Modern kitchenware would be incomplete without non-stick pans. These things are your best mates for easy-breezy cooking! They make flipping and searing and sliding food on your plate a walk in the park. But here’s the problem: unless you treat non-stick cookware with tender loving care, you may have to throw them away and buy new ones every now and then. The special coatings themselves are quite delicate, but with a little knowledge, you can maintain them for years to come. Here are some easy tips on how to clean non-stick pans. 

Skip The Dishwashers

Yes, the temptation to just put it in the dishwasher is real, but your non-stick pans don’t stand up to those conditions. The abrasive chemicals can ruin their special coating. Even if the box says “dishwasher-safe,” it’s still a good idea to wash them by hand instead. 

Wash with Hot Soapy Water

The harmful chemicals and hot temperatures of dishwashers slowly wear off that slippery coating that lets your food slide right off. Just use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clean them instead. It takes only a minute of your time, and your pans will thank you by staying non-sticky for a whole lot longer. Here’s how to do it- 

• Rinse it off with warm water to dislodge loose pieces
• Apply a small amount of dish soap on a soft sponge or cloth to wipe it lightly clean
• Finish by drying it up quickly with a towel. 

Your pan’s coating deserves delicate treatment too!

Clean Them Right Away

The second you’re done cooking, take a moment to quickly wash your pan. The longer the food sits on it, the more difficult it is to clean. When food is cooled in the pan and left to sit, it sticks even more tenaciously, which makes you scrub harder, which damages the coating. It prevents water spots from forming and makes your pan shine like new. It’s like flossing after a meal, a little maintenance beforehand prevents bigger headaches down the line! And it’s so much easier than trying to scrub dried, stuck-on food out of the pan later on.

Skip Abrasive Materials

Never scrub your pans with rough stuff. No steel wool, no abrasive sponge, no abrasive powder. The non-stick surface will get scratched up, with little grooves forming where food will begin to adhere. Even tiny scratches you can hardly see will render the pan less useful over time. Only use soft cloths, microfiber towels, and gentle sponges. For food that is stuck, just soak the pan in warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes and then wipe clean. The water will release the food so you can wipe it off without scrubbing. 

Give Your Pan a Little Seasoning

Occasionally, your pans need a little tender loving care known to cooks as “seasoning.” It is not a matter of flavor, but of maintaining that smooth surface. After washing and drying the pan, rub a few drops of oil, vegetable or canola oil work well, onto the surface. Rub it around with a paper towel, making sure the whole cooking surface has a thin, even coating. Next, put the pan on the heat, at a low setting, for a minute or two, letting the oil seep into the surface. When cooled, wipe off any excess oil. This seals up the tiny pores of the coating, forming an added layer that lets food slide off easily. 

Avoid the Cooking Sprays

Those easy cooking sprays have a knack for leaving behind a lingering sticky residue that is very difficult to clean. The problem lies in the additives and propellants in the spray, which char onto the surface when cooked, forming a gummy film that builds up over time. Before you know it, your one “non-stick” pan is now a “food-sticking” pan! Instead, use a minimal amount of butter, coconut oil, or olive oil when cooking. If you’re careful with your fat intake, you can just wipe it off with a paper towel. This technique gives you the same easy release for your food without the harmful buildup.

Use Baking Soda for Stubborn Residue

Got burnt food stuck on your pan? Here is how to clean non-stick pans with burnt on food using Baking Soda. It is mildly abrasive but not harsh enough to destroy your precious coating. 

• Simply make up a paste of baking soda and water
• Apply it to the stubborn pan 
• Gently wash in circular motions using a soft sponge
• Rinse it out thoroughly, and dry the pan

In case of very stubborn areas, you can leave the paste on for about 30 minutes before gently scrubbing. Once you’ve had this treatment, give your pan a quick oil seasoning to revive its non-stick quality. 

Store Them Properly

Make sure your pans are completely dry before putting them away, as any residual moisture can lead to unsightly spots or even rust on exposed metal surfaces. If you nest your pans to save space, a habit many of us have: place a soft object like a paper towel or cloth napkin between them to avoid scratching. The bottom of one pan can easily scratch the cooking surface of other kitchen utensils. Some people hang their pans which leave the cooking surfaces untouched. Store them in a dry, cool cupboard, away from extreme heat or dampness. 

When To Throw Away Non-Stick Pans?

Even with proper use, pans don’t last forever. If food is sticking way too much even after your best efforts at cleaning it, or you see deep scratches where the underlying metal is exposed, or rust or extreme discoloration, it might be time to retire your pan. The most important warning sign is if the coating is peeling or flaking off – those flakes get into your food, and nobody wants that! Most non-stick pans will last 3-5 years if you use them regularly, but some of the higher-end ones will last longer. 

