Calphalon pans and pots are non-stick cooking utensils. They are easy to clean and are pretty low-maintenance.
Yet, cooking accidents like overheating or forgetfulness can cause a disaster in the kitchen.
The good thing is that there are multiple methods to restore burned calphalon pans and pots.
Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining and restoring calphalon pots and pans.
Table of Contents
How to Restore Calphalon Pots and Pans?
Calphalon pots and pans are generally inexpensive and quite sturdy.
They, however, can get damaged if you use abrasive restoration methods to salvage the burnt cookware. The best idea is to use mild or diluted substances when you’re cleaning the burnt cookware.
So we’ve selected simple home remedies to show you how to do it.
Most of these antidotes will already be in your kitchen cabinet.
Let’s have a look!
Use Mild Dishwashing Liquid for Slightly Burned Calphalon Cookware
If you’ve burned your calphalon pots and pans before, then you know using a dishwashing liquid is the first choice to clean up the mess.
In this case, it is ideal for situations when the pan isn’t completely ruined after the accidental burning incident.
However, the restoration method isn’t like regular washing. You have to soak the burned cookware in liquid soap and water for it to work.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Add a few drops of any mild dishwashing liquid in the burned calphalon pan. Try to target the most affected areas when you’re pouring the liquid.
- Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat on (medium-low heat).
- Let the pot simmer for around 15-20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat after the designated time.
- Then set the pan aside for at least half an hour.
- Once the pan is cool to touch, you can start scrubbing it gently with a soft-bristled brush or scrubbing pad.
- Continue scrubbing it in intervals to break off the crusted layer.
- Rinse the pan properly and then use a washcloth to pat it dry.
Pro tip: Be gentle when you’re scrubbing the surface of the burned pan. Vigorous scrubbing and hard-bristled would create scratches on the surface and tarnish the finishing.
Use Vinegar for Burnt Stainless Steel
If your stainless steel calphalon pot or pan gets burned, then you should immediately soak it in distilled white vinegar.
The acidic vinegar will react with the scorched layer and force it to break away from the surface of your charcoaled pot/pan. Then you simply rinse off the utensil and restore its shine.
What if you don’t have white vinegar at home? Then you can use alternatives like apple cider vinegar or a fresh (or bottled) lemon juice. Using other citrusy extracts can work too if the scorched pan isn’t severely burned.
Here’s a breakdown of this cleaning method:
- Mix white vinegar (or alternative) with distilled water (use equal ratios).
- Then soak your burned utensil into the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
- The burnt residue should start to come off after a brief interval.
- Once that happens, dump the dirty vinegar water into the sink.
- Then gently scrub off the burnt surface with a non-abrasive sponge.
- Use a liquid dishwashing agent once you scrub off most of the crusty layer.
- Make sure to remove all the buildup while you scrub the surface.
Pro tip: Instead of soaking the damage pot and pan, you can fill it with the ½ cup vinegar and equal parts water. Then place it on a stove at medium-high heat for approximately fifteen minutes. Exposure to heat can cause the burnt buildup to break away much more quickly. After that, you can clean off the burned residue with a liquid dishwasher.
Use Baking Soda for Burned Calphalon Cookware
A warm mixture of baking soda can also restore burned calphalon pots and pans. The mild alkali has the power to react with the blackened surface and cause the charcoal layer to break away.
This method takes slightly more time than other restoration methods.
However, its results are just as effective.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to restore calphalon cookware with baking soda:
- Mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with warm water to make a solution.
- Pour the baking soda mixture on to the burnt surface of the calphalon pot or pan.
- Let the pan soak in the mixture for a few hours (max 2 hours).
- Then start scrubbing the affected area with a soft sponge. Cautiously clean the surface without causing any scratches or scuff marks.
- Drain the baking soda solution in the sink.
- Refill the pan with more baking soda mixture (always use warm water for this mixture).
- Continue steps 1-7 until you see burned bits floating inside the mixture. The solution might even turn brown, and this indicates that the soda is reacting with the burnt layer.
- Once you’re satisfied with the results, you can drain out the baking soda solution.
- Then clean off the remaining burned residue with a scrub and mild liquid soap.
- After that, dry the utensil with a non-abrasive washcloth before placing it back in the cabinet.
