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How to Fix A Scratched Nonstick Pan

Published on 01/29/2024 · 8 min readScratched your nonstick pan? Learn how to fix it with our easy tips, helping you restore its functionality and extend its lifespan in the kitchen.
Charlene F, Kitchen Expert
By Kitchen Expert Charlene F

Photo by Maliflower 73

Non-stick pans are the kitchen’s unsung hero. Beginners and expert home chefs alike value their affordability, versatility, and non-stick properties that make cooking tasty stir fries, perfect sunny side up eggs, and fluffy pancakes a breeze. This kitchen workhorse isn’t without drawbacks, though. Common concerns include PTFE and PFOA non-stick coatings, the maintenance and care needed to preserve non-stick properties/coatings, the pan’s limited lifespan, and what to do with scratches. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to fix a non-stick coating and easy maintenance tips that will help you care for your nonstick cookware so it lasts for years to come.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a Curated Kitchen Expert. Our Experts are here to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

What You Should Know About Nonstick Pans

The chemicals used to create the nonstick coating on pots and pans are often made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), known for their slick, smooth surface. While cooking with nonstick pans usually means little need for oil or fat, often grease buildup degrades the nonstick surface. This may create a need for more elbow grease while cooking, which can introduce scratches or flaking, further affecting the pan’s non-stick properties. While deep or severe scratches often signal the need for replacement, minor surface damage can sometimes be remedied at home. So depending on what is at hand, here’s a quick guide on how to restore the glory of your nonstick pan.

Prepare Your Non-Stick Pan For Fixing

Clean the Pan

Photo by Ratchanee Sawasdijira

Start by cleaning all cooking residue (remaining grease, food particles) as this can interfere with the repair process. Use warm water, mild dish soap (I like to use a small amount of Dawn dish soap), and a soft sponge. It’s crucial to avoid using steel wool or abrasive pads, as these can further damage the nonstick surface. Rinse well to ensure all soap is removed.

Drying the Pan

Photo by Foto Duets

Use a soft towel or paper towel to dry the pan completely. Any moisture left on the pan can prevent any repair method from adhering properly. Ensure that the pan is dry both inside and out. You may also leave the pan out overnight to ensure it is bone dry.

Inspect the Damage

Photo by Lena Ogurtsova

If the pan has light surface scratches — deep or numerous scratches that expose the underlying metal signal the pan has reached the end of its lifespan — you’ll need a non-stick dry film lubricant spray or cookware spray. You can also use a home remedy of baking soda paste or vegetable oil. If the coating is peeling, it's best to replace the pan for safety reasons and to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals. If it’s a higher-end model like Hestan or All-Clad, contact them for their re-coating services or a warranty-backed replacement.

Fixing a Non-Stick Pan Using Repair Spray

Photo by Sternsteiger Germany

Apply Non-Stick Cookware Repair Spray Evenly

If the scratches are superficial, a non-stick cookware repair spray can be used to create a protective layer over the scratches. Be sure to read and follow the product’s instructions carefully before use. Shake the can well before use and hold it 8-12 inches away from the surface. Spray the coating in a controlled manner to ensure even coverage. Focus on the scratched areas but cover the entire surface for a uniform finish. Be careful not to overspray, as that can lead to an uneven surface.

Dry the Coating

Allow the spray to dry completely, which takes upward of two hours. To be on the safe side, you can leave it overnight. It’s important as well to ensure the cookware is kept dust- and debris-free while drying, so cover it if needed.

Cure the Pan

Check the spray’s instructions as some repair sprays require curing in an oven. This process helps the coating adhere better and harden.

Bake the Pan

Place the pan — make sure it is oven safe; remove non-oven-safe features like handles — in a cold oven and set the temperature to 300°F. Leave the pan in the oven for the specified time (see spray instructions). When you turn off the oven, leave the pan inside and let it cool before removing it.

Cool Down

After curing, allow the pan to cool down to room temperature. This can take an hour or more. Handling the pan while it's hot can cause burns or damage to the new coating.

Post-Repair Washing

Wash the pan gently using warm water and a soft sponge. This step is crucial to remove any residue from the repair process. It's important to handle the newly coated surface gently to avoid new scratches.

