Expert: Jan Hayner - 7/23/2008

Question
Hi,
I keep having to throw pans away.  I hate all that accumulated carbon and grease on the bottom of my pans.  What are your suggestions for a good cleaner that will be the easiest and do the best job? What are your suggestions of how to get and keep them clean.  Also, how to keep the
non-stick from losing it's effectiveness.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Judy;
I do have several recipes for you to try. I believe in 'green cleaning' and NOT using harsh chemicals and both of these will do the trick.

As for Teflon coated pans;  the non-stick coating should last for about two years before it begins to degrade, according to a 1991 study published in Chemical Engineering Progress. Therefore, if your pans are close to this age and deterioration has started, anything may interfere with the bonding of the Teflon and it may come off.

Here is recipe number one:
I simply put about in enough HOT water to cover the carbon area, plus about 1 T. of dishwasher gel detergent, 2-3 T. of hydrogen peroxide, and a sprinkle (1/2 tsp. of baking soda and let sit about 3 hours and wash as usual.

recipe number two:
Put in 1 T. Baking soda, 1 tsp. salt and enough HOT water to cover the carbon area. Let soak overnight and wash as usual in the morning and the carbon should lift right out.

These are not harsh to the pans or the coating, but have good cleaning action and will loosen the carbon from almost any surface.

As for an already made cleaner, I have heard that Carbon Off works well, but have not personally used it, nor do I know how it effects Teflon coating. My experience however would say that it would break down the Teflon coating in time.
I hope this helps and that you give it a try, I think you will like the results.
Jan Hayner