Pro tip: Avoid using excessive baking powder for this restoration method as it is a caustic substance. That means your calphalon cookware might start corroding if it’s exposed to too much baking soda.
What If You Scratch the Calphalon Pot or Pan?
Then you can bring it back to its original condition by buffing the scratched surface. You’ll find the visible scratch lines are easy to remove.
All you need is a heavy-duty scrub (e.g. Scotch-Brite) and a special cleanser for nonstick utensils.
These are the steps you should follow:
- Dab the non-abrasive scrub in a special cleanser.
- Rub the affected area in slow circular motions. Be gentle while you rub the calphalon cookware to avoid scratching and scuffing the surface.
- Continue rubbing the surface until silvery scratch lines start to disappear.
- Thoroughly rinse the utensil to wash away the cleansing agent. Make sure that there are no residues left behind.
- Dry the wet utensil with a soft washcloth before placing it back on the rack.
Once done, one should treat the restored pots and pans carefully. The best practice is to polish the cookware occasionally to prevent it from getting dull.
How to Care for Your Restored Calphalon Cookware?
Once your calphalon pots and pans are back in shape, you should make sure they stay this way. There are simple cleaning guidelines that can increase their lifespan.
Let’s have a look:
Keep it away from high temperatures.
High temperatures can cause your food to burn and damage your cookware.
Since hard-ionized utensils like calphalon are heat-efficient.
So you should only cook food in them on medium heat. That way, the cookware won’t get exposed to harsh temperatures, and your food won’t burn either.
Clean calphalon cookware with warm water.
Don’t expose your heated cookware to cold water. This might cause the pot/pan to get distorted and the metallic surface to bubble. That’s why the best idea is to wait for the cookware to cool off before you submerge it in water.
Always use warm or hot water to clean your calphalon pots and pans.
The high temperature makes it easier to scrub off the stains that are clinging onto the cookware’s surface.
Use soft brushes and cloth to clean the utensils.
Avoid using cleaning brushes with hard bristles (e.g. metallic or wooden brushes) as they might tarnish your utensil’s finish.
The best option is to choose a soft sponge or a soft-bristle brush.
You can also select a regular washcloth made from non-abrasive material to clean the cookware.
Keep away from harsh chemicals and cleaning liquids.
Make sure that your cleaning liquid is mild and doesn’t contain any astringent compounds or toxic chemicals.
That’s because the toxins can react with the calphalon surface and cause it to corrode.
Handle the pots and pans with great care.
Calphalon cookware is highly durable. It has a scratch-proof and it can withstand pressure.
However, to keep it well-maintained, you should avoid cutting meat or fresh produce inside the cooking utensil.
You should also handle it gently and store it without stacking it on top of other cooking utensils.
Polish dull surfaces with a special cleaner.
If your pots and pans start to lose their luster, then you should polish them. Use a special cleanser for this purpose (e.g. Bars Keepers Friend).
The formula should be suitable for stainless steel and other non-stick cookware. This ensures that the calphalon surface is not affected by the harsh chemicals found in regular cleaning agents.
In the end, these small steps can prolong the lifespan of your cookware. These tips apply to other metallic cookware too.
You should try to make them mandatory in the kitchen. This way, you won’t have to replace pots and pans every other year.
When Should You Replace Your Calphalon Pots and Pans?
The best practice is to replace cookware of any kind after 5 years of use, or when their manufacturer’s warranty expires. If they get damaged before that, then you have two options.
You can either replace them by availing your warranty card or restoring them by using one of our DIY hacks.
With that said, you should consider discarding calphalon cookware that is severely scratched or pitted.
You should also throw it away if its upper coating is peeling off. If overlooked, these defects can cause health problems down the line.
For instance, the toxic coating can seep into your food when you’re cooking. This can cause gastrointestinal problems or worse.
In a Nutshell
In the end, you don’t have to get disheartened if your calphalon pan or pot got scorched during a cooking mishap.
From regular dishwashing liquid, vinegar to baking soda, there are several ways to restore it.
We hope that one of the home remedies we taught, works for you when that happens.
Other cooking pan articles you may find useful:
- How to Clean Baking Pans Using Common Household Items?
- How to Keep Baking Pans from Rusting?
- How to Dispose of Old Cooking Pans?
