How to Clean a Frying Pan

Chances are, your Frying Pans see a lot of use on a regular basis. Whether you’re making eggs for breakfast or a steak for dinner, your Frying Pan is likely going to end up in the sink by the end of the day. To make sure this kitchen staple stays in good condition, learn the proper ways to clean and care for it, whether you’re using the Non-Stick, Stainless Clad or Carbon Steel variety.

Here, we will give some basic information about each material, how you should clean them and things you should avoid. The first step to cleaning any of these Frying Pans is to remove as much food as possible and allow them to cool fully. Once you have finished cleaning, dry your Pans thoroughly before storing them to avoid rusting.

Please note that while it is more detrimental to some pans than others, we do not recommend putting any of our cookware in the dishwasher.

Non-Stick

Our Non-Stick Frying Pans are coated in a toxin-free material, which helps prevent food from sticking. Because of this feature, they are the easiest to clean. After you have finished cooking, place a paper towel in the Pan to soak up as much residual grease as you can while it cools.

It is especially important to be conscious of drastic temperature shifts in Non-Stick Cookware because that can damage the surface coating. We don’t recommend putting a scalding hot pan under cold running water for this exact reason.

Instead, once the pan has cooled, wash your Pan under warm water with a soft dish rag or sponge and a mild dishwashing liquid. Avoid using anything too abrasive like steel wool or a harsh cleaner. Doing so, along with putting your Non-Stick Frying Pan in the dishwasher, can break down the Non-Stick surface, making the pan harder to cook with.

Stainless Clad

Stainless Clad Frying Pans have the most durable surface of these three Frying Pan materials as they are made with a burnished, clad steel alloy. But you should still hand wash them only. Though it is non-reactive and designed to cook evenly, Stainless Clad Cookware can exhibit rainbow discoloration if you crank the heat a little too high.

Begin with using warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. If you have burnt residue, we recommend soaking first in hot water before scrubbing with a cleaner designed for Stainless Steel—either Bar Keeper’s Friend or our Stainless Steel Cleaner.

If you don’t have either of those, you can apply a little more elbow grease and use tools you already have in your kitchen. A vinegar rinse will help remove the rainbow, while a paste of baking soda and water helps remove stuck food. Abrasive cleansers not specifically formulated for Stainless Steel can scratch your Pan’s surface, and steel wool can actually leave small particles behind that will run into pesky spots of rust.

Carbon Steel

Carbon Steel Frying Pans have a unique surface that is a hybrid of Cast Iron and Stainless Steel. It is truly the best of both worlds as it is lightweight but it also holds a season, which gives it somewhat of a naturally Non-Stick surface. When it comes to washing your Carbon Steel, appeal to its Cast Iron side. Soap and water will ruin its seasoning and don’t even think of getting it near a dishwasher.

In order to preserve its seasoning, start by blotting out any excess grease with a paper towel. If any bits of particularly stubborn food still remain, you can add a small amount of water, bring it to a boil and then scrape the surface with a spatula. Dry your Pan fully and coat with a bit of oil to re-season it.

Depending on the severity of the mess, you can also use a coarse salt to scour the Pan. While it is still warm but not hot, pour in about a cup of salt and use a folded dish towel to rub the salt into its surface. Discard the salt and rinse the Pan with hot water before drying thoroughly to avoid any rusting. To re-season your Frying Pan, coat its surface with a tablespoon of vegetable oil or the same amount of rendered lard. This will help maintain its naturally Non-Stick cooking surface.

Do I Really Need to Follow My Cookware's Cleaning Instructions?

The short answer is yes. Why run the risk of ruining a beautiful piece of cookware? So before you toss your new Frying Pan in the dishwasher, read the care instructions that came with it. If you have more specific concerns, there is a wealth of information to be found on how to deal with all of your cleaning concerns on our blog.