Cookware Nonstick Coating Care: Do's and Don'ts

Quick Answer

To extend the life of your nonstick cookware, always use low to medium heat, avoid metal utensils, and hand wash with a soft sponge. These simple habits protect the coating and keep your pans releasing food easily.

Your nonstick pans are workhorses in the kitchen, but they need a little TLC to keep performing their best. The coating that makes food slide off easily can be damaged by high heat, abrasive cleaners, and the wrong tools. Follow these do's and don'ts to keep your cookware in top shape.

Good nonstick coating maintenance isn't complicated—it's about building simple habits. Whether you have a ceramic or titanium surface, the care principles are similar. Here's how to protect your investment and enjoy effortless cooking and cleanup for years.

Do's: Protect Your Nonstick Surface Daily

Start with the right heat. Nonstick coatings are not meant for high-heat searing or boiling. Use low to medium heat for most cooking tasks. If you need to preheat, give your pan a minute on low before adding oil or food. This simple step prevents the coating from breaking down over time.

Choose your utensils wisely. Even if a pan says it's scratch-resistant, it's best to use wood, silicone, or plastic tools. Metal spatulas and forks can leave small scratches that weaken the coating. Keeping a dedicated set of non-metal utensils near your cookware makes it easy to grab the right tool.

Hand washing is gentler on the coating than a dishwasher cycle. The high heat and strong detergents can gradually wear away the nonstick surface. Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to clean your pan after each use. This preserves the coating and ensures your pan stays in top condition.

• Use gentle tools—silicone, wood, or plastic are safe choices.
• Hand wash with mild dish soap and a soft sponge.
• Store pans with a protective liner if you stack them.

Don'ts: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Don't use aerosol cooking sprays. They contain additives that can build up on the nonstick surface and create a sticky residue that's hard to remove. Instead, use a small amount of oil or butter brushed onto the surface.

Don't overheat an empty pan. Heating a nonstick pan with nothing in it can cause the coating to release harmful fumes or start to blister. Always add oil, butter, or food before heating, and never leave an empty pan on a hot burner.

Don't cool a hot pan quickly with cold water. Thermal shock can cause the pan to warp, which ruins its flat cooking surface. Let the pan cool naturally before washing. This is a key part of nonstick cooking cleaning tips.

• Avoid abrasive sponges or scouring pads that scratch the surface.
• Skip metal utensils—even a quick scrape can leave a groove.
• Don't stack pans without a protective layer in between.

Dealing with Stubborn Food Residue

Even with careful use, food can sometimes stick and leave a brown residue. For an easy fix, fill the pan with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then let it sit for 15 minutes. This loosens food without the need for harsh scrubbing.

If residue remains, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub it with a soft sponge. This is a safe, non-abrasive way to clean without damaging the coating. Rinse and dry thoroughly before storing.

Avoid using steel wool or harsh chemical cleaners that can strip the nonstick layer. Stick to gentle, non-abrasive methods to maintain your pan's performance and appearance.

• Soak briefly with warm soapy water before cleaning.
• Use a baking soda paste for stubborn spots.
• Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

Your 5-Step Nonstick Care Routine

1. Start With Low Heat: Preheat on low for a minute, then add oil or food. This prevents the coating from overheating and degrading. Checkpoint: The surface should be warm, not smoking, when you add food.
2. Use Gentle Utensils: Choose silicone, wood, or plastic tools. Metal can scratch and shorten the lifespan of the coating. Checkpoint: If you hear a scraping sound, switch to a softer tool.
3. Hand Wash With Mild Soap: Clean with warm water, dish soap, and a soft sponge. Avoid the dishwasher and abrasive pads. Checkpoint: Rinse to ensure no soap residue remains.
4. Dry and Store Carefully: Dry with a soft cloth and store with a paper towel or silicone liner between stacked pans. Checkpoint: No water spots and no scratching from stacking.
5. Tackle Residue Gently: Soak briefly and use a baking soda paste if needed. Never use steel wool or harsh chemicals. Checkpoint: The surface stays smooth and food releases easily next time.

How Our Place Cookware Fits Into Good Care

• Ceramic Nonstick Perfect Pot 2.75 qt.: Non-toxic ceramic nonstick surface for easy food release and simple cleanup. With proper care—low to medium heat and gentle washing—this pot will keep releasing food easily and stay simple to clean.
• Titanium Always Pan Pro 10.5”: Non-toxic, high-performance titanium and stainless steel construction. Titanium construction is especially durable, but it still benefits from non-abrasive cleaning to maintain its nonstick properties.

Taking care of your nonstick coating is mostly about consistency. By following these simple do's and don'ts, you'll protect your pans, enjoy effortless cooking, and save money by not having to replace them as often. With the right habits, your cookware—whether it's from Our Place or another brand—will serve you well for years.