- Can Calphalon Pans Go in Oven?
FAQs
How do you recondition Calphalon cookware? ›
If the hard-anodized aluminum cookware has only been in the dishwasher once or twice, you may be able to restore the hard-anodized aluminum surface to its original condition. Use a dry, green Scotch Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge and rub it in the same direction as the grain of the dry pan.
Why does everything stick to my Calphalon pans? ›Calphalon cookware is very heat-efficient; using high heat will quickly cause food to stick and burn. High heat is typically used for boiling water or stir-frying. Test the pan to ensure it is hot enough.
How do you make Calphalon pans non-stick again? ›To do so, simply mix 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons baking soda, and ½ cup white vinegar in the pot or pan that's lost its stick, set on the stove, and heat until boiling for 10 minutes. Wash the pot as usual, then rub vegetable oil on the surface to re-season it and get the non-stick surface back.
Can I use Bar Keepers Friend on Calphalon? ›Do not use Scotch Brite™ Heavy Duty scrub sponges or Bar Keeper's Friend® cleanser or other abrasive powdered cleansers on the hard-anodized aluminum exterior of Calphalon Unison Nonstick cookware as these will damage the dishwasher-safe coating and void the Warranty.
How do I get the brown scorching off the bottom of my pans? ›The method: Cover the burnt area with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and add a bit of water to make a paste. Crumple up some aluminum foil and begin scrubbing it all around until all food bits and stained areas are clean. Rinse pan with warm soapy water.
Are old Calphalon pans safe? ›It is completely safe, posing no health concerns whatsoever. Plus, Calphalon coats its cooking surfaces with non-stick material, so food will never contact the hard-anodized aluminum.
Can you use soft scrub on Calphalon pans? ›For harder to remove stains and residue, soak the cookware in hot water with a liquid dish washing detergent. Soft Scrub® cleanser (without bleach) may also be used with a Scotch Brite® Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge, Scotch Brite® Non-Scratch Scour Pad or soft bristle brush for hard-to-remove residue.
How long should Calphalon last? ›Between the reputable brand name and the heavy, durable build, it's obvious the Calphalon Signature Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware 10-Piece Set will last for life.
Do Calphalon pans need oil? ›Calphalon Unison Nonstick - Before first use, wipe the interior with a light coat of cooking oil to condition the cooking surface. Kitchen Essentials from Calphalon Pre-seasoned Cast Iron - Before cooking, prepare the surface of your Pre-seasoned Cast Iron cookware with vegetable oil.
Does vinegar ruin non stick pans? ›If your food is starting to stick, don't replace it quite yet. Vinegar to the rescue! Bring one part vinegar and two parts water to a simmer, and then cool and wash with soap. This should take care of all the sticky residue that has built up on the pan over time.
How do you restore non stick coating? ›
- Mix a solution of baking soda and water about the consistency of toothpaste.
- Rub this solution into the pan wherever you see the dark build-up.
- Scrub vigorously with a non-abrasive sponge or dish rag.
- Rinse clean and wash with hot soapy water.
- Repeat as necessary.
You can do this by mixing water, 2 tbsp of baking soda, and ½ cup of white vinegar. Then, heat the pan on the stove for about 10 minutes. Don't use abrasives – or you'll scratch the pan even more. Apply a thin layer of peanut oil or coconut oil, and stick it in the oven at around 350°F for 1-2 hours.
When should Calphalon pans be replaced? ›A good rule of thumb is to replace them approximately every five years. Look at your pans frequently. When they start to appear warped, discolored or scratched, be sure to stop using them.
What can you do with old Calphalon pans? ›We've made getting started with the Calphalon Cooking Tools Free Recycling Program easy! Simply download a free shipping label to ship your metal-based cookware, bakeware, and cutlery to TerraCycle, and we'll recycle it. Enrollment limits apply. If the program is full, you will be added to a waitlist.
Will Calphalon replace scratched pans? ›Calphalon will replace any item found defective in material or workmanship when put to normal household use and cared for according to the instructions. Minor imperfections, surface markings as a result of shipping, and slight color variations are normal.
How long does Calphalon hard anodized last? ›Advantages of Hard Anodized
Hard-anodized aluminum is known for its durability and can last up to 10 years or more if properly cared for. These pans can be used at any temperature—from stovetop to oven—and won't warp or scratch as long as you treat them properly.
