A must-have in any kitchen, non-stick pans make cooking and cleaning a pleasure. But even the best non-stick surfaces can break down over time, which can be annoying in the kitchen. Before you replace your pan or spend money on specialised solutions, you might want to try a method that works surprisingly well and only requires a common home item: milk. In just a few easy steps, this simple method can make the top of your pan non-stick again.
Casein, a natural protein found in milk, is what makes this method work. Casein responds by sticking together and making a protected layer when it gets hot. This thin layer makes the pan even less likely to stick, which makes cleaning and heating easy again. This process is safe for your family and the environment, and it doesn’t use any chemicals.
To bring your non-stick pan back to life, start by adding enough milk to cover the bottom. Be careful not to fill it too much, because that can cause spills and a messy kitchen. Next, put the pan on the stove and heat the milk over medium to low heat. Let it boil slowly for about five minutes. Heavy cooking can damage the milk by making it burn, so stay away from high heat.
After the milk has boiled, throw it away and wash the pan well with warm water to get rid of any smells or residue that might still be there. You can now use your pan. Fry an egg in the pan to see if the top doesn’t stick. The repair process was successful if the egg slides and turns without getting stuck.
Use just enough milk to cover the bottom of the pan, stay away from high heat, and do it again if you need to. This method is worth a try because it is easy to use, available, and good for the environment. This environmentally friendly method makes your cookware last longer, cuts down on waste, and saves you money.
To make your non-stick pan last longer, don’t use metal tools or rough scrubbers on it, wash it by hand with a soft sponge, and cook without using high heat. They are easy to take care of, and if you need to, you can use the milk repair method to make your non-stick pan work again.