Conclusion

Taking care of your non-stick pans is not a chore; it is merely a case of taking a bit of care. With these easy steps, your pans will help you make tasty meals for many years to come! Whether you’re cooking fluffy pancakes, omelets, or fish fillets, a properly cared for non-stick pan makes cooking more fun and cleaning up a breeze. What is your favorite meal to cook in your non-stick pan?

QNET offers a diverse range of high-quality lifestyle and wellness products in India. These products are ideal for people who want to enhance their well-being and improve their quality of life. The extensive product portfolio includes health supplements, water purifiers, air purifiers, personal care items, and luxury goods, all designed to meet the diverse needs of Indian consumers. Here’s a closer look at some of QNET’s must-have products in India.

QNET’s Nutriplus range of health supplements addresses various needs and helps people maintain optimal health. The line includes Nutriplus DailyHealth, which contains 13 different vitamins and 10 essential minerals to support overall well-being, and Nutriplus LivHealth, a liver health supplement containing silymarin and other herbal extracts known for their liver-protective properties. These extracts aid in detoxification and promote healthy liver function.

Access to clean drinking water is a crucial concern in India. QNET tackles this issue with its HomePure water purifiers, which use advanced filtration technologies to ensure safe and clean water. The HomePure Nova, a standout in this range, employs a nine-stage filtration process that effectively removes harmful contaminants like chlorine, bacteria, heavy metals, and viruses. This ensures pure and healthy drinking water, making the HomePure Nova an essential addition to every household.

Given the increasing levels of air pollution in many Indian cities, air purifiers have become essential for maintaining indoor air quality. QNET’s air purifiers are designed to remove allergens, pollutants, and harmful particles, ensuring a healthier living environment. The HomePure Zayn advanced air purification system uses a five-stage filtration process to remove 99.87% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and smoke. It’s certified by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation and is ideal for creating a cleaner, safer indoor air environment.

QNET also offers personal care products that cater to the needs of modern consumers. The Physio Radiance skincare line is one such example. The high-end line rejuvenates, nourishes, and promotes healthy skin.

Persistent Misconceptions

The lifestyle and wellness company is driven by e-commerce, enabling millions of motivated entrepreneurs to build successful businesses. “There is no limit to what you can achieve,” stated CEO Malou Caluza. 

Despite its global success, QNET is often misidentified as a scam or pyramid scheme due to a lack of understanding about the direct selling industry and ambiguous regulations in emerging markets. Over the past 26 years, some have attempted to damage QNET’s reputation, accusing the company of being a scam or pyramid scheme in various countries. 

Despite these challenges, QNET has consistently upheld that it operates within legal boundaries, adhering to legitimate direct selling practices. The company is a registered and compliant entity within multiple jurisdictions of the Direct Selling Association.

QNET is frequently mischaracterized as a scam or pyramid scheme, particularly in India. This has raised questions about its legitimacy.

Why Was QNET Banned In India?

QNET is not banned in India. The Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of it, as it is a genuine company.

However, in Mumbai, QNET’s reputation and credibility have faced significant scrutiny, hampering its ability to operate transparently and equitably in India. The case escalated to the Supreme Court of India following a three-year investigation. In March 2017, the Supreme Court suspended all pending First Information Reports and investigations against the company, effectively clearing QNET of these allegations.

In 2022, the Karnataka High Court ruled that the state government cannot take any coercive actions against Vihaan Direct Selling Pvt. Ltd., a sub-franchisee of QNET. The court ordered the government to pause while it examined the applicability of the Karnataka Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Act of 2004, aka the KPIDFE Act, to Vihaan Direct Selling.

Vihaan Direct Selling asserted that it operates as an e-commerce-based direct selling company, not as a financial establishment, arguing that provisions of the KPIDFE Act do not apply to it since the company does not engage in financial activities such as deposit collection.

According to The Hindu, the Karnataka High Court advised the QNET sub-franchisee to cooperate with authorities during the investigation. The court’s decision followed complaints from individuals alleging that the company had persuaded them to make financial contributions.

The Supreme Court’s favorable rulings and ongoing compliance with local regulations affirm that QNET is not banned in India. The company remains a legally compliant and reliable provider of essential lifestyle and wellness products in India. 

The company launched the QNETPro Initiative to address and dispel allegations and rumors that it operates as a pyramid scheme. This initiative emphasizes education and training, providing independent representatives with the tools and knowledge to establish their direct selling businesses ethically and legally. It aims to empower them to become successful entrepreneurs.

Celebrating 26 years of growth and success, the lifestyle and wellness company takes scam and fraud allegations seriously, so it established a dedicated compliance department to investigate every complaint received about policy violations. Those found guilty of misusing the QNET name or harming its reputation face penalties and may be banned from the direct selling business.

With its commitment to quality and innovation, the company continues to offer valuable solutions that enhance its customers’ well-being and quality of life. This dedication to excellence solidifies QNET’s position as a trusted leader in the direct selling industry.