Hand wash only. NEVER place cookware in an automatic dishwasher, or use abrasive cleaning pads or cleansers that can damage the pan and void the warranty. Interior: Clean the interior nonstick surface of the pan with a liquid dishwashing detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or soft bristle brush.
Can you use metal spoon on Calphalon? ›Use any utensil. Metal whisks, spoons, and spatulas won't scratch the nonstick surface. Use any utensil.
Can you use wood spoons on Calphalon pans? ›Use only plastic, coated, nylon or wooden utensils with Calphalon Classic Nonstick cookware to protect the pan's nonstick finish. Calphalon offers a complete line of nylon cooking utensils developed especially for use with nonstick cookware.
What removes caked up burnt on a pan? ›Baking soda is your go-to for cleaning a burnt pot or pan because it has mild abrasive properties and its alkaline pH can help neutralize acidic burnt foods. It can also combine with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice to create a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food to get it off your pan.
How do you restore oxidized aluminum pans? ›
Soak It. If the pan is deep enough, fill it with water, plus a few tablespoons of lemon juice or cream of tartar, says Varney. Boil 10 minutes and drain. This should lift the dark coating, which you can then sponge off with soap and water.
Why do the bottom of pots turn brown? ›Over time, oil and grease can stain your pots and pans brown. They'll still work just fine, but if you're all about keeping your kitchen sparkling clean, the stains have got to go. But scrubbing with a little bit of soap and water often just doesn't do the trick.
Is it safe to use scratched Calphalon? ›When your pans are scratched, some of the nonstick coating can flake into your food (the pan also becomes stickier). This can release toxic compounds. What is even more dangerous is cooking in a nonstick pan over high heat (this releases a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid).
Is Calphalon a high end brand? ›Yes! They are extremely high-quality and durable pans. Whether you're looking into the Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Set or a nonstick set – you can't go wrong.
How do I know I have scratched the PTFE on my Calphalon cookware? ›When deep scratches occur, the nonstick coating starts to flake and peel. A possible reason for the coating to flake could be high heat. Never use high heat on your nonstick cookware.
Can you use olive oil in Calphalon pans? ›There is NO technical evidence to support these claims. The Olive Wellness Institute team often gets asked questions about this common myth, and the answer is NO, cooking in extra virgin olive oil will NOT ruin your non-stick pans.
Can you use metal spatula on Calphalon pans? ›Use any utensil. Metal whisks, spoons, and spatulas won't scratch the nonstick surface. Use any utensil.
Can you use steel wool on Calphalon? ›NEVER use abrasive cleansers, scouring pads, or steel wool on Calphalon cookware covers.
Does Calphalon wear out? ›Calphalon cookware is built to last. The life expectancy of a pan really depends on the care of the products, as improper care can shorten the life of any pan.
What voids Calphalon warranty? ›The following use and care misuse could void the cookware warranty: overheating, unapproved oven or broiler use, metal utensil or appliance use on nonstick cookware surfaces, using unapproved cleansers and/or cleaning pads, dishwasher use on unapproved cookware lines, and more.
How do I make my pans look new? ›
Boil a quart of water and then add in two tablespoons of baking soda (more if you have a bigger pan). Stir with a wooden spoon or other non-abrasive utensil and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes. Rinse the scorched pan with hot water and dry thoroughly.
What ruins non-stick pans? ›- 1: Never Use Metal Utensils.
- 2: Never Preheat While Empty.
- 3: Never Use Nonstick Cooking Spray.
- 4: Never Use It for High-Heat Cooking.
- 5: Never Pay Too Much.
- 6: Never Rinse with Cold Water.
- 7: Never Wash In the Dishwasher.
- 8: Never Use It for Food Storage.
It's a good idea to rub about a teaspoon of oil or butter on a cold pan each time you use it, Mr. Winter said, because despite the name nonstick, most of the cookware needs some kind of lubricant. Just don't pour oil or butter on the pan and then slosh it around (my method).
How do you know if non stick coating is ruined? ›- You bought it before 2015. In general, you want to replace nonstick pans after five years. ...
- Scratched or chipped coating. ...
- Rust. ...
- Dark discoloration. ...
- Food is sticking to it.
