How To Remove Teflon Non Stick Coating from Pans & Pots [Quick & Easy Steps]

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By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 11, 2023 | Last Updated on October 21, 2023

You can completely remove the Teflon non stick coating from your pans or pots by following the simple steps we’ve described below. So, keep reading!

When your non stick pan or pot is worn out, and you still want to use them instead of buying a new one. If you’re one of them, we suggest you remove the nonstick coating completely from your pan or pot.

It’s because the food might stick to the bottom of the pan and may not come out evenly due to its uneven nonstick surface.

On the other hand, the nonstick flakes might mix up with your food which is very unhealthy and can lead to various diseases.

However, if you don’t know how to remove the nonstick coating from your pan or pot, you’ll definitely find this guide so helpful.

How to remove non stick coating

How to remove non stick coating?

We’ve shared 3 methods from which you can completely remove nonstick coating from your pan or pot. You can follow any of them from below:

Method 1: Use baking soda to take off non stick coating

Things you need:

  • Dishwasher soap
  • Boiling water
  • Baking soda
  • Scouring pad
  • Gel drain opener
  • Rubber gloves
  • Goggles 
  • Soft sponge

Step 1: Take the non stick pan or pot that you want to remove the coating and pour dishwasher soap directly on it near about half-inch layer. Then, put the pan in the bottom of the sink and pour hot water onto it until the pan is fully filled. Let it soak overnight.

Step 2: Now lift the cookware from the sink and remove the soapy water just by sliding the pan. Then, add baking soda to its surface as it fully covers the pan’s bottom.

Step 3: Take a heavy-duty scouring pad and gently scrub the pan clock-wise and anti clock-wise to come out the softened nonstick coating. Sprinkle more baking soda on the non stick cooking surface if needed.

Step 4: Then, you’ll notice some non stick polymers have come out, and some non stick coatings are still available on the pan’s surface. 

At this stage, wear a thick rubber glove and goggles for extra safety and then apply a thick layer of drain opener gel onto the remaining non stick coating. 

Let it soak for at least two days in an open or well-ventilated place. You should make sure the pan is not in your children’s or pet’s reach at this time to avoid any harm. 

Also read: What to Do When the Non-Stick Pan Coating Is Coming Off

Step 5: After 48 hours, wear the goggles and gloves again to prevent skin or eye irritation. And then, take the pan and scrub it hard with a heavy-duty scouring pad to remove the non stick coating. Keep on scrubbing until the coating is fully wiped off.

Step 6: Now, rinse the pan well with clean water, and you’ll see the non stick coating has fully vanished. To make it ready for cooking your next meal, just clean the pan with liquid dish soap and a soft sponge. And you are good to go!

How to remove non stick coating from a pan

Method 2: how to remove teflon coating from pan with sand paper

Things are required:

  • Sandpaper
  • Cloth
  • Hand gloves
  • Dish soap

Step 1: Take a sheet of sandpaper. Cut it into small pieces.

Step 2: Wear hand gloves. Rub the nonstick cookware with the sandpaper again and again. You should apply a little pressure while rubbing it to help the non stick coating come off quickly. Remove the flakes by wiping them with a cloth and start rubbing again.

Step 3: Continue doing it until the full non stick coating peels off and a shiny silver surface appears.

Step 4: Now, you will find a lot of scratches on the silver surface area. To make it smoother, take a piece of sand paper again and start rubbing clockwise and anti-clockwise. It will help reduce the scratches.

Step 5: Wash the pan with liquid dish soap and rinse well. Then you are good to go. You have totally removed the non stick coating of your Teflon pan.

Don’t forget to season it 2-3 times before cooking on it again. 

Method 3: Remove non stick Teflon coating with an angle grinder

Things to require:

  • Angle grinder
  • Polish disk
  • Wire cup brush
  • Metal polish
  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Dust protection mask
  • Dish soap
  • Soft sponge

Step 1: Wear hand gloves, goggles, and a dust protection mask. Take the angle grinder and connect the wire cup brush to it. And then start ripping off the non-stick coating of your pan. 

Step 2: When you see the non stick coating has come off completely, apply some metal polish on the pan.

Step 3: Now, take the angle grinder again and replace the wire cup brush with a polish disk. And then start polishing the pan.

Step 4: When you see the silver surface of the pan has become smoother, it’s time to remove the polishing gel from the pan. For that, take the dish washing soap or grease remover and then apply it on the pan’s cooking surface and wipe them off with a soft sponge.

Step 5:

  • Now, wash the pan with clean water.
  • Wipe it with a dry cloth.
  • Season it for the next use.

This method is very effective, less time-consuming, and easier than others. You can watch the following video for a better understanding!

Tip

Nonstick cookware are not that much expensive. So, it’s better to bring a new one when you see the non stick coating is peeling off from your old pan. It’s because a worn-out non stick pan will never give you a pleasant cooking experience. 

The food will stick to the bottom of the pan. Non stick flakes will mix up with the dishes. Even if you remove the non stick coating from your old worn pan, it requires more oil to cook the food that is unhealthy. 

So, that’s why we suggest replacing your old non-stick cookware with a new one. In addition, always use medium heat in your non-stick cookware and use a wooden or silicone spatula instead of metal utensils to make it longer lasting.

Our Easy Kitchen Guide experts have reviewed some best non stick frying pan for electric stove; you may read them for further information.

If you also want to know how to make a non stick pan non stick again, we have a guide on it. You may also read it by going to the link.

Wrapping up:

Thanks for reading the complete guide on how to remove non stick coating from pan or pot. We hope you’ve found this article helpful and informative. To sum up, we just want to say that you can completely peel off the non stick coating of your old non stick pan or pot by following any described methods above.

However, our method 3 – removing non stick coating from pan with an angle grinder is the most efficient and less time-consuming method that will help you to make your old worn non-stick pan work again like a charm.

Please share this guide on social media so that your friends and family also benefit from this.

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Author Profile

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

4 thoughts on “How To Remove Teflon Non Stick Coating from Pans & Pots [Quick & Easy Steps]”

  1. I know what I will be doing this weekend! Thanks for sharing such great easy tips about cleaning pots and pans. A few of my pots are in desperate need of attention. Very helpful!

    Reply

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