How to clean a nonstick pan

Let it cool, then wash it by hand in warm, soapy water with a soft sponge. For burnt-on food, simmer soapy water in the pan first. Never use steel wool.

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Wash it in four steps

Let the pan cool completely. Cold water on a hot pan can warp it.
Wash it by hand in warm, soapy water with a soft sponge or a nylon scrubbing pad.
If food has stuck, cover it with water, add a squirt of dish soap and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Let it cool a little, then wipe the loosened bits away with a soft sponge.
Rinse and dry it. If you stack pans, lay a cloth or pan protector on the coating first.

What to avoid

Steel wool, steel scouring pads and gritty cleansers.
Oven cleaner and detergents with chlorine or peroxide bleach.
Cooking spray: its residue builds up on the coating until food starts to stick.
Running cold water into a hot pan.

Burnt-on food and black residue

If a soapy simmer does not shift it, GreenPan's next step is one part white vinegar to three parts water, simmered for 5 to 10 minutes. Take the pan off the heat, sprinkle in 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda, let it fizz and cool, then wipe it with a soft sponge. All-Clad's version is a half-and-half mix of vinegar and water brought to a boil, with a wooden spoon to lift the stuck bits.

For a few stubborn spots, spread a thick paste of baking soda and a few drops of water on them and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes before wiping. Rinse well afterwards: GreenPan says baking soda left on the surface can dull some ceramic finishes.

Can nonstick pans go in the dishwasher?

It depends on the pan. All-Clad lists its stainless and hard-anodized nonstick pans as dishwasher safe and still recommends washing them by hand; its ceramic nonstick pans should not go in at all. Hand washing is the safe choice for any coating, and the dishwasher page lists what each maker says about its own pans.

Keep the coating working

Most wear happens on the stove, not in the sink. All-Clad says to cook on low and medium heat, never to heat the pan empty or let the oil smoke, and to use plastic, nylon, silicone or wooden utensils. A little butter or oil does what cooking spray does, without the build-up.