How to restore the non-stick coating of an old pan

If the non-stick pan in your kitchen is old and has lost its non-stick coating, don’t throw it away just yet. There is a simple and cost-effective way to “revive” it using fresh milk. Milk contains casein protein, which, when exposed to high heat, can bind together and form a protective layer on the pan’s surface, helping restore its non-stick properties.

Steps to follow:

1. Pour fresh milk (sweetened or unsweetened) into the pan, using enough to completely cover the bottom.

2. Turn on the stove and bring the milk to a boil for about 5 minutes over moderate heat. Avoid high heat to prevent the milk from boiling over.

3. Once the milk has boiled, turn off the heat and pour the milk out. Then wash the pan thoroughly to remove any milk residue or odor.

4. Test the pan by frying an egg: if the egg does not stick, the non-stick coating has been restored.

If your non-stick pan is old and the coating has worn off, don’t rush to discard it.

Alternative method: Using potato and salt

Ingredients:

• 1 potato

• A small amount of table salt

Instructions:

1. Peel the potato, wash it thoroughly, and let it drain.

2. Cut the potato in half. Sprinkle a little salt on the cut surface of one half and rub it over the pan’s surface to clean it.

3. Use the other half to rub the bottom of the pan or areas where the non-stick coating has peeled.

4. Rinse the pan with water and wipe it dry.

Potatoes contain natural acids that help remove rust from the pan. In addition, riboflavin and folate in potatoes can interact with Teflon, supporting the restoration of a natural non-stick layer and making an old pan look almost new again.

Restoring a non-stick pan with coconut oil

Another simple and effective way to “revive” a non-stick pan is by using coconut oil combined with salt. This method not only cleans the pan’s surface but also helps regenerate its natural non-stick ability.

Ingredients needed:

• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

• Table salt

• Paper towels

Instructions:

1. Place the pan on the stove, add the coconut oil, and heat it, swirling the oil to coat the entire surface.

2. Keep the oil hot for about 2–3 minutes, then pour it out.

3. Sprinkle salt evenly over the pan. Use a paper towel to gently rub the surface in circular motions.

4. Discard the excess salt and wipe away any remaining oil and salt with a clean paper towel.

Note: This method helps restore the non-stick coating for a short period. After several uses, the effect may gradually wear off. You can repeat these steps as needed to maintain the non-stick performance of the pan.