How do you fix a scratch on a non stick pan?

Author: Sam Ondricka DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, June 28, 2026

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.

Should I throw away my scratched non-stick pan?

For pans with non-stick coating, throw them out when the coating begins to flake off. For plain metal pans, scratches don't matter and you can keep using them as long as you want.

How to restore a non-stick frying pan?

Using a special homemade mixture is great way of restoring a nonstick pan. Mix one cup of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1⁄2 a cup of white vinegar. Allow it to mix and set your pan on the stove. Then heat it until it boils; allow it to boil for ten minutes.

Can you recoat a non-stick frying pan?

Recoating involves removing the used non-stick coating on a saucepan, frying pan, sauté pan, pancake pan, etc. in order to replace it with a new coating. Recoated products can therefore be used once again, while extending the life of the more durable parts, i.e. the body and handle of your cookware.

Can you fix a scratched non-stick pan?

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.

“myth busting” restoring NONSTICK pan with vinegar and baking soda

How to fix scratched metal?

To remove scratches from metal furniture without sanding or buffing, you can try using a metal polish that contains abrasive materials designed to smooth out scratches. Alternatively, a mixture of baking soda and water can be applied to gently polish the surface. For more detailed methods, check out my Quora Profile!

Can you repair a non stick frying pan?

Use a Non Stick Spray

Let it dry, then spray a generous amount of the non stick repair spray on the pan or piece of cookware, allowing it to sit and work its magic for around 30 minutes.

Can you salvage a non stick pan?

Luckily, a homemade cleaning solution of vinegar and water is a simple and affordable solution to remove stubborn oil and food buildup, putting the essential “non” back in your non-stick pans. All you need is vinegar, water, baking soda, and fifteen minutes to spare.

Is my non stick pan ruined?

A non stick coating that's peeling, chipped, flaking, or otherwise damaged is a sure sign that your pan should be replaced.

How to clean build up on a nonstick pan?

Mix solution: Mix of two tablespoons white vinegar, baking soda, and a small amount of water in the pan. Heat: Place the pan on your stove and apply heat. Boil: Let the mixture boil for up to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool down: After five minutes, remove the pan from heat and allow it to cool.

How long do nonstick pans last?

In general, you want to replace nonstick pans after five years. But you need to be particularly careful with nonstick cookware produced before 2015, as it may contain PFOA. If your cookware dates back to 2015 and earlier, it's likely time to replace it even if it doesn't contain PFOAs.

Is it bad if my family uses scratched nonstick pans?

No. While they don't necessarily present a safety concern, you still shouldn't hold onto your scratched nonstick pans. If the scratches are fresh, you may end up with flakes of the coating in your food—which we can all agree is not delicious. It can also impact how effective your pan's nonstick abilities are.

What can I do with old scratched cookware?

Sites like Craigslist and Freecycle are good options for finding your cookware a new home, as are secondhand stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army. A few scratches or dings may matter to you, but that doesn't make your pots and pans unusable.

Does Calphalon use Teflon?

Teflon® is a registered trademark of DuPont and a brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) a nonstick finish. While Calphalon cookware features polytetrafluoroethylene-based nonstick finishes, we are not associated with, nor do we use, Teflon® branded products.

What to do with a scratched non-stick pan?

It is safest to replace any nonstick cookware when the coating is damaged, particularly if it was made before 2015, says Whitney Linsenmeyer, PhD, RD, LD, an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics at Saint Louis University, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

When should you throw away a non stick pan?

We advise replacing your nonstick pans whenever the coating starts to degrade or is scratched—or about every three to five years.

What damages a non stick pan?

Five Ways You're Damaging Your Nonstick Pans (and How to Stop)
  • Exposing your nonstick pan to high heat.
  • Using metal utensils in your nonstick pan.
  • Washing your nonstick cookware in the dishwasher.
  • Cooking with the wrong kind of fat in your nonstick pan.
  • Adding cooking fat to your nonstick pan at the wrong time.

How do you recoat a non-stick frying pan?

Clean the pan, then heat it over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add 2 tbsp (30 mL) of vegetable, canola, or coconut oil to the pan, coating the bottom entirely. Heat the oil in the pan until it smokes, let it cool completely, and wipe out any remaining oil. Your pan should now be re-seasoned and stick-free.

Why do nonstick pans stop working?

Food or oil residue can quickly build up on your pan, stopping the non-stick from being as effective. Spray oils in particular are a non-stick no-no, as the tiny particles burn quickly onto the pan, where they build up and are difficult to clean off.

What to do if non-stick coating comes off?

Don't Recoat Non-Stick Cookware

As nice as Teflon® is to cook with, once it starts flaking, it becomes dangerous. Cooking utensils have certain codes that the manufacturer has to adhere to. That can't be said about the spray that they are telling you to use. Invest in a new appliance.

How to get scratches out of a pan?

Baking Soda Paste
  1. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water until it forms a thick, consistent substance.
  2. Apply the paste to the scratched area.
  3. Gently rub the paste over the scratch using a soft cloth or sponge in the direction of the grain.
  4. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.

Does toothpaste remove scratches from metal?

This is the most famous "trick", used to clean scratches on metal, as well as glass. Wet a clean cloth, on which you place a little toothpaste. Dab the scratches in the grain direction, and let it dry. Rinse with clean water before drying thoroughly with a soft, microfiber cloth.

Does vinegar remove scratches from metal?

For deeper scratches on uncoated stainless, you can use an abrasive pad like fine sandpaper (400-600 grit) or a scrubbing sponge and some olive oil to gently buff out and repolish the finish. White vinegar also makes an effective chrome and stainless steel polisher after you finish buffing out scratches.

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