Fixing a Non-Stick Pan Using Baking Soda Scrub

Make the Baking Soda Scrub Mixture

Make a paste out of baking soda and water and use it as a gentle abrasive.

Scrub the Surface

Using a circular motion, gently smooth out the scratches. Be sure not to deepen the scratch. If the metal beneath is revealed, it’s best to replace the pan entirely.

Rinse and Dry the Pan

Wash the pan gently using warm water and a soft sponge. Make sure to remove any baking soda residue and dry it with a clean cloth. This method may help to reduce the appearance of minor scratches and restore the nonstick qualities of your pan.

Fixing a Non-Stick Pan Using Vegetable Oil

Prepare the Pan

Place the clean, dry pan on the stovetop over low heat and let it warm.

Preheat the Oven

Use a gentle heat setting of 300°F to ensure no additional damage is done to the non-stick pan

Coat the Pan

Coat the pan with unsalted vegetable oil enough that the entire bottom of the pan is covered. Depending on the size of the pan it should be at least 1⁄2 inch high.

Cure the Pan

Heat the pan in the oven for 2 hours. Let the vegetable oil bake into and coat the bottom of the pan to cover the scratches.

Remove and Dry the Pan

Turn off the oven and keep your non-stick pan inside overnight to cool down and dry completely.

Testing the Pan

Before using the pan make sure to conduct a mini test. Heat one tablespoon of oil in the pan over medium heat, crack an egg, and watch it cook. This simple test will help determine if the non-stick properties have been satisfactorily restored.

If you still have questions about caring for your non-stick cookware, every one of our Curated Kitchen Experts is a cooking enthusiast, meaning they can answer questions, address concerns, and make recommendations as needed. And best of all, chatting with an Expert is completely free!

How to Keep Your Non-Stick Pans Scratch Free

Photo by Maliflower 73

Now that you’ve fixed the scratched pan from minor scratches, here are some suggestions to keep it scratch free and your non-stick cookware working at its best for years to come.

  • Use utensils made of materials that are softer than the non-stick coating — like wood, plastic, and silicone — as they are less likely to scratch the surface compared to metal utensils.
  • Steer clear of using knives or metal spatulas directly on the pan, even when cutting or flipping food in the pan. Always use blunt-edged utensils.
  • Gently stir or flip food to avoid introducing scratches.
  • When cleaning off stubborn food residue, soak the pan in warm water to loosen the residue, then gently remove it with a soft sponge.
  • Use a soft sponge or cloth for cleaning. Never clean your non-stick cookware with steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive brushes, as they can easily scratch and deteriorate the non-stick surface.
  • Choose mild or diluted dish soaps so as not to wear down the non-stick coating over time.
  • Avoid the dishwasher. Non-stick pans are dishwasher safe, but the high heat and detergent combination can degrade the coating. Handwashing is recommended.
  • Let the pan cool down before washing to avoid thermal shock that can potentially warp the pan and damage the non-stick surface.
  • Non-stick pans are not designed for high-heat cooking, so cook using low to medium heat to protect the coating.
  • Never preheat the pan empty. Start on a low setting with some cooking oil. This helps in evenly distributing heat and reduces the chances of food sticking and scratching the surface.
  • Avoid using cooking sprays, as the residue can build up over time and deteriorate the non-stick coating. Instead, use a small amount of oil or butter for cooking to help protect the coating.
  • If stacking your non-stick pan, place a soft cloth or pan protector between each pan to prevent scratches and avoid storing them with heavier cast iron or stainless steel cookware
  • Regularly check your pans for scratches or wear. If the coating is starting to flake or if there are scratches that show the metal beneath, it’s time to replace the pan to ensure cooking safety and performance.

While all these methods can help to extend the life of your non-stick pan, they are just temporary solutions. Proper care is needed to extend the life of your pan — use wooden or silicone utensils, avoid high heat, and handwash gently — and investing in a set of high-quality non-stick cookware may turn out to be a more cost-effective solution versus replacing them regularly once they show signs of severe wear or damage. If you have any questions about what type of non-stick cookware you might need for your kitchen, start a chat with a Curated Kitchen Expert. They will be more than happy to help you.

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