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.
There's no way to fix scratches. Throw them out and buy new ones. Make sure you're using utensils that don't scratch the surface.
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.
If it's damaged it's probably not a good idea to donate for food use. However, depending on size / style, could be repurposed into a planter for example, so perhaps offer them up for free on a local site for a craft purpose. But otherwise, trashing them is probably the best option.
Comments Section If you like, you can buff out light scratches with a baking soda and water paste or Bar Keepers Friend, and deep scratches with wet sandpaper or a coarse scouring pad dipped in olive oil. These methods also work with stainless steel appliances, where the scratches may be more prominent.
Can Non Stick Pans be Recoated? If your manufacturer offers re-coating for non stick pans, then go ahead and take advantage of this service. Be aware that many find it easier and more cost effective to simply purchase a new, high-quality non stick pan rather than have their old pan repaired.
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.
Are scratched ceramic pans safe? As long as they're made without potential toxins, then yes. A scratched surface will just make your ceramic nonstick pan less, well, nonstick. To preserve the ceramic coating, hand wash your cookware with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.
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.
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.
Signs That Reveal It's Time to Get Rid of Old Cookware
Here are some important old cookware details to look for: Nonstick cookware is scratched or pitted. Pan bottom is warped and doesn't sit flush on the cooktop. This will cause uneven cooking.
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.
(Enamel is much harder than stainless steel, so the appearance of metallic residue is far more likely than actual scratches.) Try scrubbing the marks with a gentle cleaning compound like: Bon Ami. Bar Keepers Friend.
How it works: Fill your dirty pan with equal parts water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Remove from heat and let soak for up to 15 minutes. Discard the liquid down your drain, then use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits.
You can safely stack your pans in the cupboard as long as you place a Pan Protector, dish towel, trivet, oven mitt, or other thick cloth between each pan to prevent scratching. Make sure to also store them away from anything abrasive—like silverware, knives, or metal cooking utensils—that could damage the surface.
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.
Another reason chefs reach for our Non Stick is for quickly cooking pasta. They're able to add the sauce into the pan, followed by the noodles, then emulsify it together for a glossy finish.
Not all non stick pans are created equal, so they can range in length of life. While most non stick pans last an average of two to three years, pans of a poorer quality may yield fewer uses before the non stick coating wears off. Alternately, higher quality pans may last longer than three years with the right care.
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.
The type of scratch most likely to cause problems is one that goes all the way through the coating to the underlying substrate. Such scratches can compromise the coating's protective properties and allow corrosion or other damage to occur.
Use a rubbing compound (which costs about $10), also known as scratch repair. Apply it with a microfiber cloth, and use circular motions to buff until you can't see the scratch any longer. Polish it. Polish the area with car polish (which costs about $15), using circular motions.
Toothpaste. Toothpaste is an abrasive product which you can use to lightly polish a surface. To reduce scratches on stainless steel, apply a fine layer of toothpaste with a soft cloth in the direction that your custom stainless steel panel has been brushed.
Non-abrasive Cleaners
Some examples of non-abrasive cleaners are Bar Keepers Friend and Method Stainless Steel Clean + Polish. If you're using a powder cleaner, you'll want to mix it with some water to create a paste. From there, take a damp cloth and rub toward the direction of the grain.