How to Clean Non-Stick Cookware Without Damaging the Coating

by Chloe Q · Apr 29, 2025

A good non-stick pan makes cooking (and cleaning up) a breeze, but it won’t stay that way if you don’t treat it right. Even the best non-stick cookware can wear down over time if it’s scrubbed too hard, used at high heat, or put in the dishwasher too often.

But don’t stress. Keeping your non-stick pans in great condition is easy when you know how. Here’s how to clean them properly and avoid the common mistakes that can shorten their lifespan.

Take care of your non-stick cookware and it can last you years!

How to Clean Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware

Crumble’s ceramic cookware is designed for easy, non-toxic cooking, but it still needs a little care to stay in top shape. Unlike traditional non-stick pans, ceramic is free from synthetic coatings, which means it won’t break down at high heat, but it can still wear out if not cleaned properly.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Let the pan cool slightly before washing. Never put a hot pan straight under cold water – it can cause thermal shock and damage the surface.
Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth to wipe away any residue.
Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a soft towel.

How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Ceramic

Baking soda paste – Mix baking soda with a little water, apply to stains, let it sit for 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft sponge.
White vinegar soak – Fill the pan with equal parts white vinegar and water, bring to a low simmer for 5 minutes, then rinse clean.

Things to Avoid:

No metal utensils – use wood or silicone to protect the coating.
No harsh scrubbers – steel wool or abrasive cleaners can scratch the surface.
No non-stick sprays – these build up a residue that’s hard to clean.

Crumble’s ceramic non-stick range is dishwasher safe, but for the longest life, handwashing is always best.

How to Clean Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Crumble’s cast iron cookware gives you all the benefits of cast iron without the need for seasoning. The smooth, glass-like enamel coating protects the surface, making it easier to clean than traditional cast iron.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Let the cookware cool down before washing.
Wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or brush.
Rinse and dry thoroughly with a towel (avoid air drying, as water spots can form).

How to Remove Stains or Discolouration

Baking soda soak – Fill the cookware with warm water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Let it sit for an hour, then scrub gently with a sponge.

Things to Avoid

No metal utensils – use wood, silicone, or nylon to avoid scratching the enamel.
No extreme temperature changes – going from hot to cold suddenly can cause cracking.
No harsh abrasives – stick to soft sponges and non-abrasive scrubbers.

While enameled cast iron develops a natural non-stick coat over time and with more use, a little oil or butter before cooking helps prevent sticking, especially when using it for high-heat cooking.

How to Clean Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware

Crumble’s pre-seasoned cast iron skillet is made from bare cast iron that’s been seasoned with oil before it reaches you. This means it’s ready to cook with straight away, but it still needs the right cleaning routine to maintain the seasoning layer.

Pre-seasoned cast iron is designed to be low-maintenance, but it still needs the right care to keep its seasoning intact. The key is to clean it without stripping the protective oil layer while making sure there’s no food residue left behind.

For Light Cooking (Minimal Residue)

If your pan was used for something simple—like frying eggs or toasting spices—cleaning is quick and easy:

Wipe it down with a dry paper towel to remove any leftover oil or crumbs.
Heat it over low heat for a couple of minutes to evaporate any moisture.
Reapply a thin layer of oil using a paper towel, then let it cool before storing.

For Stuck-On Food and Saucy Dishes

If you’ve cooked something with a lot of sauce, sugar, or sticky residue, you’ll need a bit more effort:

Add water to the pan and bring it to a rolling boil—this helps loosen stuck bits.
Use a wooden or silicone spatula to gently scrape away residue.
If it’s really stubborn, use a non-abrasive iron scrubber (never steel wool).
Empty the pan, rinse it with hot water only (no soap), and dry immediately with a towel.
Place it over low heat for a minute to remove any lingering moisture.
Coat the surface with a thin layer of oil using a paper towel, then let it dry completely.

Things to Avoid

No soaking – cast iron rusts quickly if left in water.
No dish soap (unless necessary) – soap can strip the seasoning.
No dishwasher – handwashing is the only way to go.

A well-seasoned cast iron pan gets better over time, creating a naturally non-stick surface without the need for synthetic coatings.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Non-Stick Cookware

Avoid the Dishwasher (Even if It Says Dishwasher-Safe)

Many non-stick pans are dishwasher-safe, but that doesn’t mean you should be chucking it in there after every use. Dishwashers use harsh detergents and high heat, which can break down the non-stick coating over time.

What to do instead:

Hand wash whenever possible – it only takes a minute and keeps your pan in top shape.
If you must use a dishwasher, place the pan on the top rack and use a gentle, non-citrus detergent.

Crumble’s non-stick cookware is dishwasher-safe (except our pre-seasoned cast iron skillet), but handwashing is always best if you want to extend its lifespan.

Use the Right Utensils

What you cook with is just as important as how you clean. Metal utensils can scratch and damage the non-stick surface, making it wear out faster.

Stick to wooden spoons, silicone spatulas and nylon utensils instead. Also, avoid using forks, knives, or anything sharp directly on the pan. Even a few small scratches can lead to more sticking over time.

A wooden spoon is one of the friendliest utensils to non-stick cookware!

Skip the Cooking Sprays

It’s tempting to use a non-stick spray, but over time, these sprays build up a residue that can make your pan less non-stick. The coating left behind is tough to clean and can actually cause food to stick more. Better alternatives include a small amount of butter or oil.

Store Your Non-Stick Pans Properly

Stacking non-stick cookware without protection can lead to scratches and chips. If you need to stack your pans, place a soft liner between them (a tea towel, paper towel, or silicone pad works well).

If you have the space, it’s a good idea to hang your pans. And always keep them in a dry place to prevent moisture damage. These small habits help keep the coating smooth and effective for longer.

Cleaning Non-Stick Cookware Starts with Choosing the Right Pans

Taking care of non-stick cookware doesn’t have to be complicated. A little extra care—like using the right utensils, avoiding extreme heat, and washing gently—goes a long way in keeping your pans in top shape. But as always, starting with quality cookware is a must. The best way to preserve the lifespan of your non-stick cookware is to invest in durable, non-toxic materials from the start.

Explore Crumble’s full range of high-quality, non-stick cookware and invest in pieces that last.