty topping for this homey skillet potpie. —Josh Rink, Culinary Producer, Taste of Home
Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese Cornbread SkilletMy cast-iron skillet is a workhorse in my kitchen. I just love it for cooking and baking. This mac and cheese recipe makes for a perfect smaller-portion side. —Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Check out our favorite skillet recipes for two.
Skillet Pork ChopsSkillet pork chops are the kind of hearty, comforting, fuss-free meal everyone needs to have in their repertoire. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan to clean up, it's an ideal weeknight meal.
By the way, here's how to fry pork chops to perfection.
Italian Sausage Veggie SkilletWe love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio
One-Skillet PastaThis recipe was given to me 25 years ago and remains a family favorite. It's a tasty twist on traditional spaghetti, and making a one-skillet pasta saves time on prep and cleanup, too. —Susan Spence, Lawrenceville, Virginia
Szechuan Skillet ChickenMy whole family loves this Szechuan chicken. My husband prefers it without peppers, but he is happy to let others have his! I use the ginger paste that comes in a tube and pre-shredded carrots to save time. —Christine Snyder, Boulder, Colorado
Too many skillets? Check out our best pan storage ideas.
Taco PizzaTwo dinner faves come together in this taco pizza. Ready the sprinkle cheese and the hot sauce!
Creole Skillet DinnerWhile living in Canada, I sampled this colorful dish at a neighbor's. The following Christmas, I served it instead of my traditional turkey, and I received numerous compliments on it. I frequently substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken ... or add all three. —Bonnie Brann, Pasco, Washington
Meat Lover's Pizza Rice SkilletFor a quick dinner, I threw this together from what I had in the fridge and pantry. Add any other pizza toppings you desire. I often add black olive slices or mushrooms. My son loves this and calls it pizza rice. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Chicken Bulgur SkilletThis recipe was passed on to me by a friend. I've altered it slightly to suit our tastes. We like it with a fresh green salad. —Leann Hilmer, Sylvan Grove, Kansas
Ground Beef Spaghetti SkilletI remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny’s spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making this for our dinner. You can easily use ground turkey instead of ground beef if that’s what you happen to have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Turkey Biscuit SkilletMy mother always made this skillet while we were growing up. Now I make it for my husband and kids. I use the small-size biscuits because the larger ones don't seem to brown up as nicely on the top. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
Greek Tortellini SkilletLooking to please picky little palates? One tester loved this simple skillet entree so much, she made it at home for her 2-year-old daughter, who said "Mmm!" after every single bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Easy Sausage and Vegetable SkilletThis is an old recipe that has been passed down in our family through my sister-in-law. When I was a child, she did most of the cooking in our house, and this was my favorite meal. The variety of vegetables makes this an attractive dish, and the cooking time is minimal. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Roast Beef Pasta SkilletLeftover beef is the star in a skillet dinner that's perfect for two. Chopped tomatoes and Parmesan cheese add color and flavor to this no-fuss dish. —Bill Hilbrich, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Southwest Tortilla-Turkey SkilletI wanted to cut back on red meat, but my husband thinks ground turkey can be dry. I think the taco seasoning and jalapeno juice in this recipe give the turkey added flavor and moistness, and he agrees! —Lindsay Ludden, Omaha, Nebraska
Chicken Orzo SkilletAs a busy homemaker with a home-based business, I try to make quick dinners that are healthy for my husband and two young children. I combined two recipes to come up with this family favorite. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York
Santa Fe SkilletAs a mother who works full-time, I’m always looking for quick, easy meals to prepare. This is a timeless recipe. —Lorie VanHorn, Waddell, Arizona
Skillet Mac and CheeseThis skillet mac and cheese takes a few more minutes than the boxed stuff, but we promise the final result is worth it. A thick and creamy cheese sauce is stirred together with perfectly cooked pasta, then topped with whatever you like.
BLT SkilletThis quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Seared ScallopsThis scallops recipe has everything you need to give these tender mollusks a golden sear. Serve them solo or with a tangle of buttery pasta for a delightful and effortless dinner.
Creamy Skillet Noodles with PeasI’ve made this creamy noodle side for years. Since kids and adults go for it, I keep the ingredients on hand at all times. —Anita Groff, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania
Beef Skillet SupperSometimes I'll make extra of this comforting, noodle-y supper to guarantee leftovers. It's a great take-along dish for work or school. Trim calories from the entree by substituting ground turkey for the beef and low-fat cheese for the full-fat cheddar. —Tabitha Allen, Cypress, Texas
Sausage Zucchini SkilletI began serving a version of this dish as a side with grilled salmon. I added sausage and rice—or noodles—to make a complete meal-in-one. —Debby Abel, Flat Rock, North Carolina
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Skillet LasagnaSkillet lasagna is made in a single skillet and features creamy, cheesy layers full of classic flavors. The best part? No oven required.
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Beef TortelliniThis quick and easy beef tortellini recipe combines ground beef, Montreal steak seasoning and a melty Italian cheese topping for a one-pot meal to please all palates.
Cajun ShrimpSpice up your weeknight meals with our quick and easy Cajun shrimp recipe.
Au Gratin Sausage SkilletThis hearty scalloped potatoes and sausage relies on two store-bought shortcuts—frozen vegetables and packaged au gratin potatoes—to save time and effort in the kitchen.
Lemon Roasted ChickenLearn how to make lemon roasted chicken, a foolproof and super tasty dish.
Feta Shrimp SkilletThis Mediterranean-inspired feta shrimp skillet is the vacation meal you need after a busy workday. Shrimp, tomatoes, salty feta and herbs create a flavorful getaway—even for just a few minutes.
Italian Chicken Skillet SupperRomano cheese, sliced vegetables and pine nuts jazz up this Italian sauteed chicken. It’s easy, and my whole family loves it. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Potato Kielbasa SkilletThis one-pan potato kielbasa skillet combines tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa and fresh spinach in a brown sugar sauce into a satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve it with a sauerkraut side to keep on theme.
Chicken StewThis chicken stew is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, a rich, savory broth—and a surprise ingredient.
Stovetop ChiliThis hearty chili comes together quickly and is packed with vegetables, cheese and meat. It's an easy-to-prepare one-pan meal that you'll reach for on repeat in the fall and winter months.
Pierogi Beef SkilletHearty and thick with beef, veggies and potatoes, this is a complete meal in one. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mexican Mac and CheeseThis Mexican macaroni and cheese is the ultimate quick-comfort recipe that will leave the entire family satisfied.
Ham PastaThis quick and easy ham pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, pasta with ham is a great way to use up leftovers in your fridge.
Sausage and Vegetable SkilletThis hearty stovetop entree has been a family favorite for years. The variety of vegetables makes this dish attractive. Cooking time is minimal. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
The Best Shepherd’s PieOur top-rated shepherd's pie recipe delivers a cozy, filling, homestyle dinner that never disappoints.
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Stuffed Pepper SkilletThis stuffed pepper skillet recipe reimagines the classic dish of bell peppers stuffed with tomatoey beef and rice as a hearty and satisfying skillet dinner that's packed with flavor and easy to make.
Sausage Veggie SkilletThis sausage veggie skillet recipe is a no-fuss, filling meal. Made with potatoes, onions, spinach and corn, this hearty dish is surprisingly quick to prepare and can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
Skillet Beef TamalesI found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Barbecue Pork and Penne SkilletI'm the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Cast-Iron Skillet SteakIf you’ve never cooked steak at home before, it can be a little intimidating. That’s why I came up with this simple steak recipe that’s so easy, you could make it any day of the week. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
