Popular opinion: Non stick pans are heaven-sent to people who love to cook. They won’t require less oil, distributes heat evenly, and are affordable and highly durable.(*) But one common issue nonstick pan users are dealing with is maintenance. Many of them ask, can you put non stick pans in the dishwasher?
Yes, you can, but no, you shouldn’t put nonstick pans in the dishwasher.
If you want to make the most out of your investment and preserve the quality of your nonstick pans, avoid putting them in the dishwasher at all costs.
This is excellent advice even if your nonstick pan is labeled dishwasher-safe.
Keep on reading to know why!
Can You Put Non Stick Pans in The Dishwasher?
Even though you can find “dishwasher-safe” nonstick pans, you still shouldn’t put nonstick pans in the dishwasher. If you want your nonstick pans to last longer, you need to keep this in mind.
So, what happens when you put nonstick pans in the dishwasher?
If you decide to put your nonstick pans in the dishwasher, here are some of the potential consequences you’ll have to deal with:
- Scratches and scuffs on the pan’s surface.
- Peeling or discoloration of the pan’s coating.
- Erosion or tarnishing of the pan’s aluminum construction.
Why Can’t You Put Nonstick Pans In The Dishwasher?
The dishwasher may be a convenient option, but it can damage the pan’s appearance, longevity, and functionality. Here are the reasons why:
Detergent’s Abrasive Action
And even if your pan has a heat-resistant ceramic coating, it can’t escape the detergent’s abrasive action.
This can scratch the surface of your pan and may gradually weaken the nonstick coating. As a result, the coating material is at risk of erosion and peeling over time.
Pan’s Construction Materials
While most nonstick coating can withstand the harsh environment inside the dishwasher, certain materials used for making pans won’t be able to do. This is why you must pay attention to your pan’s construction too.
If your pan is made of aluminum, it will most likely tarnish when you put it in the dishwasher. (*) The combination of high water temperatures and the detergent’s harsh chemicals may leave a cloudy finish on the pan’s surface.
Other Dishes
When you place the nonstick pan in the dishwasher, there will likely be other dishes, right?
All its other shower-mates (knives, glassware, eating utensils, and the like) can potentially threaten the nonstick pan’s delicate surface.
The nonstick pans and other dishes will spin and tumble inside the dishwasher. Because of this, there’s a high chance that the pan’s nonstick coating will get scratched and damaged.
How to Wash Nonstick Pans? Plus A Few Cleaning Tips!
So how can you clean your pan while avoiding all these potential issues? The best way to wash nonstick pans is to handwash them.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when washing your nonstick pans by hand:
1. First, Wash The Pan Right Away.
The best time to wash your nonstick pan is right after using it. When you do this, there won’t be enough time for the debris to stick to the pan, so you can quickly rinse them off.
2. Clean The Pan With Gentle Dish Soap.
Avoid dishwashing detergents that contain sulfates, ammonia, or Triclosan, as these chemicals can damage the pan’s coating.
3. Use Soft Cleaning Agents.
It’s also important to avoid cleaning agents with hard surfaces like metal scouring pads and rough sponges. Instead, stick to using soft cleaning agents like sponge or nylon scrubbers.
4. Remove The Stubborn Residue By Soaking The Pan For A Few Hours.
Scrubbing it harder is not the way to go if there’s a stubborn residue. Doing so will damage the pan’s nonstick coating.
You can soak the pan for a few hours in warm and soapy water, then scrub it gently afterward.
5. If Soaking Fails, Use Baking Soda.
Unfortunately, some residues are more stubborn, and even soaking can’t eliminate them. If you’re dealing with this, you may need to use a mild abrasive to scrape it off.
The gentle abrasive you can use is a baking soda paste. You can do this by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water and then applying it to the pan.
Afterward, use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the paste and rinse.
6. Dry The Pan Immediately.
Allowing moisture to sit on the surface of your pan for a long time is a big no-no because it may cause rusting.
To avoid this, dry the pan right after washing them. Do this preferably with a microfiber towel to prevent scratches.
What Happens If You Put Non stick Pans In The Dishwasher?
If you insist on putting your nonstick pans in the dishwasher, the best advice we can give you is to take extra safety precautions to protect your pans from potential damage.
Here are some of them:
But, Of Course, Check The Manufacturer’s Instructions First.
First, you should only put your nonstick pans in the dishwasher if the manufacturer labeled them as dishwasher safe. You can also check the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure that it’s safe to be placed in the dishwasher.
Don’t Put The Pans In The Dishwasher Together With Other Dishes.
As much as possible, try to plan your dishwashing load accordingly. For example, avoid placing the pan with other dishes (especially knives and cooking utensils) in the dishwasher to protect the pan’s surface.
Use Less Abrasive Dishwashing Detergent.
When looking for a detergent, follow the advice we’ve already mentioned.
Avoid the one with abrasive ingredients (sulfates) and harsh chemicals (Triclosan and ammonia). (*)
Final Words
So can you put non stick pans in the dishwasher? To maintain the pans’ appearance and functionality, you should not put nonstick pans in the dishwasher.
To protect the nonstick coating from scratches, peeling, and erosion, you should wash your nonstick pan by hand, following all the safety tips we’ve shared in this article.
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