Life Hack: How to clean a frying pan — and can I make it non-stick again before Pancake Tuesday?

As tempting as a pretty pancake pan may be, do you really need to buy a new one for the sake of one day?

Pancake Tuesday 2026 falls on February 17.

It’s nearly that time of year again. Pancake Tuesday falls on February 17 this year and it’s probably the most use my own frying pan gets each year as it’s one ‘holiday’ I embrace enthusiastically.

It’s a popular date in the calendar for Irish homes... and supermarkets are often filled with themed products for weeks in advance, from pre-made mixtures to a selection of indulgent toppings.

You will also see an array of non-stick frying pans on special offer — but do we really need to buy a new one for just one day?

As tempting as a pretty pancake pan may be, your own frying pan will do the job perfectly.

It may need some TLC ahead of the day if it’s been unused for a while, but luckily, I have some tips to make that as simple as possible.

How long should a non-stick frying pan last?

If you own a non-stick pan, you probably will need to replace it after five years, but possibly sooner.

This depends on the quality of the non-stick coating, how often you use it, and how well it is cared for.

Over time, a pan with non-stick coating loses its effectiveness and the coating can begin to peel or flake, even if the pan is not used very often.

'If you’re looking for a pan that won’t need replacing, there are plenty of options for you. Cast-iron pans are a popular choice for their heat retention and even distribution, and with proper care they can last a lifetime.'

Your day-to-day use of your frying pan will determine its longevity too. Heat exposure is a key factor that can degrade your pan as using it over high heat, especially if you have little to no oil in the pan, can accelerate the breaking down of the non-stick coating.

Another important consideration is the utensils you use when cooking with the pan.

Metal utensils like spatulas can scratch or chip coated surfaces, so silicone or wooden utensils are advised to be used instead.

How to clean it properly?

As mentioned, careful maintenance of your pan will keep it in good shape for longer. You should avoid popping it into the dishwasher, as easy as that might make your life in the short term.

Instead, wash the pan gently with washing up liquid and warm water. Don’t use an abrasive sponge to scrub it as that can wear down the coating. And make sure you only wash it once it has cooled after use in the kitchen.

Can I make it non-stick again?

Realistically, no. Cast iron pans can be sealed over and over again but non-stick pans have a limited lifespan.

There will be visible signs they are to be replaced, namely obvious scratches or damage to the coating, as well as discolouration or warping. If you notice food sticking to the surface even though the coating is intact, that is another sign your coating is no longer doing its job and there is a risk of unwanted particles making their way into your meals.

Any burnt-on residue sticking to the pan is another red flag, and a pan with uneven heating is also past its prime.

If you notice these signs on a newer pan, that also means your pan is not fit for purpose, despite its newness.

Should I opt for a different type of pan when replacing?

If you’re looking for a pan that won’t need replacing, there are plenty of options for you. Cast-iron pans are a popular choice for their heat retention and even distribution, and with proper care they can last a lifetime. As mentioned already, they need to be seasoned to become non-stick.

Stainless steel pans can last decades but need to be used correctly to be non-stick: proper preheating, oil
control, and temperature management will prevent sticking.

Titanium pans are probably the lowest-maintenance pans. They maintain their performance and safety over time, making them an attractive option.