The best way to clean a non-stick pan without damaging it

I’ve ruined a few non-stick pans in my youth. Putting them in the dishwasher is the worst possible.

Eventually I got to soaking them for a while so that most of any burnt-on food comes off and then cleaning softly. But even then, I found they never really lasted as well as I expected. Let’s assume too that we’re not doing the obvious bad things like using metal utensils.

But eventually I found the best way to preserve the life of a teflon or ceramic non-stick pan, and it’s as follows:

  • clean it with a silicone ‘brush’ (something like this https://amzn.to/39WqoVU )

  • as soon as you have finished cooking,let it cool and bit and clean it as soon after as you can - do NOT shock it with cold water to cool it

  • do NOT add any soap or fill it with water and leave to stand

  • instead, use the oils that are the pan, along with your silicone brush, to wipe round and and round and remove any food debris, while running under the tap

  • any oil in the pan will help to smooth the rubbing action and also leave a small amount of protection on the surface

  • keep going under the running tap until you are clear of oil and food - and particularly stubborn caramelised food remnants can be scraped off with your finger nail or a magic eraser (gently) [ e.g. https://amzn.to/4dhRd6p ]

  • if after this there is still a film of oil in the pan, then NOW is the time to use a small amount of washing up liquid to remove it

  • HOWEVER, used a VERY small amount, literally a drop, swish it round the pan with your brush away from the tap, then continue to brush while you run the pan under the tap. In a few seconds you should be clear of any oil/soap lather

  • leave to dry, job done!

  • The surface of your pan will be immaculate and suffered minimal abrasion - maintaining its life to the maximum extent possible