What is the white film on my Calphalon pan?

Author: Jedidiah Daniel  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 2025

In nearly all cases, the white residue is from calcium and magnesium-containing minerals that are found in tap water. The minerals build up on pans when water boils, evaporates, and leaves them behind. If the mineral deposits have "baked on," a normal dishwasher cycle typically won't be enough to remove them.

Why is my Calphalon turning white?

Dishwasher use and exposure to acidic detergents or other unapproved cleansers can reverse the hard anodization process and cause the aluminum surface to lighten in color. This is a cosmetic change only and pans continue to be safe for food preparation.

When should you throw away Calphalon pans?

5 Signs You Should Replace Your Nonstick Pan
  1. You bought it before 2015. In general, you want to replace nonstick pans after five years. ...
  2. Scratched or chipped coating. ...
  3. Rust. ...
  4. Dark discoloration. ...
  5. Food is sticking to it.

What is the coating on Calphalon?

PTFE Nonstick Coatings

Traditional nonstick coatings are made with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a manufactured chemical that has been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. Calphalon cookware contains just one PFAS chemical, PTFE, used to prevent food from sticking to cookware surfaces.

Why is everything sticking to my Calphalon pan?

If food is sticking to your nonstick surface, there may be a residue on the surface causing food to stick. This residue is usually formed from the natural oils in the foods you cook and does not always come clean with regular dish washing liquid.

Cleaning the exterior of your Calphalon Hard Anodized cookware

Is Calphalon coating coming off safe?

The nonstick coating is designed for long-term use when used properly and at the recommended cooking temperatures. If your nonstick coating is chipping or peeling, and your pan has been cared for according to the Use and Care guide, your pan should qualify for replacement under the manufacturer's warranty.

Does Calphalon still use Teflon?

While Calphalon cookware features polytetrafluoroethylene-based nonstick finishes, we are not associated with, nor do we use, Teflon® branded products.

What happened to Calphalon?

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Calphalon, a company that produces cookware and appliances, confirmed Wednesday it will close its Perrysburg production facility at the end of 2023, a move that will cost 130 people their jobs.

Is Calphalon toxic when scratched?

The answer is yes, it is safe to use a scratched Calphalon pan. The scratches do not affect the performance of the pan or the food that you cook in it.

Can I use a pan if the coating is coming off?

Flaking or peeling: If you see the nonstick surface peeling off or flaking into your food, it's time for a new pan. The coating is breaking down and can end up in your meals.

What to do with old Calphalon pans?

From large companies like Cuisinart to specialty companies like GreenPan, recycled options abound. Calphalon also provides free mail-in recycling of old pots and pans with the purchase of its products.

When should Calphalon pans be replaced?

Peeling, Flaking, and Chipping

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

Can I clean Calphalon with vinegar?

When cleaning nonstick pans, you want to make sure you avoid abrasive scrubbers, harsh detergent solutions, and chemical cleaners that can end up damaging the surface of your Calphalon pan. Using hot water, vinegar, or baking soda is an effective and inexpensive way of cleaning Calphalon pans with ease.

What brand is comparable to Calphalon?

Calphalon's alternatives and competitors. See how Calphalon compares to similar products. Calphalon's top competitors include Made In, Rational, and All-Clad Metalcrafters. Made In specializes in kitchenware and cookware, catering to home cooks and culinary professionals.

Does Calphalon have a lifetime warranty?

Calphalon Cookware's lifetime warranty states that “Calphalon will replace any item found defective in material or workmanship when put to normal household use and cared for according to the instructions.” That excludes surface-level dings, dents and chips—but those don't affect the performance of the cookware, anyway.

What is the safest cookware for your health?

ceramic is among the safest material for pans

From dishes, to glasses, bakeware and cookware, ceramic bakeware is our pick for the best cookware material for health thanks to its non-reactive nature and resistance to high temperatures and acidic foods. Plus it's so pretty!

When should I throw away Calphalon?

A good rule of thumb is to replace them approximately every five years. Look at your pans frequently. When they start to appear warped, discolored or scratched, be sure to stop using them.

How do you tell if Calphalon pans are anodized or nonstick?

Stainless steel cookware is typically a shiny silver material, hard-anodized cookware is a deep dark gray color, and cookware that is nonstick typically will have a smooth light gray, dark gray, or black interior that is clearly different than the exterior of the pan. Please reference the pictures below.

Can I use Bar Keepers Friend on Calphalon?

To restore the hard-anodized interior or exterior to like-new appearance, use Calphalon Dormónd™ cleanser, which was specially developed for this cookware. For stubborn spots, use Bar Keeper's Friend® cleanser and a mildly abrasive sponge such as Scotch Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge.

Is it bad to use scratched Calphalon pans?

No. While they don't necessarily present a safety concern, you still shouldn't hold onto your scratched nonstick pans.

When did Calphalon stop using PFAS?

A: Calphalon stopped manufacturing our nonstick using PFOA back in the third quarter of 2012. We have then since moved to a formula that is completely FDA approved.

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