How can you keep your non-stick pan, well, NON-STICK for a long time?

Question

I love my non-stick pan, but recently, I've noticed that it's starting to stop being non-stick, and just cooking an egg on it is turning out to be a pain. It's really frustrating.

I've only been using this pan for about 8 months, so I need to know if this is the average lifespan of a non-stick pan, or if it's possible to make it last much longer than that.

I've followed the rules that you should let the pan cool first before soaking it in water for cleaning, and that it should be cleaned with a soft sponge to avoid scratching the surface. I've also only used wooden utensils with the said pan, so what am I doing wrong that's causing my pan to become useless so quickly?

I'll be buying a new pan soon, and I'd really like it to last much longer than its predecessor did... :(

Thanks! ^_____^

By the way, I use this pan A LOT, if that helps. As in, everyday, sometimes more than twice a day, for frying eggs, pancakes, stir-fry veggies, etc...

Answer 1

Depening on the quality of the pan and how often you use it, it may be at the end of its life. You also shouldnt use the high heat setting with those or any pan for a long period of time. You shouldn't soak those pans to long it may shorten the life span of the non stick coating. Eventhough the pan is non stick I still use a little cooking oil or spray with it just to help that pan out a little more.

Answer 2

Don't wash it wipe it out with a paper towel that way it stays cured the heat when you cook should kill the germs= I do not wash cake pans I wipe them out -it helps

Answer 3

You should oil you pan and just leave it. Never clean too throughly, it sounds horrible but chefs recommend it.

Answer 4

WHEN FINNISHED COOKING, JUST WIPE IT OUT WITH A PAPER TOWEL OR CLOTH, thats it, when you wash it the soap will start to break down the finnish, and cook on low to med heat,

Answer 5

Don`t over clean, never use metal utensils to stir or flip.