Tips: Is your Non-stick sticking?

How to Restore the Non-Stick Surface on Your Pans

(When invisible polymerised oil residue is causing sticking)

There’s nothing better than a brand new non-stick pan — food glides smoothly, eggs slide out effortlessly, and cleanup is quick and easy.

But after several months of use, you might notice food starting to stick again. What’s happening is that you’re no longer cooking on the actual non-stick surface. Instead, you’re cooking on a thin, invisible layer of polymerised oil residue that has built up over time.

This stubborn film forms from repeated heating of oils and cooking sprays. It creates a slightly sticky surface that ruins the pan’s performance. The good news is that you can remove this residue and restore much of the original non-stick performance with a simple deep clean.

Even the best non-stick pans can develop a thin, invisible layer of polymerised oil over time. 

Why It Happens

Oils polymerise (harden) when heated repeatedly and bond to the non-stick surface. Regular washing doesn’t always remove this film.

Best Method: Vinegar & Bicarbonate of Soda Deep Clean

This gentle, effective technique is widely recommended:

1. Fill the pan with 300–500ml of water (enough to cover the base).
2. Add 100ml of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda.
3. Bring to a gentle boil for 8–10 minutes. The mixture will fizz and help lift the residue.
4. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes.
5. Pour out the liquid, then wash with warm soapy water using a soft sponge or non-scratch pad.
6. For stubborn spots: Make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and a little water, apply it, leave for 10 minutes, then gently scrub.

Important: Always use soft, non-abrasive tools to protect the coating.

After Cleaning – Re-Season the Surface

• Dry the pan thoroughly.
• Apply a very thin layer of rapeseed oil across the cooking surface.
• Heat on low for 2–3 minutes, then wipe away any excess oil with kitchen paper.

Prevention Tips 

• Avoid aerosol cooking sprays — they build up residue quickly.
• Don’t overheat empty pans.
• Clean the pan while it’s still warm after use.
• Stick to medium heat for everyday cooking.

At Peppercorn Cookware, we help many customers revive their favourite non-stick pans with this method. It can significantly extend the life of your cookware and bring back that smooth performance.

Ready to upgrade or replace your non-stick pans? Shop our full range of high-quality non-stick cookware at Peppercorn Cookware today.