One concern is that the nonstick coating can flake off and be ingested. This is more likely to happen with cheaper or poor-quality pans, or those that just haven't been well taken care off. Using metal implements, for example, can scratch even a high-quality nonstick surface and make it more likely to flake.
What happens when non stick coating wears off? ›Nonstick cookware coating begins to breakdown and works poorly after a few years. That's because the chemical bonds that prevent your food from sticking to the pan have started to break down and disintegrate, leaving you with a pan that requires more butter or oil to create the perfect dish.
Can you Reseason a nonstick surface? ›Like the process for cast-iron skillets, seasoning nonstick cookware evens out any imperfections or pores in the coating and will help your pan last longer. You can season nonstick cookware by lightly rubbing cooking oil over the surface, then heating the pan on the stove over medium heat for two or three minutes.
How do you remove peeling non-stick coating from pan? ›Add one cup of vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda to your cookware. Allow the cookware and the mixture of vinegar and baking soda to cool for several minutes. Scrub the coating off the surface with a sponge. Remember to remove all excess coating before putting your cookware away.
Can you resurface a non-stick frying pan? ›Luckily, you can revive sticky pans by cleaning and “seasoning” them with oil to fill in the scratches and reinforce their non-stick coating. Seasoning your non-stick pan is a quick and simple process that is far cheaper than buying a new replacement pan.
How do you revive Calphalon? ›If the hard-anodized aluminum cookware has only been in the dishwasher once or twice, you may be able to restore the hard-anodized aluminum surface to its original condition. Use a dry, green Scotch Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge and rub it in the same direction as the grain of the dry pan.
How do you clean oxidized Calphalon pans? ›
For stubborn spots, use Bar Keeper's Friend® cleanser and a mildly abrasive sponge such as Scotch Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge. To remove burnt on spots, soak the cookware in hot water with a liquid dishwashing detergent before washing with Bar Keeper's Friend® cleanser.
Is it safe to use a scratched Calphalon pan? ›When your pans are scratched, some of the nonstick coating can flake into your food (the pan also becomes stickier). This can release toxic compounds. What is even more dangerous is cooking in a nonstick pan over high heat (this releases a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid).
How long should Calphalon cookware last? ›Between the reputable brand name and the heavy, durable build, it's obvious the Calphalon Signature Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware 10-Piece Set will last for life.
How do you know if a non stick pan is ruined? ›- You bought it before 2015. In general, you want to replace nonstick pans after five years. ...
- Scratched or chipped coating. ...
- Rust. ...
- Dark discoloration. ...
- Food is sticking to it.
Hand wash only. NEVER place cookware in an automatic dishwasher, or use abrasive cleaning pads or cleansers that can damage the pan and void the warranty. Interior: Clean the interior nonstick surface of the pan with a liquid dishwashing detergent and a non-abrasive sponge or soft bristle brush.
Does Calphalon honor their warranty? ›Calphalon will replace any item found defective in material or workmanship when put to normal household use and cared for according to the instructions. Minor imperfections, surface markings as a result of shipping, and slight color variations are normal.
Do Calphalon pans wear out? ›Calphalon cookware is built to last. The life expectancy of a pan really depends on the care of the products, as improper care can shorten the life of any pan.
Should I throw away my scratched non stick pan? ›If you see scratches, that means the nonstick Teflon surface has been compromised and the chemicals could be flaking off into your food. Not good! To be safe, once a pan is scratched it's gotta go.
How do you restore old cookware? ›- Mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar. ...
- Place the pan on your stovetop and heat it to a boil.
- Allow it to boil for a few minutes, and then pour the mixture out.
- Spread a thin layer of baking soda into the pot and gently scrub using a soft bristle brush.
If you wish to keep cooking oil to a minimum, try using an oil mister filled with your favorite olive oil. Alternatively, dab a bit of oil on a paper towel and carefully wipe the interior of the pan. Kitchen Essentials from Calphalon Pre-seasoned Cast Iron requires an initial seasoning before cooking.
Can you use Pam on Calphalon pans? ›
It may sound harmless—even counterintuitive—but using a nonstick cooking spray, such as Pam or Smart Balance, can damage your pan's nonstick finish. Cooking sprays leave a film that adheres to the nonstick surface and is tough to remove with just soap and water.